Mastering YOUR growing culture

[DirtyCoconuts]

I wanted a thread for discussion about the little ways we tweak our plants to thrive (give them what they need) in the homes they have (in your location and culture)

All good cultural guides will have a disclaimer that this just just what they do or just how it is in nature and you should adjust accordingly, but what does that mean to you


I have recently had out of season rains. And a lot of them. It rained for 6 of the last 9 days with almost no real sun. This happens sometimes here. Because of this phenomenon I have learned to grow my plants in a SUPER open mix with almost no organic materials. The only exceptions are the Bulbophyllum and they are still grown WAY more open then most other growers would.

I have started seeding my potted orchids with springtails as the extra moisture can allow fungus and mold to appear...they are harmless and will die if there is nothing to eat, they won’t ever harm my plants and I grow a culture of them so I have unlimited supply

Last tip I have found is to use leaf litter as much as I can. It not only allows the extra decay phenomenon which I believe adds materials for the plants but it lets good guys like spiders and anoles have a home and then they protect from the nastier pests

What have you leaned to adapt your culture to growing while still tailoring it to the plant?