Have you ever wondered if there is a special potting soil for orchids? The answer is yes, but how do you know which kind is the best?
If you grow orchids indoors, there will be times you need to repot them. Here's a look at the best potting mixes and why.
Top 3 Best Orchid Potting Mix
1. Perfect Plants Orchid Potting Mix
This orchid mix has four components (charcoal, sponge rock, pine bark, and coconut chips) that help your orchid drain properly and prevent root rot.
They also make their orchid mix in small batches which ensures freshness.
What we like:
- It has charcoal which helps drain water from your orchid's roots, it helps eliminate odors, and can absorb salt residue.
- This potting mix has four high-quality components what are great for draining and letting the roots grow.
2. rePotme Phalaenopsis orchid potting mix
The rePotme orchid mix also has four components (bark, sponge rock, sphagnum moss, and hydroton).
According to rePotme, the Hydroton in their mix is a light-weight expandable clay aggregate.
What we do like:
- It's made with a Monterey pine bark.
- It's hand blended daily so when you order, you are getting a fresh mix.
What we don't like:
- This potting mix has sphagnum moss, which can hold in moisture. It does seem to be used sparingly though.
- More expensive than the other two potting mixes.
3. Jim's Orchid Supplies Potting Mix
Our third and final favorite potting mix for orchids is from Jim's Orchid Supplies. This potting mix has three components (hydrocorn, coconut husk chips, and charcoal).
Like the hydroton, this hydrocorn is just expanded clay pellets!
What we like:
- It has charcoal which helps drain water, eliminate odors, and absorb salt residue.
- It doesn't have sphagnum moss. This holds moisture in, and can cause orchid root rot.
What we don't like:
- They only offer it in one size (¼ cubic feet).
What's so special about Orchid soil/medium?
It's actually not soil at all but a mixture of bark, sponge rock, and charcoal (at least the good ones).
Unlike regular potting soil, orchid potting mix is designed for adequate water drainage.
Orchids can easily develop root rot, so they need a planting medium that is designed to drain and absorb excess water.
Jeannie says
Do I soak the bark mixture before repotting the orchid?
Joanna Stephens says
I usually repot the orchid first then let it soak in water so the roots can get a good drink too.
linda says
thank you
Ntebogeng says
What can I use if I don't find any of this mixtures
Joanna Stephens says
You should use a mixture of bark, sponge rock, and charcoal for orchids.
linda says
How much f temperature are excellent for orchids? I live in Yucca Valley California at about 3000 plus feet above sea
high desert
Joanna Stephens says
Hi Linda, so most orchids (if you are keeping them outside) need a temperature of about 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime, and at night time about 60-70 degrees Fahrenheit. Hope this helps!
Azad says
I enjoy the discussion.
Kaye says
Great reading, very helpful!