ruh-roh scooby... what if I didn't soak my bark?
 

Hi there... I must be slow, or at least slow to find this, but I didn't realize I needed to soak my bark before repotting. How much of a problem is this if I failed to do so? When I do water I bring the plants in their pots (either clay or plastic) to the sink and run under room temperature water till it fills up, then repeat a few times, then let them drain and return to their living spots. I water like this once every 5-7 days (or when my little skewers tell me to)... but what if my skewer is wet from the watering in the sink, but the bark is not?

Love you all for having the answers and the patience to share with me ;)

If you forgot to soak beforehand, what you can do is let the entire pot soak each time you water. Stick it in a sink or bucket full of water so that the water level is nearly to the top of the pot. I would leave it there almost an hour, and do that for a few waterings. I once made the same mistake, and long soaks helped.

That's how I normally water my orchids, but only a 10 minute soak!

Hi Lady T :waving,

I'll let you into a secret...........I never have soaked my bark and I water mine about the same as you do. I fill the sink with tepid water and add the fertilizer. I give the pots a dunk for a few seconds and then put them on the side of the sink to drain. All my orchids are going full steam ahead at the moment and it's winter here in Oz. :cold

Marion

OMG!
Somebody else that says Ruh-Roh!!!!!

:rofl: I love it :rofl:

Thank you thank you all! I feel better! And I love it Susanne that you love ruh-rohs too! It's quite often that I use it, and it seems when I do I get a sideways look from those who it goes right over their head. Bless their heart. ;)

Look out it the astro twins ....wheres releroy

I never soak any of the medium that I use, except for dampening moss in order to move it around and not break roots. I think this would fall on #98765432 on the orchid don't list. :)

Go forth prosper and be merry. :)

You should be just fine, Lady. as has been mentioned, just soak them a bit longer when you water. I just noticed that you are in Logan, UT. I'm from Hyrum originally, but haven't been back for a long time. Cache Valley is really a beautiful place.

Kim

I never soak bark or CHC mixes. I find it much less difficult using dry mix to get it packed in around the roots. They get repotted and sit back in the greenhouse where they get watered right along with the others.

Wow Kim! Hyrum! No way! I actually live in Providence on the bench, so I'm sure you know just where I am. I moved up here from Calif. to go to USU, and somehow just stayed, although I would love to move. Since I'm not originally from here, this place always seems a little culture shock-ish, but I've adapted best I can. It is a beautiful area, that is for sure, but the winter months of Jan & Feb. are inducing a seasonal depression that I tire of. Ug!

Thanks to all for your suggestions, tips, experience sharing, and good stuff. I feel better, and know more now ;)

Some sources of bark are simply too dense to absorb water very well, dousing them with boiling water or soaking them for a time will allow the structure to "open up" and be more absorbent. Some of the barks available right now (Rexius) are steamed before packaging, while others (Orchiata) are aged, and don't have that problem.

CHC seems to absorb pretty readily, but I still prefer to soak that, if for no other reason than to clean it of salts.

"this place always seems a little culture shock-ish, but I've adapted best I can."

I know exactly what you mean! Since you're not a native, I'll add, 'it's a lovely place to be from. LOL

Kim

LOL, I was trying to be subtle, and figured that if you understood, you understood what I meant! I don't wish to offend anyone, but given that I am from Southern Calif., coming here with the main part of the culture being one way, if you are an outsider, you sort of remain that at least I have found, unless you join the club.

Someday we will move, and I'm ready for whenever that happens ;)

cb977
 

I say it, too. :biggrin: It just comes natural....kinda slides off my tongue.
Vicki