Boil the bark for orchids, I put in an opaque pot, cut off the stems. What for?

Hello!

I already wrote that seriously changed Phalenopsis care in the home. After reading professional literature and experience exchange with growers-fans in social networks.

A small remark

I am sure that the reaction to the publication of most of my esteemed readers will be negative. I have already had the experience of writing notes about the correct cultivation of orchids. This is because the recommendations are somewhat different from the accepted norms. Not all readers are willing to analyze new information, to delve into the literature and draw their own conclusions.

Simply write: This is nonsense, do nothing, I'm raising in a different way, and I have great phalaenopsis bloom. To your health! But the stubborn bloom and especially the growth of children can be a sign of the critical state. This was described in detail in the article: "I bloomed, blossomed, and suddenly disappeared." Why Phalaenopsis is dying in the house?

I have to mention: the article on most sites for potted plants write special people - reraytery. Read the information on other sites and reprinted in their own words. It turns out that something like a broken phone. Author, advice, for example, spray Phalaenopsis succinic acid or orange extract kozhurok in life may be a 16-year old man who hardly distinguish from orchid fuchsia.

The theoretical basis of my actions - the book "Orchids" and described BELITSKAYA Sergei Petrov experience

So why did I cut stems

In principle, after flowering, you can not touch the arrow. But I began to always trim the garden shears over the top of dormant buds, leaving 1 cm. In 90% (in my experience) in orchids from it develops a lateral stems:

Such an option I like the most. Yes, the old flower stalk at the end of Phalaenopsis usually continue to blossom new "butterfly". But I do not like long bare branches with 1-2 flowers at the end. It is better to complete the new shooter.

Pot: transparent or not?

Phalaenopsis without a difference, transparent pot or not. Yes, the roots have chlorophyll, but leaves an excellent job of photosynthesis without their help. The only benefit from the transparent container - the opportunity to observe the state of the roots.

And, by the way, their color can not determine when watering tropical plants. About watering orchids, I will write a detailed article in a week or two. Subscribe to not miss, if you're interested.

The main requirement to the pot - it should contain all the roots. Because the roots need constantly moist environment. And in this case, the crust, not air. Because the housing air no moisture at the proper level)

At the bottom of the hole required larger, trickled to excess moisture. It is desirable to make the height of the pot legs about 1 cm to the substrate to be ventilated.

Boil? Bark? Yes!

All substrates "orchid", which are sold in stores, they are not suitable. With proper planting main component - pine bark pieces with a length and a thickness of 1.5-2 cm. Not a crumb, not chips. That large pieces of bark.

Why is that:

• Small pieces of bark to score all the space in the pot, leaving no air. And it is vital roots of Phalaenopsis. But again, moist from the ground. Apartment air roots of the plants to anything.
• Too big bark forms a large void. Nothing harmful. But because the substrate will dry out very quickly. And it must always maintain a slightly moist, so will have to be watered very often.

It is important that the bark is well absorbed and holding moisture. But resin prevents water to penetrate deep into the wood pieces. Therefore, I boil the bark 16 hours in 2 sets by the method of Sergei Petrov (group). Yes, troublesome, but woke up a little perfectionist in me. By the way, a very pleasant smell, reminiscent of a bath.

There is an option, how to do without cooking. Pieces of pine bark mixed with the desired size sphagnum moss, (keep the moisture will have it).