Preparation method of matrix

As most orchids like to be moist and afraid of wetting, they require ventilation and proper nutrients. Therefore, the matrix should be able to absorb water, but also drainage, both breathable and nutritious materials, it is best to mix organic and inorganic materials. The most commonly used substrates for planting orchids are water moss (mainly peat moss), fern root (mainly purple dustpan root), bark, coconut shell, leaves, dried cow dung, brown fiber, charcoal, broken bone, humus, peat soil, animal feathers, pond mud balls, tiles, broken bricks, ceramsite, sand gravel, vermiculite, cinder, soil and so on. It can be prepared according to the requirements of different orchids.

The preparation of substrate depends on different kinds of orchids. The preparation method: first smash bricks, tiles, ceramsite, perlite, charcoal, bark, coconut shell and other lumps to diameter 1~3cm, grind off edges and corners; then mash humus, soil, sand, peat soil, animal feathers, dried cow dung, etc., add water in proportion and evenly, and then divide into small pieces after drying. In general, the proportion of soil, humus and dried cow dung in the matrix of terrestrial orchid is larger, while that of epiphytic orchid is smaller. Below, the matrix proportions commonly used in the world are recorded as follows for reference.

Cartland (Cattleya)

Bark or fern root (chopped) 1 pm 2

Live water moss (peat fresh) 1Accord 4

Charcoal 1ax 8

Perlite or frogstone 1 stroke 8

Cynibidium (main epiphytic species)

Fern root or bark (chopped, medium large) 1 stroke 2

Live water moss (peat moss)

Charcoal and perlite 1 hammer 4

Milton orchid (Miltonia) and Odomtoglssum

Bark or fern root (cut into small pieces) 1 stroke 2

Live water moss (peat moss)

Fine charcoal or perlite 1 hammer 4

Paghiopedilum.

Bark or fern root (chopped, medium large) 1 stroke 4

Water moss (peat Xue) or peat

(mixed with 8% charcoal or perlite) 3 beat 4

Phalaenopsis (Phalaenopsis)

Live water bitter (peat moss) 3

Perlite and charcoal 1 hammer 4

Vanda (Orchid)

Chopped live water (peat moss) 3 peat 4

Charcoal and perlite 1 hammer 4

As mentioned earlier, the fern root mainly refers to its fibrous rhizome, and the chopped bark and fern root are roughly 1~3cm. What is listed above is a rough proportion, because even if it is the same genus, the requirements of different species are not the same and can only be used for reference. However, it is not applicable to the terrestrial species in the national orchid, such as Chunlan, Mulan and so on. Terrestrial orchids need more soil and organic matter. Generally, pond mud blocks, porous rocks (such as frogstone), broken bricks and charcoal are respectively processed into particles or small pieces of 0.5~2cm in diameter (grinding off edges and corners), plus water moss, fern roots, humus soil, sandy loam and so on. The lower part of the basin uses a slightly larger diameter matrix, while the upper part is smaller and has more soil to maintain air permeability. To pay attention to the acidity and alkalinity, it is appropriate to use micro-acid (pH6~6.5). If humus and sandy soil are over-acidic, lime can be used to neutralize to micro-acid; bitter alkali can be mixed with calcium superphosphate and ferrous sulfate to adjust to micro-acid. The organic fertilizer made by retting such as weeds and leaves is slightly acidic, which is most directly used in the north and can be used to adjust the acidity and alkalinity of the substrate. (Chen Xinqi, Ji Zhanhe)