can I use vermiculite instead of wood chips when repotting my orchid plant?

Question

The plant came with 4 blooms when it was given to me, and yet I coul not remember what colir they were to save my life. Now there aren't any left , and about 3 months went by. I think my friend bought it at Walgreens. They sell them with the roots and what looks like some peet moss root bound in a plastic container with slits on the sides. As soon as I removed the plastic container, I could see a happier plant. I have a clay pot in what looks like the perfect size. I have vermiculite. Potting soil, from what I understand, is not to be used . What to do? Please! B-)

Answer 1

orchids rely on a medium which is mostly rocks, pebbles,  peat moss, and some vermiculite type aerators.  I've personally not heard of using just vemiculite but one hint I learned from an elderly japanese woman in Hawaii who raised and sold beautiful orchids at the swap meet every weekend....they love dried, crumbled egg shells around the roots.  She told me this promotes blooming more often, and if you know orchids...it is a challenge to get their blooming cycle expedited.  The egg shells worked so well I now use them in all my blooming houseplants. Can't remember the last time I threw out an egg shell.  Good luck and Aloha!