Broken down bark?

[Dollythehun]

I would call this bark degraded. I see it has mag amp in it. I am potting in fresh bark tonight. I thought about the LECA Estación but this was a pricey plant. Anyway, I digress. Might it be good for newbies to see degraded bark if in fact it is?

[Dollythehun]

Lots of good roots, although I broke a few. My fresh bark didn't look too chunky either. Think I'll switch brands. Thanks John.

[Leafmite]

I use red lava rock so I never need to see that except when I buy new orchids.

[estación seca]

.... is that the NEW stuff? If so, that is not what I would call bark. That might be suitable for terrestrial orchids.

[Dollythehun]

Originally Posted by estación seca

.... is that the NEW stuff? If so, that is not what I would call bark. That might be suitable for terrestrial orchids.

No. That was the old. However, my bag of new bark didn't look much better. I had to sort it.

---------- Post added at 05:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:52 AM ----------

I'd like to hear what kind of bark you all like. I used to use Better Gro. Now Lowes carries Miracle Gro which seems silty and fine. I know you all have individual preferenes but, I think it would be helpful to know.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

No. That was the old. However, my bag of new bark didn't look much better. I had to sort it.

---------- Post added at 05:54 AM ---------- Previous post was at 04:52 AM ----------

I'd like to hear what kind of bark you all like. I used to use Better Gro. Now Lowes carries Miracle Gro which seems silty and fine. I know you all have individual preferenes but, I think it would be helpful to know.

I always sieve mine before using it. A bad brand is 50% dust.

[Dollythehun]

Bi, I did sieve mine last night. Need a better sieve.

[bil]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Bi, I did sieve mine last night. Need a better sieve.

Here's mine. I only need two, one to sieve the big bark, to remove the big chunks for Phals, then what passes thru that is put in the fine sieve and what stays in that goes fot the thin leafed orchids. What passes thru the thin sieve goes to be mixed in to soil mixes for normal plants.

I heat fine weldmesh and press it into left over plant pot tops to make them.

[estación seca]

I use different-sized cooking tools for straining potting materials. I get them at a market called Smart & Final, which caters to restaurant owners. Any restaurant supply company would have them. I use an extra large steel strainer for seiving out fines, and a fryer basket for coarser seiving.

No stores in the metro Phoenix area sell acceptable orchid bark. I suspect it's the same in much of the US. Our club has done a bulk order of Kiwi bark from Sunset Valley Orchids. Shipping is much cheaper for 20+ bags on a pallet.

Lava cinders are available here at Home Depot and Lowes. LECA is available at hydroponics shops. I am moving more and more of my collection into semi-hydroponics in LECA so the unavailability of bark doesn't matter to me any more. Phals do much better for me in S/H than any other potting method.

[fishmom]

Orchiata is another good product, New Zealand pine bark that is well prepared and lasts a longer time than most bark products. You mentioned repotme in another thread; I believe they sell it and use it in mixes. I've been very pleased with what I've bought. Also, my orchid society has made group orders, so that is a way to cut down on shipping costs.