Bark for cattleya

[Aleksa]

I decided to repot my cattleya. Because there is no orchid mix to buy in Montenegro, I went to the pine forest and got some bark from the trees. Problem is that bark smells like...'pine'... It contains some oils which have that smell...

I have left the bark in water overnight and water got reddish colour. I also boiled water with bark and it doesn't smell so bad anymore.

Will that harm my Cattleya?? I do not want to destroy it because that is only Catt I have and it is very healthy!

[cb977]

Aleksa, pine is one of the woods that should not be used for orchids. Please try to find something that will not put your lovely collection at risk.

There are orchid suppliers online, don't know what's available in your part of the world but I think it would be worth looking into.

[GreggC]

[Aleksa]

Oh yes... But the thing is that all of my phals and Oncs are in that bark and they are growing happily.

Internet sellers unfortunately do not send anything to Montenegro.

[Aleksa]

I thought to use LECA, like for hidroculture? But not like true hidroculture but just like medium for plant (pot will not have that reservoir for water).

[cb977]

The majority of my plants are in Aliflor, which is a type of LECA. If you have it available there, I think it's a better choice.

[Ray]

Barks are typically steamed to drive out the resins that are toxic to other plants. I suppose a lot of "aging" out in rain and sun will help, but then the bark will be prematurely aged....

If you have LECA available, as Susanne said, it can be a really good medium for traditional culture.

[greg sytch]

Perhaps you have a small native tree that has limbs that may be used. I would imagine that a longer-lived tree might mean longer lasting bark...chip it and chop it but good, solak and boil over night. May help. Greg in suddenly chilly, windy Tampa Bay weird for late March