Question about bark

[camille1585]

I have some repotting to do, but have no more bark. Normally I order it from an orchid vendor. However, I noticed in a nearby garden center that they sell bags of 10L of bark from french pine. (Pinus pinaster, if you really want to know). The bark is just the right size, but I wanted to know if I need to do anything to it before using it to repot? I don't know if the normal 'orchid bark' is treated before hand!

[camille1585]

My post got buried nearly right away.....

[mayres]

The best orchid bark vendor in my area heat treats it prior to packaging - it is douglas fir bark.

[masda]

You would be advised to boil any bark thats from any unknown source, as it will harbour all sorts of bugs including snail eggs, I know a grower that puts his in an old microwave to sterilize it befor he uses it which is not a bad idea.

[camille1585]

Thansk for your answers! I never thought about having to sterilize it beforehand. Since I only just moved in to my student room, I don't have an oven or mivrowave yet. I'll have to try boiling it. Any idea how long it needs to boil?

[masda]

About 5min or so, but use old pots and only half fill them as it may boil over a slow simmer is ok.