What bark is needed for orchids? Recommendations for the selection and processing of the substrate

Orchid grows in the tropical forests of our planet. All conditions are suitable for her there. However, at home, such a plant is very demanding.

Sometimes it is very difficult to provide a tropical beauty with proper conditions of detention. One of these important conditions is the selection of the right substrate.

It must necessarily include the bark. The article will talk about the crust: how to choose it correctly or prepare it yourself.

What it is?

The bark is the common name for a collection of tissues that are located on top of the cambium. These tissues can be found both on the stems and on the roots. The bark includes fabrics of different origin and structure.

What is it used for?

In their natural habitat orchids live in tropical forests. There they grow on trees, while attaching to them with the help of a powerful, well-developed root system. Such a process is natural for orchids.

What is the use?

This component makes the substrate more nutritious.

Thanks to the addition of bark, the soil mix becomes more loosetherefore, it is much better to let air and water through. Such a process undoubtedly improves the growth and development of the orchid, and also prolongs the flowering period and its profusion.

What substrate is needed and better suited for this family of plants?

Consider which is better to plant. Experienced growers recommend from those that can be used to give preference to the bark of pine and spruce. But from the use of the bark of cypress, thuja, and cedar is better to refuse, because they are too slow to decompose. Another good option may be the bark of deciduous trees. However, it will be much more difficult to get it, because in nature it is quite rare to find deciduous trees that have loose bark.

Before you prepare your own bark, it is important to pay attention to the condition of the trees themselves: in no case should they be rotten or with obvious signs of disease. In addition to illnesses there is a risk of picking up various pests that will very quickly destroy the orchid.

For cultivating orchids at home, the bark of a large fraction is most suitable.

Self cooking or purchase in the store?

An unequivocal answer to this question is unlikely. Since some people think that it is best to buy in the store an already ready substrate, in which there will be other useful elements besides bark. Especially in this way you can save time and effort.

And others Florists cast their vote in favor of self-bark. This is explained by the fact that the gardener will be completely confident in the quality of the resulting product. And he and the other option have the right to life. Everyone chooses based on their personal preferences.

Bark can be found in a park near the house. If they are not available, you can contact the city’s tree processing enterprise and ask them about the presence of bark.

If these two methods did not help, then you can arrange a country walk and gather up the bark in the forest.

We offer to watch a video about what types of bark and substrate are offered in orchid growing stores:

Description of complexes from several popular manufacturers

Ceramis

Saramis is not just a bark, but a whole complex substrate., which contains clay, fertilizing and even an indicator of soil moisture. This manufacturer is most often used in those places where the number of plants is too large and it is very difficult to keep track of the condition of each individual.

Saramis can be used for a very long period of time - about 10 years. This bark does not require replacement, dilution or fertilizer. The complex over time does not become denser, and retains its looseness, regardless of the amount of applied fluid.

The main beneficial property of the bark is that it absorbs moisture, then feeds it to the orchid, which allows it to maintain water balance.

Bio effect

This manufacturer is one of the most popular among novice florist. The composition includes only components of organic origin. The most important component is the bark of the Angara pine..

The substrate is ideal for orchids, as well as breathable.

Preparation of the pine bark substrate for planting is as follows: the initial raw material is dried and processed using special equipment.

The content of dolomite ensures the normalization of the acidity level throughout the soil mixture. The Bio Effect has a large number of microorganisms, which makes the plant itself more resistant to diseases and pests, increases its immunity.

We offer to watch the video review on the bark Bio Effect:

Royal Mix

The basis of this mix is ​​a calibrated bark, which is subjected to preliminary heat treatment during production. In addition to the bark, the complex includes coconut fiber, charcoal and large peat. In addition, the product has a high content of magnesium, iron and zinc.

All these properties in the complex provide the plant with a healthy microclimate.

The bark is very loose, which prevents stagnation of water. Charcoal helps protect the orchid from diseases and pests.

The method of processing on production

Carrying out barking on the machines OK-66M and OK63-1. The debarking process makes the product more fresh, crushed and of higher quality..

How to prepare yourself: step by step instructions

Let us consider in more detail how to cook the bark with your own hands at home, pine or other trees, from which bark is suitable for the plant.

