How to Use Coconut Husk Chips for Orchids

A key to maintaining a beautiful indoor orchid is knowing how to repot it. Most orchids grown as houseplants don't grow in regular potting soil, so a special growing mix is required when the orchid needs to be repotted every year or two. Orchid roots need air; soggy roots kill the plant. A light, absorbent medium like coconut husk chips help the orchid's roots stay healthy and aerated while keeping your orchid's roots from sitting in water.

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   Rinse the coconut husk chips well the day before you plan to repot the orchid. Coconut husk chips may have a salt residue that can hurt the roots, so a thorough rinsing is required.

3. 2. Mix the coconut husk chips at a rate of 2 parts coconut husk chips, 1 part charcoal and 1 part perlite. Other items can be included in a orchid potting mix, but this mixture works for most household orchids as a general purpose mixture. Soak the mixture overnight to absorb water.

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   Sanitize the work surfaces and tools you plan to use before repotting. Add 1/2 cup of bleach to a gallon of water and wash down surfaces and items, then let them dry before beginning.

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   Remove the orchid from its current container carefully, cutting dead roots off. Rinse the plant's roots with room temperature water, then place it in its new container so that the roots begin about an inch from the top of the container.

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   Squeeze the excess water out of the coconut husk chip mixture, then begin to fill in the spaces around the plant's roots. After the container is full, water the plant to help the coconut husk chip mixture settle into place.

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