Recommendation for a bark based potting medium
I've always mixed my own potting medium. I've seen good results with a blend of 75 volume percent of medium grade Mediterranean fir bark, 15-20 percent of clay pellets (Seramis) and 5-10 percent of Perlite. I apply the mix in dry condition and soak after repotting in clear water. Usually I use it for orchids in medium sized plastic pots.
The material decomposits slowly and is suitable for a wide range of species from Gongorinae to young Cattleyas, Brassavolas, Trichopilias, Oncidiums to Dendrobium nobile hybrids.
The ingredients are inexpensive. The bark comes in big bags from France. I guess that the ingredients are easily obtainable all over Europe.
I use the bark after I've hand picked the pieces into a coarse selection and a medium grade selection. I sort out everything that is too fine or otherwise unsuitable. This is time consuming, but laterwards the mix keeps fresh and open much longer.
The root system shown above belongs to Oncidium ornithorhynchum.
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