To understand our soil needs, you must first understand what we are. We are not terrestrial plants with roots that seek deep nourishment from the earth. We are epiphytes. In our native tropical habitats, we do not grow in the ground; we perch gracefully on the branches of trees, anchoring ourselves to the bark. Our roots are not primarily for absorbing nutrients from soil, but for securing us to our host and absorbing moisture and dissolved nutrients from the humid air and the organic matter that collects around our base. Therefore, the concept of "soil" is entirely wrong for us. We require a special growing medium that mimics the conditions of our natural home: something incredibly airy, fast-draining, and able to hold moisture without ever becoming waterlogged or compacted.
The perfect potting mix for us is a loose, chunky, and well-aerated blend. A standard potting soil, which is too dense and moisture-retentive, will be a death sentence, suffocating our roots and leading to fatal rot. The ideal mix should feel light and fluffy in your hands. A superb base is orchid bark mix, specifically the finer-grade types. The chunks of bark create large air pockets, providing the excellent drainage and oxygen flow our roots crave. To this, we appreciate the addition of materials like perlite and horticultural charcoal. Perlite further improves aeration and prevents compaction, while charcoal helps keep the mix fresh by filtering impurities and preventing souring.
There are specific ingredients that benefit us greatly and others we must avoid. You should actively seek out: Orchid Bark (fir or pine bark, small to medium chunks), Perlite (for aeration), Coco Coir Chips (which hold some moisture but resist compaction far better than peat moss), and Horticultural Charcoal. A small amount of peat moss or coir fiber can be added to retain a slight amount of moisture, but it must not be the dominant ingredient. You must strictly avoid: Standard Potting Soil, Garden Soil (far too dense), and any heavy, moisture-retentive additives like water-storing crystals. The goal is fast drainage, not water retention.
Every aspect of your potting choice must prioritize drainage and aeration. The pot you choose is just as important as the mix inside it. We insist on a pot with multiple, large drainage holes at the bottom. A decorative pot without holes is a prison for our roots. Furthermore, the pot should not be excessively large. We prefer to be slightly pot-bound, as a too-large pot holds too much damp medium around our small root system, increasing the risk of rot. The combination of a chunky, airy mix and a well-draining pot of appropriate size replicates the perfect conditions of our aerial home, allowing our roots to breathe and function properly.
When potted in the correct mix, your watering technique can align with our needs. You should water us by pouring room-temperature, filtered water directly into the central cup or vase that our leaves form, keeping it about a quarter full. You should also lightly moisten the potting medium around our base, allowing the water to flow freely out of the drainage holes. The chunky mix ensures any excess water does not linger around our roots. Before watering the medium again, allow the top layer to become dry to the touch. The mix should never be constantly wet or soggy. This cycle of moisture followed by a period of slight dryness is the rhythm that keeps us thriving.
