Floating the Bark

[skirincich]

Hello,

Years ago, I remember hearing experienced growers describing how they would soak their newly purchased bark and then discard any material that sank to the bottom of the container. I was under the impression that the sunken material was too absorbent and might decay prematurely if used in potting mixes.

I bring up this subject as I am soaking my coconut husk chips in reverse osmosis water to leach away any residual salt. I have noticed that some of the material sinks to the bottom. My general impression is that this material is somewhat smaller than the stuff that floats, and perhaps all of the material would sink if given a long enough soak.

Any thoughts?


Thanks,
Steve

[Ray]

First, let me say that I disagree with disposing of "sinking" media particles. The relative decomposition rates are probably insignificant.

Coconut husk chips are quite porous, and being plant-based, the voids within the structure are literally cellular, with the cell wall interfaces acting as "barriers" that slow the water intrusion.

The particles sink or float depending upon the relative percentage of pores (cells) that are full or empty. Smaller pieces = easier penetration, so they sink sooner.

[Clawhammer]

This is probably going to be unhelpful, but if you use orchiata your plant will out grow the pot before the media deteriorates pretty much 100% of the time without floating.

[Paphluvr]

I can't comment on sinking bark chips as I haven't used bark in a long time. With CHC, however, I find that the stuff that sinks to the bottom during pre-rinse is mostly fibrous material and/or contains husk material. I seperate this for other uses and just use the floating material once it has reached a proper water hardness reading.