Orchiata

[BikerDoc5968]

Has anyone heard of this product (Orchiata Pacific Wide - Orchiata) or used it? I was sent some information but don't know if it is worth the investment. I guess the bottom line is there are all kinds of "stuff" in which one could grow orchids. And if it is something that works for you, great... there is no replacement for good growing habits... not even some "flash in the pants" medium. Just wanted to find out other people's experience.

[Cookiemonster]

I have not tried it, but I have seen it sold online at a few places and have been tempted to try it and see if its worth all the advertising!
It sounds promising-

Just get a sample bag if you can and try it on a few plants your willing to get risky with and see if it works!

[got ants]

Being new to orchidmania, I would prolly be one to jump on this fast. It seems the orchid medium readily available just breaks down too quickly. Though that in itself could be a mixed blessing. It will make me repot more often.

Now, I've always been one to make my own potting materials for my bonsais, rare palms, and bamboos. So what if I made my own orchid potting material? I have coconut trees,,,hmmmm?? So I have been hoarding coconut husks. I also keep the immature coconuts that fall off. They seem to shrink down to almost a hard rock, and stop decaying any more. So now I have about 2 cubic feet of these "coco-rocks" and I'll soon see if they work.

But back to the Orchiata, just what makes one material superior to another? What about cypress bark? Or pond apple bark? Chunks of bamboo?

I really know so little, I hope someone can add to this thread to set me on the "right" path. lol

[libby]

So what's in this stuff?

[got ants]

Originally Posted by libby

So what's in this stuff?

Pacific pine tree bark Pinus Radiata

[Ray]

Another overhyped medium.

Orchids can be grown in almost anything. It's just a matter of balancing the moisture-holding capacity, airiness, and the rest of your cultural conditions and watering habits/capabilities.

Anyone who tries to tell you his product does something "magical" - "The substrate other growers don’t want you to know about" sheesh...are you kidding me?! - either doesn't know what they're talking about, or is far more interested in sales than truthfulness.I'm not saying it's a bad product - for all I know it might be a really good bark for potting media - but come on!

[BikerDoc5968]

The thoughts you express, Ray, are shared by myself. I feel very strongly that if you don't have good growing habits, it doesn't matter what's in the pot...and the cost for this stuff is outrageous! I want to do the best I can with growing my chids but at almost $50 (delivered)for a 1.5 cu ft bag... a bit too much for my budget!

[orchidsamore]

I was quick to dislike the product from reading the thread, but there may be something to it.

One of my Hawaiian suppliers uses only New Zealand bark. After buying thousands of plants from them many of which were in the medium for several years I was always impressed by the quality of the bark.

US bark is horrible with only Segovia brand being even fairly good. On the larger sizes of bark (over 1 inch) I have to re-pot every 9 months.

I will have to ask them whether this is the brand they use or if there is competition at a better price..

Shipping from New Zealand will always make it expensive on the mainland.

For hobbyist even poor quality bark if shipped will cost you about $35-40 for this large a package. If you buy the small packages sold in places like Home Depot and Lowe's you are paying much more. 1 1/2 cubic feet is a large bag.

So this thread has me curious enough to look further. I will have to see what the truck load price can be.

[BikerDoc5968]

Jerry, you let me know about the pricing 'cause I can always shoot straight down 75 and take The Ally across to the east coast rather than the TP..... I'll come for a visit 'cause I'd love to see your operation.

[Ross]

The thing that worries me is that Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata) is seriously threatened in the wild (it comes from California) and is known to carry fusarium blight spores. Like Ray says - it's mostly hype. Folks are constantly trying to corner the market on some magical stuff because they know we'll buy it While it's true that it grows very fast on certain soils and can even grow where few other species can (serpentine/magnesium rich soils for instance) it still would be suspect to me. Why do you believe it will be better and worth the added cost?