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