first time using Orchiata

[stefpix]

how does it compare to straight LECA / Hydroton etc? Has anyone compared?

[BKFSRS]

I think straight LECA would be too quick drying in my situation, but might work for you. The Orchiata does retain some moisture and I think it will work well in the winter when it's cooler. I also tried semi-hydro and it didn't work for me in the winter unless I had everything on heat mats because it's too cold here. I have large windows and they radiate a lot of cold and the evaporative cooling started to rot roots.

[RosieC]

Originally Posted by stefpix

how does it compare to straight LECA / Hydroton etc? Has anyone compared?

I'd be interested to know that. I've only used the straight Leca so far.

[DweamGoiL]

I use an orchiata mix for my Paphs (mostly orchiata, lava rock, leca, and charcoal). It does hold some moisture, but drains very well. So far, my plants are loving it. I like it much more than straight bark mixes.

[RJSquirrel]

There is nothing wrong with Orchiata drying out in 8 hrs after a good thorough watering in 92 degree heat. You have to water more but you are safe from over watering no doubts. Its actually close to perfect of what you need for what we commonly grow. You will/might have to add/subtract other ingredients to suit your own purpose and needs for the plants.
I dont use it straight. I add medium dyna rok bec it holds moisture and I add hardwood charcoal bec the roots seem to like to stick to it instead of the bark. If you crack open a big chunk of Orchiata you might find its moist inside. Thats good too as it keeps the roots happy and not sloppy wet.
I use spagnum for phals but if you want to use orchiata for phals you can toss in some moss for added moisture. Phals like it hot and wet. And Why you kill em all indoors in the cold. You have to watch the mix more carefully with moss in it and be more specific about when to water.

I like the stuff myself and have good experience with it. We wait for the blooms now for plants Ive grown in it....Bout xmas or easter next year

Orchiata is good stuff!!!

[JMLand]

Well after a few weeks I have noticed my phal stuartiana, wich was originally in sphag moss, is now bouncing back in the orchiata. I'm also niticing much much less algae. No noticeable difference for my paph delenatii yet but he's a seedling and slow growing. I also have my new mexipedium in it mixed with some calcium rock I had in the yard. We shall see how the slippers like it

[SJF]

Originally Posted by JMLand

I thought I would share my experience with orchiata and see if anyone else has had some the same issues I'm having.
So far it seems to dry out faster than normal bark. I tried using straight out of the bag, letting soak for a few hour and even soaking for 2 days. Each pot dries out just as fast. In my case, usually in a few hours to a day at best.
My second issue is that it doesn't seem to pack into the pot as well as normal bark. And my thinking is that it might be drying out to fast because it is too loose.
Has anyone else had these same issues?

I use Orchiata and love it! I purchase mine from Ray from our board since he has good prices and actual cost shipping.

I have read that you should not soak it. You are removing some of the baked on benefits when soaking it. You can use it straight out of the bag. I love not needing to pre-soak it. On that note, I did read an article that said you need to water more frequently in the beginning until it "breaks in". The article stated that if the plant or leaves look dehydrated to water thoroughly every few days until the bark "breaks in".

[jeremyinsf]

One thing about Orchiata though that's been sitting a bit, and is dry - it should not be used directly. If it's moist, it's OK to go straight out of the bag, but if it's dry, you want to get it wet first. At least, that's what I have been consistently told.

If you use very dry media, it will suck the life out of the roots and cause further transplant shock.

I use a custom mix of this stuff in most all my plants (except the Masdevallia's) and I love, love, love it. I have a tub of it pre-mixed how I want it, and then I have a scoop - a slotted plastic orchid pot actually - that I can scoop out what I need and then run it under the sink for a moment before I use it with a re-pot.

[james mickelso]

I guess I'm lucky that I live at the beach. I never have "soaked" any bark or any other media I've used. I water the roots, not the media. If the roots are drying out quickly all the better. I use 1/2 inch bark (very hard New Zealand pine bark which I think is Pinus Radiata) straight out of the bag. Even those orchids I plant in lava rock do well. I would rather water more frequently than guess when the orchids need watering. Most of the bark you get now is very poor quality anyway. If the roots are getting dry too quickly.....water more often.

[jeremyinsf]

Orchiata *is* New Zealand Pinus radiata. Just the brand name of it.