Required Tools

For self-harvesting bark you need to acquire the following equipment:

• knife-jamb (experienced flower growers are advised to take two knives with them at once: one with a short handle, the other with a long one);
• wooden blade with blunt edges;
• rope for binding the bark.

The process of collecting material and some recommendations for his choice

• The bark should not have any dark spots, as well as charred areas.
• Preference should be given to the driest material.
• To tear the bark from the trunk, you must begin to do it from above.
• Before you go home with the blanks, you need to properly trot them to get rid of all the insects present.

No pieces of wood should be stored in the bark.. They must be removed before planting.

Particle shredding

Grinding of particles of bark is obligatory when preparing bark. Let us examine what fraction bark of pine or other trees is needed, and how to properly treat it for planting orchids.

1. Lightly clean the inner layer of the workpiece.
2. Cut the bark into pieces using a secateur.
3. Then, when the top layer becomes easy to remove, you need to get rid of it. You will also need to inspect the workpiece for the presence of molten particles and, if any, remove them.
4. Examine the bark and find areas affected by insects. From such elements also need to get rid of.
5. Once again, grind the bark so that the pieces with the sides of two centimeters are turned out. And no matter how smooth these elements will be. It will not affect the quality of the substrate.

Digestion

Simply put, it is boiling in order to remove unwanted items. Let us examine how to organize this process correctly, and how much it is necessary to boil the bark of pine or another tree. To carry out this procedure, you need to prepare a galvanized bucket in advance.

Instruction:

1. Place raw materials at the bottom of the tank and pour water over it.
2. During boiling the crust always pops up. This should not be. Therefore, the workpiece must be pressed down with something heavy.
3. After the water boils, you have to wait another hour.
4. After the specified time, stop boiling, let the bark cool.
5. Water needs to be drained through a colander. Raw materials should remain there until all the liquid is drained.

Drying

1. This should be done only in natural conditions.
2. The billet is laid out on a dry surface and allowed to dry for 3-4 weeks.
3. After a specified time, break the bark and check its dryness inside. If everything is dry there, then let the material lie for another 24 hours.

Getting complex substrate

To obtain the substrate will need the following components:

• sphagnum moss;
• peat;
• charcoal.

All components are taken in equal shares and mixed. This will result in a perfectly suitable soil mixture. Before placing the soil in the pot do not forget about the drainage layer.

How to plant?

First stage

The following materials and tools should be taken care of.:

• Pot. It is advisable to give preference to transparent and smooth. It will be good to disinfect the container before planting.
• Garden knife, sharp sharpened.
• Expanded clay for drainage layer
• Activated carbon or cinnamon.
• Insecticidal solution.
• The finished substrate (it is also better to disinfect it - this can be done in the freezer, holding the soil there for two hours).

Root analysis

1. Immediately after removing the rhizomes from the tank, they should be washed under a stream of clean water.
2. After that, the root system is well dried and inspected.
3. All affected, diseased and rotten areas are removed with shears or scissors.

   Pay attention to the fact that before cutting the roots of an orchid you need to disinfect the instruments.

4. The cut areas are treated with activated carbon.
5. If the roots were found traces of parasites, the rhizomes soak in insecticide.
6. Only after all these activities, the plant will be ready for planting.

Planting a flower in a pot

Orchid planting in the pot is as follows:

1. In the pot with drainage pour 1-2 centimeters of substrate.
2. Then put the plant in the pot, its roots must be evenly distributed around the perimeter of the container.
3. Immediately take care of the support for the flower.
4. And then fill the rest of the place substrate.

We offer to watch a video on how to properly transplant orchids in the bark:

Problems and difficulties after the procedure

During planting in the prepared bark of problems with the procedure does not occur.

Often difficulties occur after planting, in the process of growing. The most common problem is root rotting, which happens due to an overabundance of moisture in the pot.

There are still a number of troubles that occur due to improper watering.

Therefore, this care point should be closely monitored. Another danger lies in the wrong light mode..

Often, wishing to provide the orchid with as much light as possible, the florist places a pot with a flower in the open sun. In no case should this be done. The light should be, but not in the form of scorching rays.

Bark is an essential and important component of the orchid nutrient substrate.. Such a soil only positively affects the growth and development of the plant. Therefore, the task of the grower becomes competent selection of bark from pine or another tree, as well as gaining knowledge of how to prepare it and skillfully process it.

Watch the video: Making your own inexpensive potting mix (April 2024).