Is BBQ Charcoal Good For Orchids And Other Plants?

Orchids seem to thrive in a porous material. In Asia, most orchids are sold in coconut husks filled with charcoal. Orchid growers swear by it and list the following reasons:

  1. To keep the "mix" sweet.
  2. To filter impurities.

Laboratory tests show that charcoal possesses a remarkable ability to:

  • Keep nutrients in the soil, increasing soil fertility.
  • Prevent decay and can endure in soil for thousands of years.
  • It is inert.
  • Allow the flow of air through the potting mix.
  • Retain moisture and help in good drainage.
  • Retains (adsorbs) excess nutrients (fertilizer) and releases them later when needed.
  • Helps to increase the soil pH.

Source: Charcoal and Orchids. Myth, Magic I know I would never grow an Orchid – Australian Orchid Nursery (australianorchids.com.au)

Below is a list of fireplace and grill stores that service Virginia (VA)

Manassas, VA

Winston's Chimney Service
11301 Industrial Road
Manassas, VA 20109

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Mechanicsville, VA

Hearth & Home Shoppe
8151 Mechanicsville Tpk
Mechanicsville, VA 23111

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Roanoke, VA

Dixie Building Products Inc.
3342 Melrose Ave NW
Roanoke, VA 24017


For more information, contact your local fireplace and grill store..

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