orchid potting media

[1kathleen]

What media do you recommend for cattleyas for someone on the coast - hot humid summers where orchids are under shade house and warm to cool winters where they are in a heated greenhouse. I repotted all over the last 3 months in something called Aussie Gold which seems to stay much wetter than the medium they were in - takes 8-10 days to dry out - am also concerned the fine particles prevent enough air from getting to roots . The Phal's (yes all 30) seem to love it though and are all in spiking or beginning to bloom. Worried about the cattleya's though. What say you please??

[Ellen]

I don't like Aussie Gold, so any plant I get that's potted in it immediately goes into something else. Just my own opinion. For Catts I just use plain old medium bark chips and they seem to do fine.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

Well, I don't use Aussie Gold, but that doesn't mean it isn't a very good mix. Don't be too quick to worry about the moisture in the mix. I think the mix is designed to not be as much a problem for root rot with a little lingering moisture.

[Ellen]

I think my dislike of Aussie Gold has more to do with my prejudice against anything growing in dirt, or what looks like dirt, than with any of its qualities as a growing medium. I've never left anything in it long enough to find out if it's good or not.

[1kathleen]

Thank you for your information on this - I will leave them in the AG and see how they do. It was a bit expensive to dump out just yet also. I worry about the bark breaking down so rapidly here in the high heat and humidity...leave for an orchid buying trip tomorrow - so excited...

There is a mix that looks like dirt but is actually peat moss and other stuff. It's called Pro Mix, and its sold everywhere. Phals love Pro Mix and thrive in it. However, the medium breaks down quickly and the plants must be repotted every six months or so. Many growers use it.

[Cynthia, Prescott, AZ]

I am using a mix that is very similar to promix I suspect. Mine is 3 parts small perlite, and 2 parts Canadian peat, with a little dolomite. Mine needs to be repotted once a year for most orchids.

[jerrymeola]

I like good drainage for Cattleya. I use a lot of hydroponic rock without a saucer for Cattleya, since it dries well in our heavy rains.

I also use a medium bark mix, with pumice and charcoal. It also works well. I do not like large bark for anything.

[Mercedesladie]

Hi,
I am getting ready to repot all of my orchids in Aussie Gold Mix. Since I tend to overwater, I am hoping I won't have problems with root rot. I understand it is a great mix for all types of orchids.

Good luck,
Mercedesladie

[Beverley Terrelonge]

I have used Coconut Husk chips, Medium size for my Catts whether potting bare root or repotting with success. It is amazing how fast the roots establish themselves in this stuff. There is no root rot. Bugs hate it and it lasts forever without breaking down. It does not need charcoal to sweeten it either. Before you use it though, be sure to soak it thoroughly to get rid of the salt. I also plant small catts in coconut half shells.

[fred]

Hi Beverley
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