Orchids are traditionally separated into two major groups, epiphytal and terrestrial. The epiphytals are the ones that tend to grow on tree trunks and tree branches. There are a number of ways to grow this type of orchid in one’s home or in greenhouses. It all starts with the potting.
In a state of nature, the epiphytals typically have roots that are much more open to air as compared to other plants. Therefore, by “potting” we do not mean to pack them 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 shards to create open spaces as well as to help the plants stand.
The usual formulation for potting matter suitable to the epiphytals is 1 part sphagnum to one part peat. Place a layer of this blend in the bottom of the pot, followed by a layer of rocks or pottery pieces, then a second layer of the compost, etc. When the pot is approximately a quarter or at most a third full, carefully place the orchid’s roots down into it. Then proceed to add more rocks and mix, packing all of this material just firmly enough to support the plant.
Try to gradually build the compost until it is up to and even somewhat above the top of the pot. The height you need to go above the pot depends on the size of the pot as well as the depth to which you have placed your orchid. The rule of thumb is to allow the plant’s crown to rest on the top of the mix. By crown we mean that part of the orchid plant from where the roots start.
If you happen to be repotting an orchid, you must take care when extricating it from the previous pot. If there are any young roots attaching themselves to the outside of the pot, you should attempt to ease them off with a blade of some kind. It there is a mass of living roots — meaning, roots that have sap in them — attached to the interior of the pot, then you might have to break the pot and pick away all that you can. You might need to repot it with bits of the old pot still hanging on the roots, and this is OK.
It is preferable not to water the orchid for a day or so before and after potting it.
This has been a very basic introduction to potting epiphytal type orchid plants. The subject can be more complicated than this, especially 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 potting art to achieve success with orchids. A recognized, comprehensive guide to all aspects of orchid growing is sufficient.
Nowadays there is an abudance of excellent, accurate information to be had by anyone who would like to cultivate orchids. The most thorough guide to contemporary orchid gardening, more people are finding, is Orchid Care Expert by Nigel Howard, which is available to be downloaded over the Internet. Howard’s wonderful guide is a comprehensive education all to itself. And, you will find it suitable for novices as well as the more experienced orchid cultivators. Also, check out the Orchid Secrets website, which has an ever-expanding database of entries on all aspects of orchid care.
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