Coconut fibre mulch for potting media

[ALToronto]

From reading about people's experiences with coconut fibre and chunks, I get the impression that the quality of the coco fibre varies greatly between suppliers. Maybe the cheap mulch sold in hardware stores isn't best for orchids?

I'd like to see an apples to apples comparison of how well this stuff performs. For example, I recently bought two bricks of coarse CocoTek, made by General Hydroponics, claiming to be low salt. On the label is a picture of a cattleya growing in a half shell of a coconut. Is this the type of fibre that some people have had a bad experience with (i.e. decomposing quickly), or was it hardware store mulch?.

I plan to mix it with perlite and charcoal for my Stanhopeas - is there any reason why I shouldn't?

[Vanda lover]

I use that same mixture for my vasco. It works just fine.

[Orchid Red]

One of our board members and serious growers in the Oregon Orchid Society has had very good luck with coco husk from a local hydroponic grower. My sense is that these growers care about what they're selling and are careful sourcing it. Next time I need some, I'm going to try their stuff. However, will continue to rinse it well (three times, after sitting overnight each time) as a precaution. Good luck.

[Stray59]

Another 2 cents of mine.
I have used coco fiber and chunks of various suppliers for over 1 1/2 years. The first brand I used was made for orchids, the second was sold as mulch, chunk and fiber mixed, and the last I have is from the hydroponic store, also Coco-tek. I hate to admit it, but I have never rinsed mine! I never thought about it, the first brand I used said no need, so I just soak it for a few hours and use it. So far, so good. I have not seen any salt damage or salt deposits left, although it makes perfect sense to do so.
I will be staying with the hydroponic brand - the store manager told me that it should be rinsed prior to sale as salt is a real no-no in hydroponic systems. I will start to rinse now, but just to be on the safest of sides.
Thanks for the tips -
Steve

[NYCorchidman]

Coco mulch I see at a local store here is what I would consider large grade. too coarse for paphs I think unless you have a way to somehow cut them into smaller pieces.

I buy small coco husk chips and mix it with some other stuff for a few of my paphs and they all grow really well.

I agree that the coco fiber last much longer than bark or moss. They do not break down easily.
Salt can be an issue so be sure to wash thoroughly.

I am planning to plant some of my paphs and oncidiums using coco fiber peat (this is the name on the package, but it is just a very fine grade coco husk). I will post the result about a year later.
Wish me luck!

[djbon]

Coco husk is mainly for moisture retention. Some orchids will strive on coco husk alone, but most will need other material in order to grow and bloom. I have a lot of Vanda & Cat growing on coco husk alone and they strive to a point that my whole support structure collapsed. Charcoal is good as neutralizing agent, and works very well as root support material (crushed clay pot replacement).

[NYCorchidman]

Originally Posted by djbon

Coco husk is mainly for moisture retention. Some orchids will strive on coco husk alone, but most will need other material in order to grow and bloom. I have a lot of Vanda & Cat growing on coco husk alone and they strive to a point that my whole support structure collapsed. Charcoal is good as neutralizing agent, and works very well as root support material (crushed clay pot replacement).

Do you use large chunks of coco husk for vandas??
I'm curious because I have one large vanda drying out in plastic basket. I'm thinking of potting it up.

[Vanda lover]

I think you could use either but there is better air circulation with large chunks

[Vanda Miss Joaquim]

Hello everyone!

I'm new here! I hope I can learn from this forum and share a thing or two about orchirds! I use coconut husk and some charcoal & clay to grow my orchids. I live in a highrise apartment, so I don't have the luxury of land. Am I doing it right? But it seems to grow How can I attach some pics of my orchid?

[Stray59]

Hello!
I have sent you a Private Message about posting pics!
Steve