Coco husk vs. Bark chips
 

So ever since i have grown orchids, i have always stuck with a bark chip based media for the majority of my plants, and it works quite well, but I always notice how much the bark rots, and it can be a hassle when it comes time to repoting. I have been looking up coco nut husk chips and I have read that they don't decompose as much as bark chips, i would also imagine it would not be as dense as bark. Has anyone tried out coconut husk chips, and what are your preferences?

Greg

I use chc ( coconut husk chips) a lot. Not for everything - plants in large pots that like to dry out go into bark mix. I love chc. It is advisable to soak and rinse well prior to using. Some products may not be "ready to use" for orchids; they may contain salts. The product I currently have - hydrofarm coco croutons - has been fine to use straight from the bag- just rinsed prior.

There's a recent thread still ongoing on the same topic ...

thanks!

I use a mix that is mostly coconut husk chips for all my phals and paphs. I've had very good results with it. However you said that bark has worked well for you and I usually don't recommend trying to fix something that isn't broken. If you want to try chc, I would recommend planting a couple of your orchids in it and wait several months to see how they do compared to the plants you have in bark. The most important thing is to find a mix that works in your specific environment and with you personal culture habits.

What brand of bark are you using? I use the Kiwi Bark from Fred Clarke at Sunset Valley Orchids:
Sunset Valley Orchids - Grower and hybridizer of quality orchids, Vista CA.
It is made from New Zealand Pinus radiata as is Orchiata but Fred claims that his stuff will last longer because it has not undergone the "maturing" process that Orchiata is subjected to.
Orchiata - New Zealand Orchid Bark as a Potting Mix for Orchids and Cymbidium Growing Media | Orchid Substrate from Besgrow Orchiata Specialists

I also use chc for my paphs and the roots grow so well in it. good drainage and good moisture retention.

Here's a recent discussion.

http://www.orchidboard.com/community...s-vs-bark.html