Asked on Jan 30, 2014

Proper plant medium for orchids and where to find it.

Where can I find the plant medium of bark for orchids? Also what kind of fertilizer should be used?
  9 answers
  • Sharon Guzman Sharon Guzman on Jan 30, 2014
    Lowes carries the plant medium or you can make it, mostly bark and a little soil mixed, Lowes keeps orchid fertilizer to it comes in a small bag in the garden Dept.
  • Shirley Hamilton Shirley Hamilton on Jan 30, 2014
    Thank you so very much for the information Sharon. I will be looking to buy some in the next couple of days. I will also need to get a new pot that has drainage holes.
  • Shirley Hamilton Shirley Hamilton on Jan 30, 2014
    I have another question. What causes orchid leaves to split down the middle? They are usually the largest leaf on the plant.
  • Mary C Mary C on Jan 30, 2014
    Yes, I agree go to Lowes. I even got my orchids from the sale table.
  • Douglas Hunt Douglas Hunt on Jan 31, 2014
    Actually, the proper type of medium depends on the type of orchid you have. You want to most closely match what it would have in its natural environment. Here's one company that offers a variety of mixes: http://www.repotme.com/orchid-mix/Orchid-Mix.html
  • KathrynElizabeth Etier KathrynElizabeth Etier on Feb 01, 2014
    Lowes, Home Depot.
  • Sherrie S Sherrie S on Feb 01, 2014
    I have a lot of different orchids which are outside most of the year until it is under 50 degrees. They all are in coco liners filled with orchid bark from Lowe's and are hanging in trees. I don't use any fertilizer except I water them with Koi pond water or well water on occasion. None of mine did well in the house so they all live outside and they take turns blooming all year long.
  • Sharon Guzman Sharon Guzman on Feb 01, 2014
    Orchids like to be moist, I keep a spray bottle with plain water and spritz them every day lightly.
  • Sharon Guzman Sharon Guzman on Feb 01, 2014
    Orchids don't like wet feet, I put 4 to 5 ice cubes around the edges once a week.