What type of Soil for Dendrobium Orchid?

I just recieved an orchid - not the whole orchid with flowers but the plant with roots intact with no flowers yet.





What type of soil should I use? I have cactus mix, is that any good?

What type of Soil for Dendrobium Orchid?
almost every dendrobium i ever grew bought or sold was planted in small lava rock. it is a good anchoring material and never rots, it is especially good because it will keep the dendrobium upright ---the canes can get very tall and heavy.


salinization isn't as much of a problem with lava rock.


lava rock holds the proper amount of moisture and air.





cactus mix wouldn't be advised because it is not tight enough to anchor the orchid in place, it will break down over time, it has a tendency to retain salts and minerals that are not needed by the orchid.
Reply:You can get special orchid mix soil. best thing to do is to be careful of watering as it can rot the roots, and keep it in a regular temperate area with enough light.


our heating died for 2 and a half weeks over the winter and it killed my orchid - devestated!!!! good luck :)
Reply:fine-grade Fir-bark and orchid mix. Medium-grade Fir-bark works well in larger pots. High-nitrogen fertilizers (25-9-9) can be used year-round at one teaspoon per gallon of water. Feed once a month.
Reply:No - don't use any type of soil.





Orchids are epyphites and need a fast-draining stable support for their root system.





Get some orchid potting medium at your local garden center.





See source for information on growing orchids in your home.