Fresh Bark

[JodyP]

I've picked up several orchids in the past few months. Many of them were clearance at lows for $1. All has moss for a medium that stayed soggy, so I decided to repot using the Phal mix from Lowes. I'm just wondering, does newer potting mix need watering more often until it breaks down just a little? I just seems to me that when I water, its all evaporated within a day with this bark mixture.

[let_it_grow]

Try soaking the bark for 24 hrs before potting the plants (if you havent repotted them already). If you have already repotted them I would suggest soaking them in a tub of water once in a while. I noticed the same thing so i soak them every 3rd watering. I dont use fertilizer in the water when i soak them so I flush them at the same time.

[MuscleGirl'sHobby]

Like was said, soak the bark before using it. Yes, while it is still new and fresh you probably will have to water a little more frequently. It will hold more water and for longer as it breaks down over time.

Congrats on the nice cheap finds! I love it when I find something like that, although the cheapest I've managed is $5.

[Sandy4453]

If you're using straight bark mix with nothing else (CHC or sphag. moss is a good addition), then it's probably a good idea to get the bark pourous and soak it. I personally don't like to soak the bark because even then, until you've watered the plants a few times, the bark still, isn't quite retaining the water the way it eventually will. I have better results by boiling it in a pot and simmering for about 1/2 hour, draining and cooling for about another hour and it's good to go. So, Yes, it's a good idea soak or boilthe bark before using.

[Jensine449]

Chids at Lowe's for $1! Lucky you!!

[JodyP]

Thanks for the advice. I've done alot of reading on orchids, but failed to read I needed to soak the medium before repoting. I've already repotted, so next time I water them I'll let them soak for 12 hours or so.

Yep, the phals and dends that were $13 were marked down to $1.20 to be exact, and the large phals I got that were originally $21 were marked down to $2.20. There were all in excellent shape, just droppped most their flowers, and were put on clearance right before I walked up the clearance rack! What a deal.

[Ray]

Pour boiling water over the bark to "open up" the structure. It works even better than soaking.

If you have the problem with bark already in a pot, run lukewarm water through itfor about 5 minutes, wait 30, then repeat.

[RosieC]

I found out I should have soaked the bark after repotting as well.

I actually soaked my potted up Phals for 24 hours then let them drain thoroughly with no ill effects, but that was an acident and I would not advise it (I forgot ). But I would probably advise a more careful soaking for short periods with good draining in between. As long as the roots are not left too long without access to air flow they should be fine.

[JodyP]

Thanks Everyone!

[D-D-]

Hi, There is nothing wrong with the advice you have been given. However I never give anything but plain dry bark when I repot phals. I also will try growing one without any media. My reasoning? We can grow many plants esentually bare root including most of the lettuce you buy today. Phals grow normally with a large amount of the root mass above the medium. I have one flowering kiki in the bath room with roots 6" long before they reach the bark. I intend to remove it from the spike and root nurishment after this current flowering and grow it on bare root. D-D-