Perlite, good orchid

Planting orchids with perlite has a good effect. Orchids have developed roots and exuberant growth, and the phenomenon of rotting roots rarely occurs. Perlite is a good substrate for soilless orchid cultivation.

Perlite is light, soft, no pollution, no suspicion of diseases and insect pests, moderate pH, no resistance to the growth and downward extension of Langen, the root system is more upright and downward extension, and the color is white and strong. The orchid leaves are lush and green and blossom well. Perlite has moderate water content and strong filtration, and there is absolutely no stagnant water in flowerpots with bottom holes. And because of its slow dispersing, even when it comes to watering, it will not be too dry, so in dry and wet conditions, there will be no root injury, seedling injury, let alone the phenomenon that the growth of orchid seedlings is blocked because of the matrix. After more than two years of comparative practice, the author thinks that perlite is a good substrate for soilless orchids.

Using perlite as soilless culture substrate for orchid cultivation has the following advantages: 1. No miscellaneous and aseptic, not easy to occur diseases and insect pests. 2. The phenomenon of impermeable water or half-cut water will not occur. It is easy to manage and does not need to soak the basin for water supply. 3. Light weight, reduces the labor force, and greatly reduces the bearing capacity of the balcony. However, perlite also has its disadvantages: 1. Perlite itself does not have any nutrients and must rely on external sources of fertilizer. Regular irrigation of nutrient solution and foliar fertilizer can meet the needs of orchid seedling growth. 2. Perlite is prone to green algae on the surface under sunlight. In order to prevent the growth of green algae, a layer of pebbles the size of beans can be covered on the surface. Pebbles can be bought at the fish shop that sells ornamental fish. This kind of stone is used at the bottom of the fish tank. This kind of stone is smooth and has no sharp edges and corners, which will hurt the normal growth of leaf buds and flower buds. At the same time, it also has elegant appreciation, which increases the beauty and elegance of the basin noodles. As for the color, you can choose according to your own appreciation level and the color of the flowerpot. Perlite is light, and it is easy to be washed away by air or water when spraying or watering orchids. With the pressure of pebbles, there is no such malpractice. To cover the basin with a layer of pebbles is to kill many birds with one stone.

There are no special requirements for maintenance and management, just like the general orchid cultivation, only attention should be paid to fertilization in the orchid growing season. Do not apply farm manure (organic fertilizer), organic fertilizer generally has the phenomenon of incomplete elements, that is, more than a large number of elements, lack of trace elements. It is necessary to apply all-element chemical fertilizer in order to prevent the orchid plant from element deficiency and enable the orchid plant to grow evenly. The author's consistent practice is to never pour clear water (no fat water). As long as it is watered, an appropriate amount of nutrient solution or solid fertilizer must be added to the water (solid fertilizer should be fully dissolved and then poured). When using chemical fertilizer or nutrient solution, it should be used according to the manufacturer's product manual and must not be excessive to prevent harm. Foliar fertilizer must be added to orchids during the growing season, once a week. During the reproductive growth period, more emphasis can be placed on the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, which is very beneficial to flowering. In winter, the orchid plant is in the semi-dormant stage, 11.12.January only spraying foliar fertilizer can meet its needs.

Perlite has good air permeability, moderate water content, perlite porosity of 93%, watering, most of the water remains on the surface, because the water tension is small, easy to flow, therefore, perlite is easy to drain and breathable. When cultivating orchids with strict water content (the best ratio of water to air), perlite is ideal. According to the relevant data, perlite can better reflect its superiority, especially when cultivating some acid-loving southern flowers. Perlite itself contains calcium, magnesium, manganese, chromium, copper, boron and other trace elements, but most of them are not absorbed and utilized by orchids and other plants, which is the reason why perlite must be fertilized on time when planting orchids (other flowers).

When buying perlite, it is best to choose large particles, which is more conducive to air permeability. When filling the basin, it is better to be semi-dry, and when the perlite is semi-dry, the perlite is granular, which is conducive to filling the root, and there will be no holes in the basin. Perlite is easy to adhere to a block when the water is wet, so it is inconvenient to install the basin. Perlite dust has a strong irritation to the throat, so it should be wet with water before use to prevent the dust from flying. Perlite contains fluorine, which is harmful to plants and should be washed with water twice before use.

In cities where it is convenient to buy perlite, perlite can be used alone. In order to save perlite when it is inconvenient, the ratio of perlite and slag at 1:1 can be used, and the effect is the same. It is better for the slag to screen the size of mung bean grains. But honeycomb coal cinder can not be used.

The adhesion of inorganic salts may occur after perlite has been used for 2 years. In this case, it can be soaked in soft water (after boiling water is cooled) for two days and then removed and reused.

Perlite is cheap. It can be used to cultivate flowers such as orchids and rhododendrons, and because of its good air permeability, it is also a good medium for cutting various flowers, herbs and woody plants, which is characterized by fast rooting and high survival rate.

To Orchid Friends: I found that there are a small number of orchid friends. Once they find that there is a new orchid matrix introduction in the press, they will get the treasure and bring it eagerly to replace all the new substrates. The author thinks that this method is not advisable. The correct method is to experiment with one or two pots of orchids first, and then gradually replace the cultivated orchids with new substrates when they are sure of success.

Author: Jin Weng

Address: unit 6, 15 / F, Jingangli West District, Taiyuan

Postcode: 030009

Tel: 0351-3330549