Should an orchid be kept in peet or soil?
Question:I have received conflicting information. Our landscaper actually says they should not be in soil, and they should not be watered--just misted regularly with a spray bottle.
Answers:
Orchids should never be planted in soil, since they do not have true roots and they nourish through their leaves.
What appears to be roots only serve to attach the orchid plant to a host.
You can place them on a piece of wood, a log, a tree (they will NOT kill the tree), or any surface where they can establish a grip. You tie them GENTLY to the host until they grab on to it.
They must be placed in indirect sunlight since harsh light can damage them.
It's also true that the leaves must be regularly sprayed with water in moderation.
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Orchids are quite picky. I've managed to kill three of them (tear), but they do need to be kept in moss or peet. Even those wood chips ou find at a nursery. Also, they can get waterlogged easily. You might want to try an orchid website to check the type of orchid you have and the proper care. Also, re-potting can be quite a mission as well. Keep out of direct sunlight and do not use potting soil! Happy gardening!
Orchids are normally kept in orchid potting medium, which is a mixture of special bark chips and other ingredients. This provides the best drainage for the roots, as you do not want the roots to become water-logged. Orchid roots need air circulation, which the potting medium provides. Soil of any type would most likely rot the roots. You can water an orchid plant provided it is in the proper potting medium, but you must not let the pot sit in a saucer, because the water must be allowed to drain all the way out of the pot. Then you can also mist the surface of the medium between waterings. Let the plant dry a little, but not bone dry. The misting of the surface helps encourage new root growth. Orchids should be watered or misted in the beginning of the day, to discourage fungus or growth of bacteria. Use an orchid fertilizer in diluted strength. Most stores carry the packages of potting mix.
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