The Orchid Garden

Uses for oak leaf mold

Question:

Could someone just let me know which genera/species like this, what mediums it is generally mixed with, and what it generally does?  Thanks:) — Mary

Response:

Could someone just let me know which genera/species like this,

specific terrestrials, some semi-terrestrials (which can include some species of generally epiphytic genera) many true saprophytes . . . rather than rely on the relatively useless "The (genera name here) prefer . . . " type of cultural info, double-check the growing requirements of the _species_ in question I only/still use it in the mix for Cymbidiums, and for ferns and other cryptos what mediums it is generally mixed with,

"loam" (good luck with defining _that_!) for the Cyms I add it to the base soilless mix on hand at the time . . . and SAND (for some semi-terrestrial orchids, a 50/50 mix is the trick to prolific root growth yielding better flower production . . . again, re: specific species rather than given genera) and what it generally does? retains moisture, nourishes most saprophytic fungi, buffers pH . . . and necessitates freqent (annual) repotting! use it when you MUST -Bob Botana Orchid Books & Art 1-800-723-8502 (Voice-mail)                                 http://www.botana.com   Thanks:) – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Mary

Response:

Terrerstrial orchids will like media containing some leaf mold: Calanthe, Cymbidium, Paphiodpedilum, Spathoglottis, and the like…. also ferns such as maidenhairs can use a mix with one part each                 coarse sand                 milled shpagnum (= sphag. peat)                 leaf mould                 ground oystershell (just enough to work out to about                                     1/2 a cup per 5" to 6" pot) This formulation, usually without the oystershell, is probably useful for many terrestrial orchids, with only minor adjustments to it such as adding some composted manure for the genera which are heavy feeders. Some of the Paphiopedilums, on the other hand, will require some form of calcium (like the oystershell) in their medium. I would suggest that you refer to a work like "Home Orchid Growing", by Rebecca Northen, available in most libraries (including those of local orchid societies), or most booksellers; if they do not stock this, they can order it.  It is often recommended as the best book for beginning orchid hobbyists. Hope this helps, Paul USF-Bayboro Campus 140 – 7th Ave S – PSD 001     "Time wounds all heels." -Frank Case St Petersburg, FL 33701                  ("Tales of a Wayward Inn") – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Could someone just let me know which genera/species like this, what mediums it is generally mixed with, and what it generally does?  Thanks:) — Mary

Response:

Filed under: Cymbidium Orchids

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