Orchiata bark..?? - Orchid Board

Eyebabe · #1 02-27-2011, 04:58 PM

Just a quick question if I may

As I was browsing through the usual websites for ordering potting supplies this spring, I cam across something called "Orchiata bark" which is New Zealand Pinus radiata bark.

Anyone use this stuff? "...a high quality, stable, long lasting, toxin free, consistent growing substrate available in different sizes for your specific growing needs."

Supposedly can last up to ten years? Really??

What say anyone who has used this stuff?

Bayard · #2 02-27-2011, 08:32 PM

I use it for about half my collection.

Seems to work just fine.

Started using it because the fir bark was getting really poor in quality.

Zoi2 · #3 02-27-2011, 09:26 PM

I haven't used it but Ray sells it at First Rays.
Joann

billc · #4 02-28-2011, 03:32 AM

I'll ditto what Bayard said. It seems to hold up well, but 10 years might be a stretch. I think it's fortified somehow with calicum and the paphs I have in seem to do great.

Bill

Eyebabe · #5 02-28-2011, 08:27 AM

Terrific!
I've been looking for some alternative for plants I am not happy growing in S/H.
Think I'll give it a try because I really don't like fir bark's tendency to deteriorate and all the issues that come with it.
Thanks everyone

tucker85 · #6 02-28-2011, 09:54 AM

I use it as part of a mix. It lasts much longer than fir bark in the heat and humidity of South Florida. It's also supposed to have a more stable pH. The orchids that I have in it are all doing well.

Eyebabe · #7 02-28-2011, 10:17 AM

Now for another question...

Do you use the bark stand alone or mix it with charcoal, perilite etc.?

billc · #8 02-28-2011, 12:31 PM

I use it as a replacement for fir bark in whatever mix I'm I'm making. It's does seem to hold water more consistently than your average bark does.

Bill

Eyebabe · #9 02-28-2011, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billc

I use it as a replacement for fir bark in whatever mix I'm I'm making. It's does seem to hold water more consistently than your average bark does.

Bill

Bill,

Would you mind sharing your ingredients and ratios?

billc · #10 02-28-2011, 06:24 PM

I've been using Lance Birk's 'pretty good mix' for the last 2 years or so and it's done pretty well for my paphs.
CHAPTER 5

Towards the end of the article you'll find the actual ratio.

I recently started playing around with CHC as per Antec's website. Ladyslipper.com. We'll see how that goes. Some rave about CHC, others don't seem to like it. i think the trick is to wash it real well and flush the media regularly.

Bill