Bark storage

[GregorK]

i was just wondering how do you store your bark.
Me for example. I have it in a sealed plastic bag which is in a big box inside my closet

I dont know if thats good. do you think it needs to "breathe" more? I opened it today because i need to do some repotting and it kind of smell "funny".

Gregor

[Orchid Whisperer]

I also store my supplies (bark, charcoal, Sphagnum, etc.) in plastic bags. Unless I know that I will be using these supplies very soon, I always make sure that they are very dry before they are sealed.

[GregorK]

The bark looked dry when i sealed it. but i cant be sure since i got it from a supplier use a little bit of bark and sealed it back again.

I guess the worst case scenario would be that i throw it away because of decomposition.

Thanks for the reply!

Gregor

[silken]

My large bags of bark come in bags with some small holes. I always put it in another large bag to prevent a mess of fine sawdust, but I leave the outer bag open. I have heard of someone getting mold in theiebark, so be sure it is dry.

[Orchid Whisperer]

Originally Posted by GregorK

The bark looked dry when i sealed it. but i cant be sure since i got it from a supplier use a little bit of bark and sealed it back again.

I guess the worst case scenario would be that i throw it away because of decomposition.

Thanks for the reply!

Gregor

If you think it is necessary, you can always boil the bark before using it.

[silken]

Originally Posted by Orchid Whisperer

If you think it is necessary, you can always boil the bark before using it.

I always microwave a bowl full (pyrex dish) before using it and that helps get it to retain moisture better too then put in a colander and flush with cool water to get rid of fine dust and cool it off!

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by silken

I always microwave a bowl full (pyrex dish) before using it and that helps get it to retain moisture better too then put in a colander and flush with cool water to get rid of fine dust and cool it off!

I always heat and reheat mine as well; helps make sure no dust particles either. I rinsed and re-rinsed mine for probably 2 hours the other day and the dirt and dust that came out was shocking.

[jeremyinsf]

What kind of bark are you talking about, specifically?

Some come very 'dry' to start with, and don't need to breathe as much.

Others absolutely need it -like Orchiata:

How do you store Orchiata?
While a covered building specially designed for storage is always preferred, we realise that not all growers have these types of facilities. If the rules below are followed, the product should remain pest free and in a high quality state until used.
There are eight main features that will preserve the quality of Orchiata while in storage:

-The material should be stored with ample air movement both underneath and around the bags. This will prevent humidity or temperature build up which may encourage fungal and insect growth.
-Store under cover, either in a shed or storage facility or covered with a tarpaulin (still try to allow air to circulate around the bags). This will protect the material and packaging from the elements.
-Store out of direct sunlight so that the packaging is not affected and temperature and humidity are stable.
-Prevent the material from becoming too wet or dry. Conditions that allow Orchiata to become wet via rain or water pooling will encourage unwanted fungal growth. This may be detrimental to plant growth if kept unchecked. Orchiata that is too dry may create rewetting problems when used.
-Store in cool conditions to keep humidity and temperature low. This will prevent fungal growth and deter insect infestation.
-Store on a concreted area or metal shelves away from contamination such as weeds, flowing water, or animals.
-Use the product as soon as possible. Fresh is best.
-Do not keep in containers that can attract heat and build up to high temperatures.

[RJSquirrel]

I just stuff mine outside in a leaky old 5 gal bucket with a hole in it...

I never read directions for storing orchiata before. I been doing this all 'rong...Im sad

[jeremyinsf]

No need to be sad! This is just the manufacturer's recommendations. How many of us actually follow directions to the letter? ;-)

I only posted it because I know a lot of people on this board use it as premiere bark and it seemed relevant to the question.