$ 35.95
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Maximum aeration. Rapid drainage. An exceptionally open root environment.
PLEASE NOTE: WHILE THIS MIX WAS DEVELOPED FIRST AND FOREMOST FOR DENDROBIUM ORCHIDS, IT IS SUITABLE FOR A WIDE VARIETY OF OTHER PLANTS. WE'VE GROWN SOME STUNNING AROIDS IN THIS MIX, AND IT WORKS INCREDIBLY WELL AS A GENERAL-PURPOSE ORCHID MIX TOO!
Developed for Dendrobium orchids that appreciate a coarse, fast-draining medium, Mix #7 is one of the most air-dominant formulations in our Orchid Series. Its ultra-chunky structure lets water move through quickly while maintaining generous air space around the roots.
This is deliberately a lower-moisture mix for growers who prioritize aeration and are comfortable watering as conditions require. Dendrobium is a diverse genus: different species and hybrids have different moisture needs, so this is not intended as a universal mix for every Dendrobium.
Drainage: ★★★★★
Aeration: ★★★★★
Moisture Retention: ★★☆☆☆
Structural Longevity: ★★★★½☆
Texture: Ultra Chunky
Peat Free: Yes
There is something incredibly satisfying about this mix, as soon as you touch it, it just feels right. Back in Africa, we grew a massive number of Dendrobiums, both soft-cane and hard-cane varieties. One thing quickly became apparent: in our growing conditions, problems often started when their roots weren't allowed to dry sufficiently between waterings.
This mix was designed with that experience in mind. It allows water to move freely through the substrate while maintaining exceptional airflow around the roots, giving them access to moisture without remaining constantly wet.
Of course, your growing conditions still matter. Airflow, humidity, temperature, and watering habits will all influence how quickly the mix dries.
It feels rugged, open and almost impossibly airy. More importantly, it creates the kind of root environment we wanted for orchids accustomed to growing attached to trees and other exposed surfaces rather than in dense soil.
Mix #7 is all about oxygen first. Its exceptionally open structure makes it a natural fit for the Dendrobiums we had in mind when defining our Orchid Series.
This mix drains quickly and retains considerably less moisture than many of our other formulas. Water thoroughly rather than giving it small sips, and expect watering frequency to increase in warm, dry or highly ventilated conditions.
Because Mix #7 provides essentially no built-in nutrition, regular, appropriate orchid feeding is important during active growth. Adjust watering and feeding to the particular Dendrobium and its growth cycle; some types require a markedly different approach during seasonal rest.
This is not the mix I'd choose for someone specifically looking to reduce watering frequency. It's for growers who consider exceptional root-zone aeration the priority.
Primary focus: Dendrobium orchids that prefer an open, fast-draining medium, particularly established epiphytic types suited to a coarse substrate.
Its structure may also suit other epiphytic orchids with comparable root and moisture requirements, including certain Cattleya, Brassavola and Encyclia. Suitability depends on the individual plant, container, climate and watering practices.
For Dendrobiums that prefer more consistent moisture, especially small plants in dry indoor conditions, another formulation or a different growing approach may be more appropriate.
Mix #7 can be used on its own. We also offer our completely optional Myco+ Essentials Booster Pack for growers who want additional root-zone amendments.
The Booster Pack is not a fertilizer and does not replace an appropriate orchid feeding program.
Every bag is prepared by hand to order rather than mass-produced and stored as finished substrate.
Plant performance depends on environment and cultural practices, including watering, nutrition, lighting, airflow, pot size and the particular Dendrobium being grown. Choose a substrate and care routine appropriate to your plant.
