top of page
What is the best substrate for my orchid?
By definition, substrate is the material on which the orchid will settle to grow.
There are many substrate options for growing orchids. Before starting, it is important to think that the substrate is part of a culture strategy. What I mean is that if you use a plastic vase, probably a more airy substrate is better, in the same way if you cultivate the orchids in a space where they are exposed to the rain. If growing inside a covered greenhouse, substrates that retain more moisture can easily be used, as you can control irrigation as you see fit.
A critical point for most substrates is durability: unfortunately most substrates have precisely the problem of having to be exchanged within a year or two. The problem with frequent changes, in addition to work, is that the orchid will never be able to form a good rooting and a good rooting is very important so that the plant can show all its flowering potential.
Never use soil in orchid pots, unless the orchid is terrestrial.
A substrate is rarely used in isolation. Elements are normally mixed, one which accumulates moisture and another which does not, generating a balanced mixture. The type of substrate also depends on the type of pot used.ado.
UA good substrate should:
- Retain fertilizing nutrients to release it little by little;
- Be cheap and available;
- Do not contain substances that are toxic to the plant;
- Support the plant firmly, allowing good aeration of the roots; .
- Retain moisture in the ideal amount, without soaking;
- Keep the pH balanced;
- Last at least from 2 to 3 years.
pine bark
It is the crushed bark of a very common tree in reforestation in Brazil, the Pinus ellioti. Usually it is a residence in the woodlands, mainly in the south of the country.
ADVANTAGES: easy to find, cheap e retains fertilizer and moisture.
DISADVANTAGES: it has an excess of tannin and decomposes very quickly. It does not fix the plant well in the vase, requiring a tutor.
DURABILITY: average of two years.
PH: 4.0 to 4.5
crushed stone or dolomite
They are crushed granite stones normally used in construction.
ADVANTAGES: easy to be found and help plants rooting.
DISADVANTAGES: they retain fertilizer salts and burn the root tips of some species. They weigh more than organic compounds. They need a lot of fertilization because they have no nutritional value. The gravel releases a lot of calcium, which can harm some types of orchids. Low moisture retention
DURABILITY: forever. PH: neutral
Charcoal
Common charcoal used in barbecues, but which must always be new, as those that have already been used harm the plant because they contain salts and fats. It is a natural bactericide and repellent of some pests such as snails and slugs.
ADVANTAGES: It dries quickly, in places with a dry climate must be accompanied by another substrate that retains moisture.
DISADVANTAGES: needs frequent fertilizers. It is very light, does not hold the plant and, due to its porosity, tends to accumulate mineral salts that can burn the roots of the plants, so it needs frequent watering.
For its use, periodic washing of the vase is recommended.
DURABILITY: about 2 years.
PH: neutral
pine knot
It is the node and shape at the points where the branches come out na araucaria (ARAUCARIA heterophyla)
ADVANTAGES: High durability and do not contain toxic substances.
DISADVANTAGES: it is difficult to find and weight.
DURABILITY: long and indefinite
Peroba bark
It is the rough bark of the peroba-rosa tree (ASPIDOSPERMA pyrifolium).
ADVANTAGES: great durability, rough, retains little water. With this bark, orchids can be grown vertically, attaching the peroba sheets to a wire mesh or wall.
DISADVANTAGES: as it is a hard substrate, you need to water the plants more often. It also does not retain fertilizer. High cost.
DURABILITY: more than 5 years.
Coconut fiber
It is a product made from coconuts left over from the sale of water. To use it as a substrate, desalting and sterilization techniques are required .
ADVANTAGES: contains important macro and micro nutrients for plant growth and development. It has several options in vases and other formats for sale. There are versions sold without excess tannin, a substance that can burn the roots.
DISADVANTAGES: it does not retain much fertilizer and lacks nitrogen. It is not recommended for cold and humid regions because it retains too much water and the roots can rot. Tannin can burn roots.
DURABILITY: more than 3 years.
PH: 5.5 to 6.0
Coconut Cushion
It is an industrialized product made from shredded coconut. O COXIM, which has caused much controversy among orchidists. Some think it's the ideal substitute, for others it's not recommended because it gets soaked.
ADVANTAGES: maintains acidity at a good level and needs little watering, as it is very absorbent. It takes longer for green crusts to appear (a kind of moss) which, in excess, can harm the plant. It is ideal for drier and hotter regions.
DISADVANTAGES: it does not retain much fertilizer and lacks nitrogen. Upon absorbing water, the cushion increases a little in size and expands. When dry, it returns to its original volume. For this reason, the cubes must be placed in an untidy way and not rammed into vases, so as not to burst them. Excess tannin can burn the roots. It is not recommended for cold and humid regions because it retains too much water and the roots can rot.
