Prepare the crust and the substrate for orchids

Myths about the difficulties associated with the courtship of orchids, are greatly exaggerated, though not groundless. The thing is that epiphytic orchid - tropical plant. Its roots are not in the ground, and on the trunks of trees, where they draw necessary for life minerals and moisture.

To orchid is well felt in the home flower garden, the root system needs a substrate that simulates its natural habitat. Today, ready-mix for growing orchids you can buy in the store.

But true lovers of the orchid family prefer to own a substrate for orchids.

Substrate basis of tree bark. It is best suited for this pine or spruce. Other coniferous trees are not suitable because of the extremely slow process of decay. This means that the orchid roots will receive less nutrients.

The bark of deciduous trees significantly inferior pine bark content of microelements. The exception is the oak - in its crust, too many nutrients for the roots of orchids, and bark is perfect for preparing the substrate.

The bark is taken with a long-dead tree. It is separated from the trunk is quite easy - just hook it with a knife and pull. Care should be taken so that the bark was not the fungus - the putrefaction bacteria can greatly harm the root system of orchids.

Also, the collection of the cortex is necessary to pay attention to the presence in it of parasites. Cold feet can be simply tapped the crust of the earth.

After collection, bark must be crushed into pieces approximately 2 centimeters. Followed by heat treatment. The bucket or large pot bark should be boiled in water for about one hour, crushing it to not pop up.

After heat treatment - natural drying. By the time it takes 3-4 weeks. After that, we can assume that for the substrate is ready to bark.

But this is not the substrate itself. Its three main components that come in equal proportions:

· bark

· peat

· charcoal.

Peat saturates the substrate minerals. Charcoal, because of its hygroscopic properties, removes excess moisture from the substrate and protects the roots from rotting orchids. And peat and coal can be purchased at the store.

There is a fourth component - bog sphagnum moss. Its main purpose of the substrate - antiseptic and baking powder. Collect it must fall, but not in the swamp, and in the forest near the trees.

If possible, collect the moss is not, it can be replaced with coconut fiber. This is also a good baking powder and you can buy the same place where peat and charcoal.

The thus prepared substrate orchid feel perfectly - bloom stable and do not get sick. A gardener reward for the trouble will be beautiful delicate flowers healthy plants.