Orchiata is a standalone orchid growing substrate that can be used directly from the bag for potting and re-potting orchids, produced from the finest quality, 100% pure New Zealand Pinus radiata bark. Pinus radiata is sourced from renewable, man made forests ensuring availability into the future. New Zealand Pinus radiata is a hard and stable bark compared to other pine species; however, it needs to be processed from its raw state. Our unique natural process creates a high quality, stable, long lasting, toxin free, consistent growing substrate available in different sizes for your specific growing needs. Our process allows Orchiata to hold water and nutrients on the outside layer of each chip, as well as creating a slightly rough surface for roots to anchor to. Pathogens do not survive this process, however beneficial micro-organisms remain. Growers' have reported that frequent re-potting is not necessary, as potted plants have been known to remain in excellent condition in excess of 10 years. It is available in five convenient sizes: Ex Small (1/8" 4-6mm), Small (3/8" 6-9mm), Medium (1/2" 9-12mm), Large ¾" 12-18mm) and Ex Large (1" 18-25mm).
H**R
Don't leave it in the bag too long and DON'T steam-sterilize
Not too happy with this bark because I am convinced that it carries fungal spores. When you open a fresh bag there is a great piney smell. Some of the bark ships have a dark brown or white fuzz to them which is just bark dust and likely mineral deposits (dolomite according to pamphlet). Bark was slightly moist on arrival.The Good: Bark chips are a mixture of medium and small pieces (1.5in - 1in length for moss pieces) much like other brands of orchid bark. They smell intensely piney.Full disclosure: I made the rookie mistake of trying to steam-sterilize my orchid media. I thought it was a good idea after researching about proper disinfecting of orchid media. After autoclaving or letting the bag sit unopened, the bark was visibly moldy. Therefore, the bark was already inoculated with fungal spores before it arrived at my door. I can not exclude the possibility that in the process of sterilizing, I somehow contaminated the bark. I do not think this is the case because I used gloves and the mold is on every single piece in both the autoclave and un-autoclaved bags.The Bad: I bought two 1-gal bags. 1) I autoclaved the contents of one bag in a pressure cooker. Let the "sterilized" aluminum-foil sleeves sit to dry for 2 months. On opening, the bark still smells piney, but there is a beige fuzz on every single chip. T_T $15 wasted. 2) I left the second bark bag unopened for the same amount of time. Upon opening, this bag does NOT smell piney and has a strong musty smell. T_T $15Moral of the story: Don't try to autoclave bark (in general or from this vendor). After bark arrives LET IT DRY OUT COMPLETELY (baking sheet in full sun or and oven). According to the good reviews, this bark can be really awesome, but there could be more clarification from the vendor regarding proper storage and preventing mold.
1**E
Amazing
Brought this as my repotting medium for my cattleyas, I actually use a little sphagnum moss at the roots (to minimize transfer shock) but I love Orchiata! I appreciate how fast the delivery is and how Amazon keeps this available for me to purchase. I have been buying this brand based off of the recommendation from the AOS, my cattleyas and I love it!
J**5
Perfect. As advertised
Everything I’d hoped for!
S**O
How small should extra large bark be?
I ordered extra large Orchiata and although someone checked off extra large on the bag it was more of a mixed lot of bark. Most of it quite small.
M**O
I feel they are too expensive.
In my opinion these are very over priced.
N**C
Love this bark.
I prefer this bark over any other brand.
K**.
Repotting
Great for cattleya and large phalaenopsis
O**1
Great for orchids!
This is high quality excellent bark for orchids. Very satisfied!
S**A
Five Stars
Ver y clean
Trustpilot
2 weeks ago
1 week ago
