One greenhouse guy says coconut shells retain too much moisture that can rot the roots, while my gardener swears by them. Greenhouse guy says use charcoal broken up and decorative pebbles to beautify the pot. Opinions?
2007-09-27 02:19:36 · 3 answers · asked by Gilos 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Depends on the species. Some orchids like dendrobiums do better in bark or fibers that retain more moisture, some like vanadiums do better with the charcoal or gravel options that maintain a little drier environment.
2007-09-27 03:12:06 · answer #1 · answered by thegubmint 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Charcoal is an additive that lotsa folks believe prevents the accumulation of toxins in the plant's root zone. Whether true or not, don't use charcoal only as the potting medium. If you want some charcoal in the pot, buy a commercial orchid mix that already contains it in moderate proportion.
Also, DON'T use charcoal from your grill. It contains combustion accelerators that your orchid will not like. If you can't get charcoal specifically for plants, you can use the stuff that's sold for fish tank filters.
2007-09-27 07:48:09 · answer #2 · answered by briggs451 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can purchase an orchid potting mix that contains a bark appropriate for orchids and it contains charcoal as well. I don't know where you are, but if you have a garden center like Lowe's then you should be able to find it there.
2007-09-27 02:55:27 · answer #3 · answered by Sptfyr 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