Most popular orchid primers: The Bio Effect and other common brands
Caring for orchids is a complex process in which errors are unacceptable. In addition to watering, fertilizers, it is important to choose a quality soil for the orchid.
Florists are increasingly inclined to buy ready-made soil, which is saturated with all the components necessary for the growth and development of a flower. But a substrate suitable for a flower is not difficult to prepare at home. How to do this and what components are needed for this we will describe in our article. Also watch a helpful video on the topic.
The importance of choosing the right soil
ATTENTION: The right soil for orchids is a mixture obtained from components such as moss, perlite, peat, pine bark. The substrate must not contain earth. Root systems require more moisture and air, so the soil composition must be breathable and have average absorption. Be sure to include stones in the finished soil.You can find out more about whether an orchid can be planted in the ground here.
Quality soil must retain moisture. There are certain types of orchids that can accumulate moisture in special formations on the roots. They require a substrate that will have time to dry out between waterings. Otherwise, the roots will rot.
The correct soil for orchids is very important, as it will allow the flower to actively grow, develop, bloom for a long time and not be sick (is it possible to grow an orchid without land?). In addition, a well-selected soil composition will allow you to not fertilize for 1-2 years until the next flower transplant, since the available components will nourish the root system in sufficient quantities.
Advantages and disadvantages
The following advantages of purchased soil for orchids can be distinguished:
- it is possible to buy only 1-2 kilograms of the soil mixture, if the gardener has several orchids at his disposal;
- the soil is light and has a high moisture capacity, so you will have to water it less often and you can save on irrigation water;
- the composition of the soil mixture contains fertilizers, so that they do not need to be additionally added.
But the purchased soil has its disadvantages:
- since the composition of some mixtures contains peat, the acidity level can vary from 4.5 to 5.5, which is far from the norm of 6.5, and adversely affects the growth and development of the flower;
- on the packaging, not every manufacturer indicates the amount of nitrogen, caliph and phosphorus, and without knowing these indicators, it is possible to damage the flower (for example, an increased amount of nitrogen will provoke violent growth of leaves, while flowering will be absent).
Structure
The soil used for orchid cultivation must necessarily contain the following components:
- bark of coniferous or deciduous tree;
- charcoal of wood origin;
- expanded clay;
- peat;
- coconut fiber;
- fern roots;
- polystyrene;
- sphagnum;
- perlite;
- vermiculitis;
- humus;
- Pine cones.
Each of these components has a positive effect on the growth and development of the flower.
You can find out more about the optimal soil composition for orchids here.
Comparison of purchased goods with cooked by yourself
So, what is the best soil: purchased or made with your own hands? Of course, the easiest way is to go to the store and get the finished composition. But the information contained on the packaging is far from always true. It is difficult for the grower to understand whether all the valuable components were really used in preparing the substrate.
But the prepared mixture will definitely contain all the necessary substances for the growth and development of orchids. The main thing here is to strictly observe the proportions. In addition, purchased soil is always more expensive, which can not be said about home.
TIP: Florists very often use this method: they buy ready-made soil in a store and add humus to it. This allows you to get the soil ideal for phalaenopsis.You can find out more about what soil composition is right for orchids, and also what is better to make at home or buy ready-made here.
Popular manufacturers
Kekkila
Kekkila - a special soil composition that is considered universal. It is suitable for all varieties of orchids. It contains humic acids, which positively affect the growth of the root system. In addition, the composition contains wood bark, charcoal and expanded clay.
It has the following advantages:
- ease;
- moisture capacity and air capacity, which positively affects the growth and development of a healthy color;
- the thin and uniform structure of the mixture will allow to fill any containers for orchid cultivation with it.
As for the minuses, only one is a high price. The cost of soil with a volume of 1.4 kg is 390 rubles.
Watch the video on Finnish Kekkila Orchid Soil:
Geolia
Geolia - a ready-made soil composition, designed specifically for orchids of any kind and variety. It is completely ready for use. Its composition contains components such as moss, wood gol and pine bark. Its advantages include:
- contributes to the development of the root system;
- prolongs flowering;
- the ideal ratio of trace elements in an accessible form;
- does not contain pest larvae and weed seeds;
- universal, as it is suitable for all types of violets;
- affordable price.
You can buy a mixture of 25 kg at a price of 280 rubles.
Living world
Nutrient soil "Living World" is designed specifically for orchids. It is suitable for growing the following types of flowers:
- phalaenopsis;
- dendrobiums;
- Cumbria
- miltonium;
- vand.
Its composition contains the following components:
- peat;
- sand;
- clay particles;
- a piece of chalk;
- perlite;
- vermiculitis;
- complex fertilizer with trace elements of long-term exposure.
This soil has many positive characteristics.:
- excellent moisture and permeability;
- rich composition;
- promotes prolonged flowering of orchids.
It is possible to buy soil with a volume of 2.5 kg at a price of 206 rubles.
