Effect of growing media on macro- and microelements, as well as on chlorophyll
concentration in Phalaenopsis orchids were investigated. In the years 2006–2008,
an experiment on Phalaenopsis orchids cultivation was carried out. The plants were
planted into New Zealand sphagnum moss, mixture of expanded clay pellets and New
Zealand sphagnum moss (v:v = 1:1), or into expanded clay pellets only. Orchids were
grown in translucent plastic pots. Total macro and micro elements concentration in leaves
and roots were determined. Furthermore concentrations of chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b
in leaves and roots were measured. Growing media exert a significant influence on the nutritional
status of Phalaenopsis orchids. The highest concentration of magnesium, iron
and copper was found in plants grown in expanded clay, less in orchids grown in the
mixed medium and the least in plants grown in sphagnum moss. A higher concentration
of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and manganese was found in leaves. Inversely,
in roots, there was a higher concentration of magnesium, iron and zinc. Growing
media did not affect chlorophyll concentration in leaves and roots of Phalaenopsis.