Regeneration of good pathegens

[Des]

Whenever I am repotting a wellgrown orchid I sprinkle some of the old media over the top of the fresh media in the hope of regenerating the good bugs in the pot . does anyone else do this ? or am I wasting my time.

[Ray]

I don't do that, as I really question the real benefit, and it's a good way to accelerate the decomposition of the new medium, as you will have introduced those bugs, as well.

My reasoning on the lack of significant benefit is based upon the thought that in nature, where the plant is merely "getting by", they might play a significant role. In the "domesticated" environment we keep them in, the sustenance of the plant is far more significantly covered by our watering and feeding.

I also believe that some studies have shown that orchids in nature are dependent upon microorganisms (specifically certain fungi) for seed germination more than anything else.

[Des]

Thanks for that Ray, it has worried me for some time now ,nice to get another view. I came across a product here in SA called Trichodry, the spec sheet reads "beneficial bio-inoculant for use in all bark and peat based media. Contains selected strains of Trichoerma beneficial fungi plus nutriants to promote colonization of growing media" I am trying to find out if this product is suitable for the cymbidium seedlings I am repotting at the moment into coconut husk chips. Have you used anything the same or similar to this product ?

[Ray]

Sorry, Des. I have no experience with anything like that.