Jan 31 2009
The Epiphytal Orchids and the Right Way to Pot Them
Orchids are generally separated into two major types, epiphytal and terrestrial. The epiphytal grow on the bark of tree trunks and tree branches. There are a number of methods for growing this type of orchid in the home or in a greenhouse. It all starts with the potting.
In a state of nature, the epiphytals generally have roots that are much more exposed to air as contrasted with other types of plants. Therefore, by “potting” we do not mean to pack them around with dense potting soil. Rather, we want to place them in a pot with loose, organic matter, from which they can pull necessary nutrients, along with rocks or broken pottery pieces to create open spaces and to help the plants stand.
The typical recipe for potting matter suitable to epiphytal orchids is 1 part sphagnum moss to 1 part peat moss. Place a layer of this matter into the bottom of the pot, followed by a layer of rocks or pottery pieces, then a second layer of the compost, and so on. When the pot is approximately a quarter or at most a third full, carefully place your orchid’s root system down into it. Then proceed to add more rocks and compost, packing all of this potting material only tight enough to support the plant.
Gradually build up the compost up to and over the top of the pot. The height you should go above the top of the pot depends on the size of the pot and the depth to which you have placed the orchid. The general rule is to allow the crown of the plant to rest on top of the mix. By crown we mean that section of the orchid plant from where the roots start.
If you are repotting an orchid, you must take particular care when taking it out of its old pot. If there are any new roots clinging to the exterior of the pot, you should try to ease them off with a penknife. It there is a mass of living roots — that is, roots with sap in them — attached to the inside of the pot, then you might have to break the pot and pick away all of those roots that you can. You might need to then repot it with pieces of the old pot still dangling from the roots, and this is acceptable.
It is good practice not to water for a day or so before or just after potting this kind of orchid.
This has been a very general introduction to potting epiphytal type orchids. The subject can be more complex than this, especially when talking about some of the more delicate or senstive species. People have written entire volumes on the subject of potting all the different kinds of orchids! Fortunately, most of us don’t require books devoted entirely to the potting art in order to achieve success with orchids. A recognized, step-by-step guide to all aspects of orchid growing is sufficient.
Today, of course, we have a tremendous amount of excellent information on the successful way to grow orchids. The most complete guide to modern orchid care, it is widely acknowedged, is Orchid Care Expert by a Mr. Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded from the web. Mr. Howard’s ebook is a comprehensive course, immensely practical for beginners and more experienced devotees alike. Also, be sure to visit the Orchid Secrets site, which has a growing database of postings on all aspects of orchid cultivation.