Mix drying too fast

[Ray]

Benno - before using the bark, pour very hot or boiling water over it, as that causes it to swell, allowing it to absorb more.

Rather than repotting again, water the pots heavily, wait 30 minutes and do so again., and maybe even a second delay and third watering. After that, it will have absorbed enough water and "opened up" that it will take the watering better in the future.