Orchid Care: What's the Best Potting Medium for My Orchid Plant?

Here’s a basic guideline in choosing a potting medium for different types of orchids, according to the American Orchid Society.

Cymbidiums orchids, Miltonia orchids, Miltoniopsis orchids, Paphiopedilums, and Phalaenopsis orchids

• These are tropical orchids that should be put in a soil that’s medium- to fine-grade, highly absorbent but porous even when moist. 
• Allow seven (7) days to dry before watering again. 
• Best planted in medium to large-sized clay or non-porous plastic pots.

Dendrobium orchids, vandaceous types, terete or pendant Oncidiums, and other orchid genera

• These orchids thrive in coarse, porous potting medium.  
• Allow three (3) days or less to dry before watering again. 
• Best planted  in small to medium-sized clay pots or slatted baskets

Cattleya orchids,  orchids from the Oncidium/ Odontoglossum alliances, and other genera

• These are sympodial orchid plants with prominent pseudobulbs.
• They do well in coarse- to medium-grade, porous yet absorbent potting material.
• Wait for four (4) to seven (7) days to dry before watering again.
• Best planted in medium to large-sized clay or non-porous plastic pots.