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What do orchids need in potting mix?

Although one of the broadest plant families with over 28,000 species, a much smaller number are commercially available, such as Cattleya, Dendrobium, Oncidium and Phalaenopsis. These orchids share the requirement for a more open, light-weight, free-draining mix (one reason indoor plant hobbyists also love orchid mix for their aroids) that still retains moisture without waterlogging roots. Regular indoor plant mixes are too fine and the water retention too high.

What makes Bio Leaf perfect for orchids?

Welcome to the next level in orchid care. Developed by award-winning orchid growers with years of testing and refinement in collaboration with respected collectors in the New Zealand orchid community.  

Bio Leaf Orchid Potting Mix is a chunky, custom blend. It drains quickly, retaining the right amount of moisture without sacrificing superb aeration. Water flows freely over roots. Avoids 'wet feet' reducing the chance of root rot. Provides extra protection from over-watering. Avoids suffocating roots. Unlike others, Bio Leaf takes a long, long time to break down. Expect at least 3 years before repotting is required in normal conditions.   

Should you get the Medium or the Coarse blend?

MEDIUM is the best match for finer-rooted orchids and younger or smaller orchids in smaller pots around 5cm to 9cm, as well as orchids being transplanted from a flask. Examples of finer-rooted orchids include oncidiums, miltoniopsis, paphiopedilums (slipper orchids), odontoglossums and jewel orchids. Nugget size averages 3mm to 8mm. 

COARSE is the best match for thicker roots, orchids with pseudobulbs and orchids that require less moisture, as well as orchids in larger pots around 9cm to 20cm+ with nuggets around 8mm to 20mm. Examples of thicker-rooted orchids include cymbidiums, cattleyas, phalaenopsis, zygopetalums and smaller (compact) type vandas.

An example of finer roots from repotme.com

And an example of thicker roots from repotme.com 

What's in the bag?

Organic nutrients

Bio Leaf Orchid includes a proprietary blend of bioactive organic nutrients including calcium and silica. This blend provides a mix of slow- and fast-release orchid-specific supplementary nutrients that 'fill in the blanks' for what fertilisers are missing. 

Benefits include reduced transplant shock, stronger roots, stems and foliage,  and faster recovery after repotting. You remain in control of what you feed and when, as Bio Leaf is free of slow-release fertiliser. 

Orchid bark

Premium, export-quality orchid bark sourced in NZ. Rated as one of the best orchid bark sources available. Sourced from 25 year old trees, allowing time for bark to thicken and 'harden up' resulting in bark that takes much longer to break down. Clean and sterile. Harder, slow-to-decompose grade lasts years. Increases soil aeration, resists compacting and adds drainage while holding water for slow-release. 

Pumice

Natural, volcanic rock. Keeps its shape even when waterlogged. Keeps soil loose. Adds aeration. Keeps water moving. Naturally porous. Holds water roughly twice as long as bark for slow, steady release. Compared to perlite, pumice costs more and is the superior choice for orchids, offering better drainage and compact-resistance than perlite.

Fern fibre

Superb results for orchids, aroids, hoya, ferns and other epiphytes. Natural, airy and long lasting. Contains a lot of air but also holds water longer than many free-draining substrates. Distributes moisture more evenly throughout the root zone. Sustainably harvested in NZ.

Hardwood horticultural charcoal

The over-waterers and worried-orchid-parent's best friend. Increases aeration and adds drainage. Natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. Creates a more favourable environment for good bacteria and beneficial microbes. Helps balance soil pH to keep the mix 'sweet'. Note Bio Leaf avoids activated charcoal, which can absorb more fertiliser than normal charcoal.

Before repotting

Empty into a container, pour on a little water and mix thoroughly. Add just enough moisture to coat media lightly. It is normal for components to settle into layers in the bag, so you want to return to an evenly distributed mix before repotting. A slightly moist medium also makes it easier to pack in-between roots when repotting.