Will left over bark harm an orchid in S/H??

[mspatt]

Hi All, I am relatively new to this culture, but I am switching more and more of my orchids to S/H. The next to go is a small oncidium that has been in bark for a couple of years. I don't want to disturb the roots any more than I have to, so if I get,say, two-thirds of the old medium from between the roots, is that enough? How important is it to have a really clean plant going into the leca?

TIA for any help you can give me...

[Zoi2]

It is important to have clean roots. The bark media is just another avenue for fungus. The most important for semi hydro is new root growth.
Joann

[Oscarman]

100% agreement with Joann. The roots need to be cleaned really well. Leftovers will emcourage rot. Give your plants a good soaking prior to repotting to make the bark release easier to pick off.

I will usually wash away all the loose bark under a tepid running faucet and into a strainer first.

[thakshila smith]

Dave ,
Thanks so much for your information about roots. Oncidiums make
lots of roots than leaves. Good example.

[Ray]

A few flecks here or there are not going to be a big issue, but a third of the total bark mass with be such a great environment for fungi and bacteria, you will likely lose the plant.

[mspatt]

Thanks, everybody. I was afraid I knew the answer to this question,and you have all confirmed it!! So I will soak away and remove as much of the bark medium as I can, being as gentle as I can. (Tweezers?) Anything to avoid fungus...

[nenella]

Hi,
I agree with the above in 'theory' but, I have to admit that I have transplanted oncidium alliance 'chids from Bark to leca (h/s)- leaving bits of bark in the mix ...
one is an Onc spachelatum, Sharry Baby & an 'sweet sugar" empire .. which I have a had a couple years and get the "stuck" bark off when I repot they all flower regularly.. keep us posted

[mspatt]

Thanks, Nenella. Between you, Ray, and all the others, I think that I can get most of the bark out from between the roots and my little oncidium will live with the few remaining chips.

I appreciate your advice and response because I'm just kinda "feeling" my way around the S/H world...Learning from my mistakes...Trying not to kill anybody!!

[Imperial_Exotics]

Left over bark just doesn't seem like it should be much of a problem.

A potted mix with bark is going to retain more active moisture than hydroton pellets by a long shot.
Add to that fact, that the Hydroton has substantially greater airflow around it, which will also serve to deter mold and fungus from forming.

Therefore it would stand to reason that small bits of leftover bark would be exposed to less standing moisture than if it was in a pot of mix.

So why should it be any more susceptible to molds and fungus when it is exposed to less moisture?

[kalanchoe]

Originally Posted by Imperial_Exotics

So why should it be any more susceptible to molds and fungus when it is exposed to less moisture?

I think the problem is more an issue of constant moisture + bark = potential fungus problems