First time using bark - Orchid Board

(..._...) · #1 03-07-2009, 11:58 AM

I repotted my Sanderara today

. I didnt really want to disturb it, but the new growth was pretty high up, and most of the roots werent growing into the pot, just outwards, so I decided to re-pot.

However, this time I chose to use a small bark mix. In the past I havent been lucky with bark, but I would like to give it another try. I broke a few of the roots tips, but there are many more just starting.

Wish me luck!
Thanks,
Cam

Here are some pictures:

AaronM · #2 03-08-2009, 03:11 AM

Well done! Next time you might want to soak the bark for a few hours or dump boiling water over it and then let it cool. This will help the new bark to retain more moisture.
If you don't use bark, what do you use?

AaronM

Sandy4453 · #3 03-08-2009, 08:59 AM

Looks really good! Bark has been getting a bad rap the past couple of years but I still use it and think it's the best for a lot of orchids. I never use it straight (except on a couple of Dends) and depending on which plants, always use more or less of it in the mix.

(..._...) · #4 03-08-2009, 11:13 AM

I use sphagnum moss for all my plants.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AaronM

Well done! Next time you might want to soak the bark for a few hours or dump boiling water over it and then let it cool. This will help the new bark to retain more moisture.
If you don't use bark, what do you use?

AaronM

tuvoc · #5 03-08-2009, 11:57 AM

Cam, just remember bark is going to dry out a LOT faster than moss. Especially new bark. Keep an eye on this baby, and good luck.

Kim

AaronM · #6 03-09-2009, 02:03 AM

In my experience, plants grown in bark mixtures are much lower maintenance and generally healthier than those grown in sphagnum moss. Moss goes through three stages after you water it: 1) Soaking wet, 2) Soaking wet in the middle, 3) Bone dry.
Most orchids do not grow in any type of natural conditions even remotely resembling a pot full of sphagnum moss. In fact most common orchids grow on tree bark which allows the roots to breath and dry out between rains. The exposed roots also get plenty of air flow which helps keep away pests and diseases.
While moss is often used by commercial growers due to its cheapness, it is not a very good long term medium.
You will probably find that a bark mix like they sell at Home Depot will work much better for the majority of orchids. They even have a variety with coarse sphag for Phals, Oncidiums, and others who like a little more moisture; as well as a Dendrobium mix with lava rock in it for those who like to be a little dryer.
If you don't believe me ask in the appropriate forum about any plant you are thinking about repotting and I'm sure you will very rarely have anyone suggest you plant it in straight sphagnum.

Aaron "Sphag Hater" M

blackorchid · #7 03-09-2009, 10:30 AM

I'm currently trying coconut husk chip, but I still think the combo sphag and styrofoam peanut or perlite works best for me. Slowly, I'm getting used to with coconut chip, but I've never tried bark because I've heard bad reputation about them getting nitrogen away from your plant and they don't dry out evenly... It's just disturbing....