How to Grow Orchids in Manure
Orchids grow extremely well when planted in manure--horse manure to be specific. The elements within the manure provide the right nutrients for the plants and ensure they bloom for longer periods, are healthier and much stronger, too. The manure doesn't require composting. The fresher the manure is, the better for the plants. There are soluble elements in the horse manure, so whenever the plants are watered, they receive an automatic feed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Horse manure
- Spade
- Wheelbarrow
- Small stones or gravel
- Flower pot
- Orchid bulbs
- Tree bark or moss
- Water
Instructions
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Gather some horse manure, fresh from the stables or from a paddock where horses are kept. The easiest way to collect it is with a spade and wheelbarrow.
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Put a few stones or pieces of gravel into a flower pot and add a few lumps of manure on top until the pot is approximately a quarter full. There is no need to alter the manure in any way before adding it to the pot; just add in the lumps as they are found.
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Hold the orchid bulb over the manure-filled pot so the roots are hanging down, and continue to add lumps of manure all around. As a result, the roots will lay within the middle of the manure with the bulb exposed on top.
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Add a layer of mulch about 1 inch thick made from moss or tree bark. The mulch prevents weeds and maintains a good temperature in the pot.
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Water the bulb very gently, ensuring the water drains out completely. Orchids do not thrive when they sit in a puddle of water, so don't place a container under the flower pot to catch the water. Water gently every day so the manure is always damp.
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Tips & Warnings
Place your pots on sunny window sills in the house or in a greenhouse as orchids need plenty of sunlight.
Don't pack the horse manure into the flower pot tightly. There should be room for air to circulate.
References
Resources
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