Eggshells for Orchids

Many people ask us if eggshells for orchids are a good idea.

Orchids need a growing medium that is a balance of coarse inorganic materials and fibers. This is to insure adequate moisture and drainage. Eggshells do not fit these criteria and may add too much alkalinity to the potting mix.

If you are considering adding eggshells as a composting agent, it would be better to save them for your other house plants....

Most plants need soil and compost.........but orchids are different. They do not really need much in the way of nutrition other than a limited amount of nitrogen, which helps them to bloom. Mostly, they sustain themselves through water and air.

This being the case, eggshells really have no value for orchids.

For in-depth information about potting mixes, fertilizers, and other orchid care topics, check out the links below, or use the menu to the left.