Quote:
Originally Posted by scy
I use fir bark for all my orchids (mostly dens with a miltionopsis and cymbidium). I was repotting a den to the next pot size up and then realized I did not have enough bark. I was thinking of trying orchiata bark and have some questions and would also like your opinions on it.
1. How long does the orchiata bark last?
2. How do you know when the medium needs replacing?
3. Does it hold more water than fir bark?
4. I normally water my orchids by soaking them in water for 15 minutes once a week. I've read that orchiata bark shouldn't be soaked because it takes the nutrients out. Does this mean I should just run water straight through the pot or I can continue to water as I would for fir bark?
Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
- Susan
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From my experience of a bit over a year with Orchiata with Paph, Neofinetia, Catasetum and a few others)
1. more than one year for sure
2. don't know yet
3. It sure does hold more water, longer than fir bark. Watch out for overwatering !
4. I soak, don't think it is a big problem. You are going to remove nutrients when running water too... The main advice is not to soak the bark before use like regular bark, because Orchiata is enriched in dolomite lime to be pH balanced, so soaking for a long time will get rid of some dolomite...