Help with the substrate

[smweaver]

I agree with Mook1178. The repotme.com website is expensive, but their line of products is diverse enough to accommodate all of kinds of orchids (and growers' varying tastes in materials). Rexius and Orchiata bark (per Steve's good advice, don't boil your bark) are also great products by themselves.

The potting mix shown in your pictures, by the way, would make an outstanding basis for aroids. You're in Florida, and as someone who grows large philodendron species, I'm envious of what you could grow there with just a tiny fraction of the fuss that I have to resign myself to. Do you have any of the large-growing philodendron species (giganteum, gloriosum, pastazanum, etc.)? I know this is off-topic, but that mix you've been throwing away would suit these species well.

[Merita]

Originally Posted by smweaver

I agree with Mook1178. The repotme.com website is expensive, but their line of products is diverse enough to accommodate all of kinds of orchids (and growers' varying tastes in materials). Rexius and Orchiata bark (per Steve's good advice, don't boil your bark) are also great products by themselves.

The potting mix shown in your pictures, by the way, would make an outstanding basis for aroids. You're in Florida, and as someone who grows large philodendron species, I'm envious of what you could grow there with just a tiny fraction of the fuss that I have to resign myself to. Do you have any of the large-growing philodendron species (giganteum, gloriosum, pastazanum, etc.)? I know this is off-topic, but that mix you've been throwing away would suit these species well.

Thank you for your advice, I like to hear the opinion of others. I only have cattleyas and some phals. That ugly mixture that I threw away contained decomposed bark, pieces of wire and other things, using it without boiling it is running the risk of viruses to mention the worst, it is best to buy a substrate that you have recommended.

[Ray]

There are unlikely to be viruses in bark mix. Fungi and bacteria, sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad.

For example, Orchiata has been known to contain trichoderma, which kills other fungi, and penecillium species that secrete antibiotics to further protect the plant from pathogens.

[Merita]

Originally Posted by Ray

There are unlikely to be viruses in bark mix. Fungi and bacteria, sure, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad.

For example, Orchiata has been known to contain trichoderma, which kills other fungi, and penecillium species that secrete antibiotics to further protect the plant from pathogens.

Is that the substrate I plan to buy.