FAQ Category: Orchiata

What size pot and grade should I use for my orchids?

This will depend on the orchid type you are growing and its climate requirements. However most orchids prefer to be restricted in their pot; you must never use pots that are too big. It is also important that the pots that you purchase have appropriate drain holes which allow all water to drain (no pooling). … Continued

Can you plant moss plugs into Orchiata?

Orchiata is a very stable substrate and it is recommended that you do not mix other materials with it for growth. However, many growers begin their plants in Sphagnum moss and then transplant into Orchiata. If you start growth in Sphagnum moss you can plant the plugs into Orchiata saving time and labour but you … Continued

Does Orchiata accumulate salts and need flushing?

No; Orchiata is not like other bark based substrates. As Pinus Radiata bark is not soft and spongy it does not absorb additional salts. It only holds enough nutrients on the outside layer of the chip for the plant. To check this you can test the EC of the Orchiata over time. There is no … Continued

How can you tell when Orchiata is dry enough to rewater?

It is important that you allow Orchiata to dry sufficiently before rewatering. These wet and dry cycles help to control fungi and insect growth which leads to stronger root growth. You can tell when Orchiata has dried sufficiently by either picking up the pot and feeling the weight (a dry pot will be very light … Continued

What fertiliser works best?

You can use any fertiliser that is suited to orchids in Orchiata. Although a granular fertiliser is less labour intensive, liquid or foliar feed is common especially for Phalaenopsis type orchids. It is up to the grower what they will use for a fertiliser.

Do I need to wash Orchiata?

No, Orchiata does not need to be washed before use; it should be used straight from the bag. Unlike some other bark products, Orchiata: Has not been contaminated by soil or other organic matter Does not contain high salt Does not contain high amounts of bark dust as processing removes this If you DO wash … Continued

Why does the bag weight of Orchiata change?

At different times of the year due to weather conditions the moisture content of Orchiata can change. Therefore the weight will change. Orchiata is packed by the litre so you will always receive the same amount of Orchiata.

Some Orchiata smells unusual, is the material toxic?

Occasionally due to some certain types of fungi growing or storage conditions, Orchiata may smell strange. Often Orchiata has a strong pine smell which is the natural smell of the bark and can be mistaken for a bad smell; other times it may be a musty smell. Sometimes fungi grow in wetter conditions and this … Continued

What are the fungi that we see sometimes when we open a bag?

In certain conditions, fungi may grow on Orchiata. If the product is left in warm moist conditions, it can encourage fungi growth. Often you will see a fine whitish grey layer of fungi on Orchiata when you open the bag. These are most likely Penicillium or Paecilomyces. These are not detrimental to your plants; they … Continued