Perfect potting medium for aroids and hoyas part 2
My general potting mix for aroids, hoyas, and other plants is:
5 parts of perlite + 2 parts of orchid bark + 2 parts of coco coir + 1 part of potting soil + 1 part of worm casting + 1/2 part of horticultural charcoal + 1/10 part of mosquito bits
However, I also stressed that you need to modify the mix according to your home environment and the type of plants too. First, let's talk about the environment.
I recommend you to test the formula as it is for a couple weeks and pay close attention to the substrates on watering day. There will be 3 scenarios:
a. the mix is still damp but on the dryer side. This means you don't need to change anything. The formula is perfect for your growing conditions.
b. The mix is way too dry. It indicates you need to add more water-retaining ingredients in, such as coco coir and potting soil. Just add 20% of the amount in the formula. For example, you will add a fourth of the potting soil on top of 1 initial part.
c. If the mix appears to be too wet, mix more perlite and orchid bark.
Secondly, the type of plants will play a big part. For example, anthuriums, alocasias, and begonias will enjoy more moisture. Hence, increasing coco coir will benefit the plants. On the other hand, hoyas, and monsteras will appreciate more perlites and orchid barks.
I also learn that different species in the same genus will enjoy different potting mix ratios. For example, even it's a philodendron but Philo luxurians really love the damp medium. Or hoya bella loves the soil being constantly moist. I tailor my potting mix to each plant by adding its favorite potting ingredient.
I hope this will help you find your perfect medium for your plants. All the ingredients can be found on Amazon or Home Depot. I will post the names below.
Perlite: PVP Industries PVP105408 120 Quarts – 4 Cubic Foot of Organic Perlite Planting Soil Additive Gi, White
Orchid Bark: Sun Bulb 5011 Better-Gro Phalaenopsis Mix, 8 Quarts
Coco COir: Minute Soil - Compressed Coco Coir Fiber Grow Medium
Sprig & Stone Horticultural Charcoal (4 Quarts)
Earth Worm Castings: Moutain Valley Seed Co.
Mosquito Bits: SUMMIT CHEMICAL CO 117-6 30OZ
5 parts of perlite + 2 parts of orchid bark + 2 parts of coco coir + 1 part of potting soil + 1 part of worm casting + 1/2 part of horticultural charcoal + 1/10 part of mosquito bits
However, I also stressed that you need to modify the mix according to your home environment and the type of plants too. First, let's talk about the environment.
I recommend you to test the formula as it is for a couple weeks and pay close attention to the substrates on watering day. There will be 3 scenarios:
a. the mix is still damp but on the dryer side. This means you don't need to change anything. The formula is perfect for your growing conditions.
b. The mix is way too dry. It indicates you need to add more water-retaining ingredients in, such as coco coir and potting soil. Just add 20% of the amount in the formula. For example, you will add a fourth of the potting soil on top of 1 initial part.
c. If the mix appears to be too wet, mix more perlite and orchid bark.
Secondly, the type of plants will play a big part. For example, anthuriums, alocasias, and begonias will enjoy more moisture. Hence, increasing coco coir will benefit the plants. On the other hand, hoyas, and monsteras will appreciate more perlites and orchid barks.
I also learn that different species in the same genus will enjoy different potting mix ratios. For example, even it's a philodendron but Philo luxurians really love the damp medium. Or hoya bella loves the soil being constantly moist. I tailor my potting mix to each plant by adding its favorite potting ingredient.
I hope this will help you find your perfect medium for your plants. All the ingredients can be found on Amazon or Home Depot. I will post the names below.
Perlite: PVP Industries PVP105408 120 Quarts – 4 Cubic Foot of Organic Perlite Planting Soil Additive Gi, White
Orchid Bark: Sun Bulb 5011 Better-Gro Phalaenopsis Mix, 8 Quarts
Coco COir: Minute Soil - Compressed Coco Coir Fiber Grow Medium
Sprig & Stone Horticultural Charcoal (4 Quarts)
Earth Worm Castings: Moutain Valley Seed Co.
Mosquito Bits: SUMMIT CHEMICAL CO 117-6 30OZ
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