DURABILITY: more than 5 years (in dry climate regions)
living tree
Rough bark trees.
ADVANTAGES: it is the substrate that best imitates natural conditions.
DISADVANTAGES: it makes it unfeasible to transport orchids to other places, such as exhibitions, for example.
DURABILITY: as long as the tree is alive.
Sfagnum (moss)
It is a moss taken from the banks of rivers. There are several species that can be used. The national ones are all of low durability which represents a DISADVANTAGE, in addition to collection being prohibited by IBAMA. The imported option (mainly from Chile) has excellent durability.
ADVANTAGES: Retains moisture and nutrients, ideal for indoor cultivation where you can control irrigation.
DISADVANTAGE: in regions with a lot of rain it gets soaked.
DURABILITY: National up to 2 years; Imported up to 4 years.
If used prehensed in the vase, it will retain more moisture. Usually used mixed with other materials.
PH 3.5 A 4.2
acai pit
Seed of a palm tree (Euterpe oleracea)
ADVANTAGES: it is cheap and plentiful; Keeps acidity at a good level for orchids and retains the ideal amount of fertilizer and humidity. It does not contain excess tannins or other toxic substances.
DISADVANTAGES: in humid regions, it deteriorates very quickly. Use in covered cultivation.
DURABILITY: 2 years
pottery shards
Pieces of ceramic vases and tiles (always new);
ADVANTAGES: they are porous, retain acidity at a good level, in addition to retaining moisture and fertilizer. They are well ventilated and better support the plant in the pot.
DISADVANTAGES: they have no nutrients, they can retain excess fertilizers.
DURABILITY: Replace every five years.
Cajazeira bark
Bark of the cashew fruit tree (venous SPNODIAS). Use the thick and hard ones.
ADVANTAGES: the gaps in the bark hold moisture which helps with rooting. The bark is renewable;
DISADVANTAGES: It's hard to find. It breaks down easily because of moisture, heat and bacteria. It has a lot tanino.
DURABILITY: more than 5 years.
Macadamia knot bark
It is a residue (shell) of the use of the chestnut. Durability is superior to Pinus bark. Slightly less moisture retention
ADVANTAGES: facilitates aeration and rooting. Rich in phytic acid.
Other chestnut shells can also be used: Brazil nuts, macaúba seeds, bocaiuva, pindó, etc.
DURABILITY: around 4 years.
Curatella bark
american curatorship, popularly known as sambaíba-de-minas-gerais, sambaíba, sambaíba-do-rio -5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_lixeira, cajueiro-bravo, cajueiro-bravo-do-campo, cajueiro-do-mato , cambarba, craibeira, penteeira, sobro emarajoara._cc781905 -5cde-3194-bb3b-136bad5cf58d_
ADVANTAGES: the bark is renewable;
DURABILITY: more than 3 years.
Polystyrene
Material widely used by large orchids, but normally mixed with other substrates.
ADVANTAGES: It is very light, does not absorb water, solving an aeration problem, extremely high durability, easy to find. It does not release any type of substance and is completely non-toxic. Super-fast drying.
DISADVANTAGE: it does not contain any nutrients and, because it is light, it can hinder the stability of the vase.
DURABILITY: very high.
PH: neutral
charred rice husk
ADVANTAGES: They have low density, slow biodegradation, high energy power, contain almost 80% carbon. Rich in silica (protection against diseases), great aeration, quick drying
DISADVANTAGE: Not easy to find
DURATION: maintains its original form for long periods . PH: 6.0 to 7.0
slate stone
Stone often used as a floor. Its scraps are easy to obtain.
ADVANTAGES: Rich in iron.
DISADVANTAGE: does not retain moisture
DURATION: Indefinite
PH: neutral
Peat
Source material vegetal, partially decomposed, found in layers, usually in swampy regions and also under mountains (highland peat). It is mainly formed by Sphagnum (sphagnum, group of mosses) and Hypnum, but also reeds, trees, etc.
ADVANTAGES - rich in nutrients (Humic Acid, Fulvic Acid and Humin), fertilizer retention.
DISADVANTAGES - retains a lot of moisture, may contain toxic traces of mercury, cadmium and lead.
duration: long
pH: 3.2 - 3.7
chestnut hedgehog
Coconut that coats Brazil nuts on the outside.
ADVANTAGE: high durability
DISADVANTAGE: hard to find
DURABILITY: long
Plug
Plug manufactured for the development of the first stages of the plant outside the bottle. A special resin is grouped together and receives antifungal treatment for greater durability.
ADVANTAGE: high speed in plant development
DISADVANTAGE: hard to find
DURABILITY: long
bottom of page