Proper Potting Will Give Your Epiphytal Orchids A Great Start

Orchids are traditionally placed into two main overall families, epiphytal and terrestrial. Epiphytal orchids grow upon the bark of tree trunks and tree branches. There are a number of ways to grow this type of orchid in one's home or in a greenhouse. It all begins with the potting.

Epiphytal orchids, in nature, have their roots more exposed to the air than the majority of other plants do.  As a consquence, by "potting" we do not mean to pack them all around with thick potting soil.  Rather, we want to place them in a pot containing loose, organic material, from which they can draw necessary nutrients, along with rocks or broken pottery pieces to create sufficient open space as well as to help the plants stand up.

The generally recommended recipe for potting material appropriate to epiphytal orchids is 1 part sphagnum moss to one part peat. Place a layer of this matter in the bottom of your pot, followed by a layer of rocks or pottery pieces, then another layer of the compost, and so on. When the pot is about a quarter or at most a third full, carefully place the orchid's root system down into it. Then proceed to add more rocks and compost, packing all of this potting material just tight enough to support the orchid plant.

You should gradually add the compost until it is up to and even somewhat above the top of the pot. The height you should go above the top of the pot depends on the size of the pot as well as the depth to which you have placed the plant. The rule of thumb is to allow the crown of the plant to rest on the top of the mix. By crown is meant that part of the plant from where the roots start.

If you are repotting an orchid, you have to take special care when removing it from its previous pot. If there are any new roots clinging to the exterior of the pot, you should attempt 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 need to break the pot and pick away all that you are able to. You may need to then repot it with pieces of the old pot still clinging to the roots, and this is acceptable.

It is usually not a good idea to water the orchid for a day or so before or right after potting.

This has been a general introduction to potting epiphytal orchids. The subject can be more complicated than this, particularly when talking about some of the more delicate or senstive species. People have written entire books on the subject of potting the various different types of orchids!  Fortunately, most of us don't need books devoted soley to the art of potting in order to achieve success with orchids. A recognized, comprehensive guide to all aspects of orchid growing is sufficient.

Nowadays, of course, we have a huge amount of good information on the best way to grow orchids. The most thorough guide to 21st-century orchid growing, many agree, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which may be downloaded online. Howard's clearly written guide will furnish a thorough understanding of the subject. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets website, which features an ever-growing database of postings on all aspects of orchid care.