| MaryKay
I assumed that since you were new to orchids your description of bulb was just a mistake.
In orchids we have use the terms 'bare root' to describe plants that are sold needing to be potted immediately. It is not usual for a beginner to find or buy bare root plants. Cattleyas (corsage type flowers) have a bulb like structure above the pot referred to as a pseudobulb, and can be purchased bare root.
So be certain that you have actually purchased orchids. True bulb type plants like amaryllis, caladiums etc take a very different type of potting in soil. Orchids are potted in an open medium like bark so that there is fast drainage and then air circulation over the roots.
If you have bare root plants, then get a mix that is appropriate for the size of the roots. I find that Home Depot, WalMart etc sell a mix that is too large for potting most orchids. Find a bark mix no larger than a 1/2 for the largest pieces. If you are potting young orchids I would use bark under 1/4 inch but I can not usually find this even in orchid supply wholesalers.
Soak the roots for a couple of hours or overnight before potting. If you can get a root hormone like SuperThrive or Schultz root hormone use it in the soak mix. If you can not find any use about 1/4 teaspoon of fertilizer with a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar in a gallon of water. All three together work well.
Also soak the bark overnight before potting. I like to use Styrofoam pellets in the bottom of the pot below the roots but it is not necessary. Work the bark around the roots so that the roots are touching the bark.
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jerry  |