Media: Brand names and sources

[dlewan]

My previous source for potting media has been sold yet again, and this time the owner cares much less about wood content in bark. So, I turn to you for suggestions.

What brands or vendors do you recommend for potting media? The media I currently use also include tree fern, perlite, sphagnum and leca. I'm also curious about coir.

Thanks.

[Dimples]

Kiwi Bark is excellent. I sort through it but it’s really not necessary. I pull out the occasional pebble and a few odd pieces but it really is ready to use out of the bag. The only US vendor is SVO in Vista, California so shipping will add to the cost if you aren’t nearby.

[Roberta]

Where do you live? The Kiwi Bark that Sunset Valley Orchids sells is great, shipping will be expensive but if they come to a show, you might be able to get around that. They also sell good sphagnum moss. Sphag is less of an issue for shipping, of course. I just recently got some tree fern (the soft stuff from New Zealand), that I found online from Walmart. Amazon has it too. Again, shipping cost not an issue

I also like Orchiata bark, fortunately I can get it locally, so can't advise on an online source.

[dlewan]

Wow! Two recommendation (and 100%!) right out of the gate. I'll look into it.

Thanks.

[jiblylegs]

I have acquired my orchiata bark from here on Amazon and was happy with the quality of the product.

[Roberta]

The product is great, problem comes on larger quantities. The OP didn't indicate what size bags they were looking for. The Kiwi Bark comes in 50L bags. Which are heavy. I apologize, I wasn't clear myself... I use 40L bags of Orchiata or the 50 L bags of Kiwi Bark. (And get a range of sizes) I'm just glad that I can get these without shipping which would cost a small fortune. Ouch!

Out of curiosity I did check out the availability of Orchiata on Amazon, since they offer "free" shipping over $25. I noticed that they bury the shipping cost in the product price, based on what I pay for the bags locally (with no shipping). And I suspect, jack it up a bit more. So there is no free lunch... alas.

[Keysguy]

I've always used and been happy with Rexius bark.
The only issue I've had lately is not being able to get the large size chunks. I used them in the bottom of pots in the same way a lot of people use styro peanuts.
Same results, much less intrusive on the environment.

I use the small size to mix with sphagnum, sponge rock and charcoal for smaller rooted plants as well as paphs, phrags coelogyne, etc. Medium size for dendrobiums, catts, etc.

Good stuff that works well for me and I can get large bags of it.

[19 Below!]

I would like to bump an update to this thread? I am looking for some fir or orchiata bark, at least a couple of gallons in good quality. I got some online and it was musty/moldy. The amazon link is no longer available.
I have used the repotme mixes, but they are really pricey. Help please!

[Roberta]

Sunset Valley Orchids sells Kiwi Bark, which is excellent quality, it's what they use. Shipping is going to be a killer... don't think they sell small quantities. But you'll know you are getting good stuff. Not going to break down if you store it reasonably well. If you get the medium size, you can pretty much use it for everything.

[Keysguy]

19 Below- have you tried Kelley's Korner Orchid Supply? PJ usually has small and medium fir bark. Multiple size bags.