How to use bark for phalaenopsis
The bark for phalaenopsis is one of the components of the planting soil. It provides a tight fixation of the root system inside the container. In addition, sphagnum moss and a small amount of small pebbles are present here. The last component provides support for the flower pots.
Using bark for phelenopsis
The main disadvantage of this flower culture is its capriciousness - it is important to choose the right proportions of the constituent ingredients of the soil for planting. Particular attention is paid to wooden elements.
Where to find bark
A wide selection of consumables for planting orchids is presented in specialized departments. Each is designed for a specific plant species. The main disadvantage of such fillers is considered to be the use of low-quality material. In addition, there is a greater amount of moss and expanded clay than bark. During watering, these substances accumulate moisture, which can cause rot on the roots of the flower.
You can collect elements for a high-quality substrate yourself in a park area or a nature reserve. There is a large amount of bark on the ground near coniferous and woody plantings.
Which bark to choose
For planting orchids, 2 types of tree species are used:
- Pine;
- oak.
They vary in size and density.
Using coniferous bark
For planting orchids, choose a pine or larch. They have some similarities to each other. The first type has good hygroscopicity and provides a strong fixation of the root system.
This bark has a good density and perfectly accumulates water during irrigation. Its main advantage is the absence of harmful insects inside. This is due to the resin passages in the wood. They repel pests. In addition, pine nourishes Phalaenopsis with useful trace elements, which ensure its rapid growth and repeated flowering throughout the year.
Coniferous bark accumulates water well
For planting phalaenopsis, you will need the light parts of the material. Dark elements indicate its age. Such a bark is most likely affected by fungal and mold infections. These pathogenic microorganisms provoke frequent phalaenopsis diseases.
Fresh material has a pleasant pine aroma.
When choosing a bark, carefully examine its surface. In order for the plant to grow quickly, thin wooden layers are selected. They provide looseness to the soil. By fulfilling this requirement, the plant receives the maximum amount of oxygen during the growth process.
Pine filler retains the maximum amount of nutrients. Regular feeding with special fertilizers will provide the orchid with the necessary supply of trace elements.
Using oak bark
Oak bark is dense. It does not absorb moisture well and dries quickly after watering. For planting, crushed filler is most often used. It is a mixture of shavings and small pieces of wood.
The main disadvantage of such a material is its poor light transmission. The contents of a pot with this type of filler often rot.
It is almost impossible to prepare an oak composition at home. Pieces of this bark reach 20 to 45 cm in length. For a better rooting of a flower culture, it is necessary to grind the wood material to a small size.
Bark processing
Before starting planting, the substrate is disinfected. Use a solution of potassium permanganate. This composition destroys up to 85% of microorganisms. Phalaenopsis bark for 30 min. soaked in liquid. After that, it is treated with hot air in an oven. The disinfection time is 25 minutes.
Heat treatment helps prevent mold growth when watering the plant.
Correct processing of the bark for phalaenopsis helps prevent slow growth and long-term lack of peduncles in an exotic crop.
Conclusion
A quality orchid planting medium influences the formation of the root system. It has good air permeability, hygroscopicity and nourishes the plant with useful trace elements.
After 30 days from the moment of planting, the formation of aerial epiphytes is observed. The correct selection, treatment and disinfection help maintain the life cycle of an exotic crop.