Ambulance
Soil composition "Ambulance" is great for orchids of all varieties. It has the following advantages:
- creates a positive microclimate for the growth of orchids;
- improves the survival rate of the flower after transplantation;
- makes the orchid resistant to stress and disease, improves immunity;
- eliminates the detrimental effect on plants of poor-quality soil compositions, fertilizers;
- improves the decorative properties of orchids;
- inhibits the development of harmful and contributes to the life of beneficial soil microflora.
The composition contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. It will be possible to buy 5 kg of the soil mixture at a price of 25 rubles.
Bio effect
The Bio Effect substrate is suitable for growing large and adult orchids. In addition, it is suitable for those colors that place high demands on the breathability of the soil. Its main advantage is a 100% natural composition that does not contain any chemistry.
During development, the following components were used:
- pine bark;
- potassium;
- mania;
- nitrogen.
The main benefits remain:
- long service life, so replant orchids once every 2-3 years;
- natural composition;
- promotes long and bright flowering.
The cost of 1 kg of soil is 55 rubles.
Watch the video about the substrate for orchids "Effect Bio":
Ceramis
The composition of the substrate "Ceramis" is suitable for absolutely all orchids. It consists of 30% of special clay granules and 70% of pine bark. The main advantages of the products include:
- the root system in such soil is in their woody environment;
- the roots have access to air due to the large size of the bark, and thanks to the granules they receive moisture in the required amount;
- The substrate is considered a natural system of automatic irrigation, since the porous clay granules absorb the amount of water with fertilizer equal to its own weight, and then gradually gives off the flower.
Soil can be purchased at a price of 900 rubles for 2.5 kg.
Fasco
Soil "Fasco" for orchids is completely ready for use. Suitable for these types:
- phalaenopsis;
- Cattleya;
- cymbidium;
- Miltoniopsis;
- dendrobilum;
- papiopedilum.
The composition contains the following components:
- bark of wood;
- coal;
- drainage;
- horse peat.
This soil has a number of undeniable advantages.:
- through a carefully selected composition ensures healthy plant growth;
- the mixture improves the decorative properties of orchids;
- the soil forms the optimal air and water regime for orchids.
The price for 10 kg is 72 rubles.
Black gold
Soil "Black Gold" universal, suitable for orchids of any kind. It is based on a coconut substrate. They also contain pine bark to maintain a high air capacity during the entire time of use. The soil mixture of this manufacturer has the following advantages:
- characterized by unique physical and technological properties that persist throughout the entire period of use;
- there is no pathogenic microflora in the composition;
- ideal pH;
- resistant to decomposition for 5-6 years;
- no odor, has high buffering;
- can be used repeatedly, and after drying or during storage, the soil does not lose its properties.
You can buy 5 kg of soil at a price of 96 rubles.
Flower happiness
"Flower happiness" - a specialized soil composition, suitable for growing any orchids. It contains such components:
- charcoal;
- tree bark;
- drainage.
The products of this manufacturer have the following advantages:
- the soil creates a water-air regime for the proper development of flowers;
- a carefully selected composition promotes healthy plant growth, lush and long flowering.
You can buy 2.5 kg of the mixture at a price of 81 rubles.
Zeoflora
"Zeoflora" - moisture-saving soil composition, suitable for any type of orchids. Its main advantages: sterility, porosity, moisture capacity. It is based on a zeolite-containing mineral. It promotes optimal aeration of the root system. In addition, the soil creates suitable conditions for the development of roots, increases the stress resistance of the orchid and contributes to its active development.
The composition contains the following components:
- zeolite;
- sterile
- nitrogen;
- potassium.
Soil can be purchased at a price of 340 rubles for 2.5 kg.
Weltorf
"Veltorf" - a universal soil composition, suitable for all types of orchids. Serves for transplanting or planting a flower. The basis of the soil is lowland and milled peat, as well as sand, limestone materials. When using soil, a transplanted plant quickly adapts to a new environment. Products have the following advantages:
- high quality;
- the presence of organic substances;
- the composition has been pre-cleaned;
- universality.
Soil can be purchased at a price of 125 rubles per 25 kg.
Which is better for the price?
Of course, not every grower can afford to get an expensive soil composition. But a high price is not a quality criterion. Based on price and quality, it is better to purchase such soil mixtures for orchids: Flower happiness, Ambulance, Bio effect. This product has an affordable cost, while it contains all the necessary components for the growth and development of orchids.
Which product is more acceptable?
Different varieties of orchids require a certain soil composition. For example, varieties Vande, Miltonia, Dracula prefer to grow in a wet mixture. Choosing the soil for them, it is necessary that it contains peat, perlite, pine bark, sand. An excellent option will be such compositions: Weltorf, Black Gold, Fasco, Living World.
IMPORTANT: Choosing the soil composition for indoor orchids, it should contain charcoal, coconut fiber, pine bark. Such compounds are suitable: Geolia, Ceramix.Conclusion
Choosing a quality soil for orchids is not an easy task. But only it will allow you to grow a flower healthy, strong and blooming profusely.
Trust is worth only proven products, so in some cases you should not spare money. Good care and care is all that orchids need to delight everyone with their refined, delicate and incredibly beautiful flowers.