Medium

When orchids are to be grown in pots or in beds , they are not put in ordinary soil mixes as is the custom for other plants. Since orchid roots should have plenty of air around it at all times, special orchid mixes are made which would provide support to the plant , convey water and nutrients to the roots , and at the same time provide enough of air for the roots to breathe. Various materials from osmunda fibre , tree fern roots , wood bark , charcoal etc. , have been tried for this purpose.