watering bark medium

[thelymitra]

Hi,

I recently bought an orchid that is potted in bark. I was wondering if there is any trick to knowing when it needs to be watered or if I'm better off just sticking to a watering schedule. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

-Chuck

[Brutal_Dreamer]

What type of orchid do you have, Chuck. Some orchids like to stay damp, others need to dry completely out.

cheers,
BD

[thelymitra]

I got a Maxillaria tenuifolia and I already have a phalaenopsis which are both in bark.

[raybark]

If the bark mix is open and airy, they can both stay moist.

The key with bark is to absolutely soak it, wait 15-30 minutes, then soak it again. The structure tends to "open up" after that first watering, so can absorb more.

Also keep in mind almost that all of the evaporation is from the top, so even if it looks dry, it might not be in the center of the pot.

[thelymitra]

Thanks. It sounds like some great advice.