Orchid Care OrchidTalk Orchid Forum Links Nursery

Welcome to OrchidTalk Orchid Forums


The Friendliest Orchid Community on the Internet!


  •  » Learn to Repot your Orchids
  •  » Learn Orchid Care Tips and Secrets
  •  » Find the perfect Orchid for your Growing Environment
  •  » Chat with Orchid Growing Professionals

OrchidTalk - "Bringing People Together to Grow Orchids Better!"


Let us help you grow your Orchids better; Join our community today.


YES! I want to register an account for free right now!


Register or Login now to remove this advertisement.

Results 1 to 9 of 9

Thread: Large Decorative Landscaper Wood chips

Click here to increase the font size Click here to reduce the font size
  1. #1
    Real Name
    Chris Miller
    My Grow Area
    Outside 24/7.
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Cattleya, Encyclia
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Posts
    147
    Member's Country Flag

    Wink Large Decorative Landscaper Wood chips

    Just bought a large bag of landscapers decorative bark for my orchids. Has anyone had any problems planting in these? I wanted something larger and chunkier than most of the orchid mixes available and thought this would be a good deal. Anyone?

  2. #2
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Phalaenopsis cymbidium dendrob
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    Harpham in East Yorkshire UK
    Posts
    1,113

    Default

    I seem to remember a thread about this on the UK site. I think the general concensus was not to use it because of the danger of disease. Spores etc.

  3. #3
    My Grow Area
    On a Windowsill.
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    215
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    Baking it first to kill any pest/bacteria? Just grabbing at straws, have thought about this before.
    AL

  4. #4
    Real Name
    Chris Miller
    My Grow Area
    Outside 24/7.
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Cattleya, Encyclia
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Dallas, Texas
    Posts
    147
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    AL, I would think that that would work. I wasn't so concerned about fungal/bacteria treatment, but thinking that maybe they include some preservative on the landscapers decorative bark that could harm the orchid. But, I'm probably expecting too much of these manufacturers. They probably prefer that the bark mix breaks down fast! More future sales!

  5. #5
    My Grow Area
    On a Windowsill.
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Posts
    215
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    They are usually quite damp when they come out of the bag but I have no idea at what temperature they would start to burn. You'd have to experiment a bit and they would probably have to the 'turned' a few times.....
    I think some of them have some type of dye used particularly the "red cedar" type. Pure pine or fir might be sans any color treatment.....
    Again, just therorzing........
    Al

  6. #6
    Real Name
    Connie
    My Grow Area
    Porch/Patio.
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Mini Vanda, Schombs &Encyclia.
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    West of Tampa, FL
    Posts
    9,271
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    There was an earlier thread about this, you are right. Do not use the decorative mulch, it contains acids and other stuff that kills orchids. Also be careful with cocoanut fiber and other commercial woods not labeled safe for orchids. Often salts or other stuff will be present and again it kills orchids.
    Connie

  7. #7
    Real Name
    Mary
    My Grow Area
    Greenhouse
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Cattleya William Farrell
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Gender
    Female
    Location
    Gulf Coast
    Posts
    3,141
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    Like Connie said many barks are toxic to orchids. You would do better if you stick to the barks produced mainly for orchids. You also have to consider the fact that large pieces will dry the plant out faster because the larger the bark the larger the air spaces between the pieces. So that can be problematic also.

  8. #8
    My Grow Area
    On a Windowsill.
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    Dendrobiums
    Join Date
    Aug 2007
    Location
    Central Valley of California
    Posts
    11
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    Again, as others have stated there may be and probably are additives to the bark that would not be good for the orchids and I doubt baking will effectively get rid of them. Another consideration is what type of orchids do you want to use this large bark for. Remember the root system of the orchid dictates the size of bark you need to use.

  9. #9
    My Grow Area
    Greenhouse
    Favorite Orchid(s)
    All types
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Missouri
    Posts
    4,831
    Member's Country Flag

    Default

    I have some in the plain landscape bark , all I do is soak it well pick out any scrappy stuff . No problems with it at all . It is not dyed or treated . Vandas are in it also Catts . Gin

Similar Threads

  1. Coconut Shell Chips (CSC)
    By Tanya in forum General Orchid Culture
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: May 14th, 2008, 11:28 PM
  2. Decorative Orchid Container
    By Brutal_Dreamer in forum Orchids For Sale / For Trade
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: January 26th, 2008, 10:37 PM
  3. Coconut Husk Chips
    By Bikerdoc5968 in forum Semi Hydro / Lights / Greenhouses / Accessories
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: December 10th, 2007, 02:31 PM
  4. Protecting wood....
    By mtequine in forum General Orchid Culture
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: June 25th, 2007, 06:39 PM
  5. Coconut Husk Chips
    By Bikerdoc5968 in forum General Orchid Culture
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: June 11th, 2007, 02:52 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •  
OrchidTalk --An Orchid Growers Discussion Forum brought to you by River Valley Orchidworks. A World Community where orchid beginners and experts talk about orchids and share tips on their care, cultivation, and propagation.