Question
orchid
Hi,
My Maxillaria Orchid is experiencing shrivelling and stunted growth since I repotted it with new charcoal few months ago. I would mist it once every 2 days in the morning. May I know how to remedy the issue? Will attach few more pictures for your reference. Tks
AnswerAlfredo, it is not unusual to have the backbulbs shrivel. However, I believe your potting mix is both too coarse and, probably, stays too dry which could also account for the shriveling. Charcoal is just one ingredient used in an orchid potting mix and helps to keep the potting mix open. I recommend that you use pieces about 1-2 CM in size and mix it with perlite, osmunda, fir back or tree fern. Perlite helps with moisture retention and the other ingredients provide nourishment for the growing roots. You can go as high as 50 percent charcoal but I wouldn't go much higher than that.
