Vol. 8, Issue 10, Part I (2024)

Dendrobium orchids, particularly the Sonia Red variety, are highly valued for their vibrant purple to whitish flowers and long-lasting blooms, making them essential in the tropical and subtropical ornamental plant market. The choice of growing media significantly impacts plant growth, flowering, and overall yield, with limited research on different varieties in the unique climate of the Konkan region. The present study was conducted to identify the most cost-effective and readily available potting media for optimal Dendrobium growth under shade-net condition at Hi-tech Nursery, College of Horticulture, Dapoli. The study was conducted in randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments and three replications, with a systematic and accurate assessment of various potting medium on Dendrobium cv. Sonia Red. Results indicated that, a combination of coconut husk led to the best plant height (42.74 cm), maximum number of shoots (6.73), with least days to first flower opening (9.39 days), better spike length (40.33 cm), number of florets (7.58) and number of spikes (2.10). This media consistently produced desirable growth, emphasizing the importance of proper moisture retention and aeration for healthy Dendrobium orchid cultivation. The study also revealed that plant growth was suboptimal in the media combined of coconut husk and cow dung lumps.