Thoughts on coco coir as a orchid media

[Keysguy]

Originally Posted by Ray

I have sworn off organic components, as they are ridiculously short-lived in my new growing conditions.

However, the stiff coir fibers - sometimes referred to as "gorilla hair" is a pretty good material, as it pretty much only retains water where the fibers overlap, leaving a LOT of air.

That sounds pretty close to a good description for the stuff I use Ray.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Coco fiber works if there’s enough of it to contain the roots, it doesn’t dry out too fast for your orchid, and retains enough moisture.

I prefer coco chunks. There are different grades of it and it’s easy to use.

Coir (the fine stuff that comes compressed into a block) is too fine for many of the orchids I grow and can compact over time. I find many terrestrial orchids don’t do well with fine potting media of any kind because it tends to retain too much moisture for very long periods of time when the orchids are grown in a pot and can also create problems with not providing air circulation to the roots. I can’t think of a lot of uses for the fine coir in orchid growing. Maybe other people might differ in opinion on this matter.

I find that choices in potting media may not only differ from growing to growing environment, but may differ due to the type of orchid you’re growing, and what the person prefers to use.