Product information "Orchi-Bark Plus III (12-20mm)"

In nature, orchids grow as epiphytes on trees. The orchids cling to the tree bark. Through rainfall and wind-blown organic material, they can absorb the nutrients they need. Therefore, bark-based substrates are particularly suitable for orchids, as they most closely resemble their natural environment. In conventional potting soil, the orchid roots would suffocate from a lack of air.
The basis for an orchid substrate is always bark. Due to global forestry, pine bark of consistent quality is the easiest to obtain.
Cultivating orchids in pure bark is not entirely easy. Almost none of the professional horticultural businesses still cultivate the plants in pure bark today. A water-retaining permanent humus should always be added to the bark. For this purpose, sphagnum, white peat, or coconut substrate can be used, for example. The choice of permanent humus depends not only on availability and price, but above all on the quality of the bark and the fertilizer used.
Soft bark such as Pinus sylvestris (Orchi-Bark) absorbs water easily, releases it just as easily, and is an optimal option for 1-2 years. Pine bark from Pinus pinaster (Orchi-Bark Plus) is significantly harder, free of bast, and the bark slowly absorbs moisture after 1-2 months in culture. In Pinus pinaster (Orchi-Bark Plus), the plants can be cultivated for up to 3 years without repotting. The bark of Pinus merkusii (Orchi-Bark Premium) is very hard, lasts up to 5 years, but takes a very long time for the bark to absorb moisture.
All the bark we offer is heated to 80-90°C in huge drums for a short time, which kills insects and pests.