Care of Orchids

The recipe for how to better care of brassavola orchids and success:

Use growing medium A

Growing Medium A
is typical of all-purpose media for epiphytic orchids. It consists of 1 part perlite, 1 part coarse sphagnum peat moss, 6 parts coniferous bark (fir, for example), and 1 part horticultural charcoal chips.

in a pot with drain holes or in a basket. Brassavola species can also be grown as bark mounts, particularly in tropical and subtropical climates where they can be hung outdoors most of the year. The plants will live indefinitely in low light; however, in order to thrive and bloom regularly, they need strong light and good air movement.

The species can be brought to bloom twice or more yearly by alternating periods of freely watering and fertilizing with periods of maintaining plants on the dry side and withholding fertilizer. For this reason, they are considerer wothwhile plants for the indoor gardener who must make every inch of growing space count.

Brassavolas accept a wide range of temperatures, from cool to warm and can bloom successfully in window or fluorescent light. Their tolerance for relatively low humidity, to around 40%, makes them choice houseplants and noteworthy confidence builders.

Fertilizer:

Beware of fertilizers found on the market today! First, their action is more than often temporary. Second, available formulas on the market are not safe and can cause more damage than good to your plants and pets.
I recommend John Perez homemade fertilizer recipe. Like John You’ll See Visible Results Within 3 Days! Your only regret will be that you didn’t discover John Perez a lot sooner. Just Click Here.

Shopping List

Perlite: This processed volcanic material is used as an additive to other potting mediums. Perlite’s low cost, high water-holding capacity, and decay resistance make it a popular additive to fir bark.

• Buy Perlite 20 Dry Quarts: HY
• Buy Perlite, Large size 6 cu ft: HY
• Buy Perlite, Large size 4 cu ft: J

Fir and Sphagnum Peat Moss: Provides a natural living environment for terrarium animals and plants. It is a unique blend of sterilized virgin organic soil, fine grain sand, vermiculite, peat moss, orchid bark and green tree moss. Is organic, natural and perfect for burrowing plants.

• Buy TopDawg Pet Supply Fir and Sphagnum Peat Moss Mix 5quart
• Buy TopDawg Pet Supply Fir and Sphagnum Peat Moss Mix 10quart
• Buy TopDawg Pet Supply Fir and Sphagnum Peat Moss Mix 25quart

horticultural charcoal chips: Harwood charcoal (not pressed-powder briquettes like you use for barbecuing) is added most often to cork or redwood bark, both of wich produce a lot of acid. Charcoal absorbs the acids. It is also a common component of commercially packaged mixes. Like lava, charcoal collects salts, so don’t use it if you have hard water.

Supplies from: