Orchid Growing Media

As seen in Burke's Backyard!

In the September 2006 edition of Burke's Backyard Magazine, Don Burke says he uses  Debco Orchid Growing Media for his dendrobiums - mixing 50% Debco Orchid Mix Coarse with 50% Debco Orchid Mix Medium.

The Debco Complete Orchid Growing Media range is made from specially selected barks to suit all types of orchids.

Each one is fully stabilised, pH-controlled and composted, with no toxic phenols, no nitrogen tie-up, and the right amount of air space. All are ready to use without any additives.

Growing exotic orchids is so easy when you use Debco.

When to use Debco Orchid Media

The correct potting time is after flowering or, in the case of non flowering plants, September, October.

Orchid Media (5-10mm) is Cymbidium grade, for use in small pots (up to 150mm). Suitable for Cymbidium, Zygopetalum, Paphiopedilum, Odontoglossum, Miltonia and Lycaste.

Orchid Media (8-18mm) is Cattleya grade, for use in small to medium pots. Suitable for Dendrobium, Laelia, Vanda, Cattleya, and Oncidium. Also suitable for the Cymbidium group in large pots.

How to use Debco Orchid Media

	RE-POTTING Usually a large plant that requires dividing into two or more plants.
	Remove the plant from the original pot, divide into no less than three bulb pieces (one should be a back bulb). Root pruning can be fairly severe as this will not harm the plant.
	Remove old leafless bulbs and trim dead roots.
	Select a new pot to comfortably accommodate the root system of each division. Do not overpot.
	POTTING ON This refers to removing the plant from one pot, removing the old media and selecting the next size pot.
	Because of the open texture of this mixture it is not necessary to provide crocking at the bottom of the pot. Simply place sufficient mixture at the bottom of the pot to allow for root growth.
	Carefully place the root system within the pot holding the plant in the vicinity of the lower foilage and bulb, ensuring that the base of the bulbs are level with the top of the pot.
	Place the new mixture around the roots, gently tapping the pot at the same time. This allows the mixture to flow between the roots.
	Unlike other plants, orchids are potted to the top of the pot with the mixture overflowing. Gentle tapping of the pot will remove the surplus.

Refer to growing instructions on bulb packaging and always consult your local nursery staff for advice.

Hints

When cutting roots or dividing plants it is important to sterilise your cutting tools between cutting one plant and the next (solution of domestic bleach 20:1) and dab sulphur on any open wound to minimise disease.
Watering: After re-potting the plant should be thoroughly watered, allowed to drain and kept moist, not wet. Never allow to dry out.
Fertilising: Orchids respond to frequent feeding during the growing season. Apply a liquid fertiliser or slow release, each at half recommended strength.