Category: Orchid Doctor

BARK: Potting Material

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago A history of its use from its beginnings, with names of its originators, their trials with different types and the results; refer to A87-1038 Read More

BARK: Potting Mix

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago A typical mixture would have about 15 parts medium bark, 1-1/2 parts coarse Perlite, 174 part charcoal chips (quarter-inch size). OR87-173For cymbidiums in a high humidity area near the ocean in Ca... Read More

BARK: Recycled

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago If roots die back on approaching the media in the pot, empty the mix and sift out the fines, soak the remaining bark for four days and re-use. AU87Spring-10 Read More

BARK: Sequoia Type

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago It's a mixture of several barks, fir, pine and spruce. OR85-255 Read More

BARK: To Moisten or Not Before Using

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Most authorities advise soaking before using; west coast growers sometimes pot in dry bark and water after one or two days to let broken roots heal; it seems to make no difference. OD67-117 Read More

BARKS, SUITABLE: Other Than Douglas Fir

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Silver birch, the rough part from the base of the tree; it is heavily crevassed with many a lay er of dead cells to decompose; also chestnut, pear and apple. N79-163 Read More

BARKS, SUITABLE: Other Than Fir or Cork

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago In Australia weathered hardwood is recommended; short lengths of wood with bark adhering of ti-tree, malaleuca, or banksia are as good or better. AU79-199 Read More

BARKS, SUITABLE: Other Than Fir or Redwood

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Proven examples are few; more experimentation is needed; live oak should be good but hardwood barks decay rapidly; why not try others? A79-785 Read More

BARKS: From Hardwood Trees

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago No trial has been successful with them; they decompose rapidly; develop heat and injure roots; high nitrogen favors decomposition; if available, chestnut bark is resistant. A74-896 Read More

ACID OR ALKALINE: Changing the Values

Author is Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler), posted almost 8 years ago Various means can be used: tufa, a limestone form, can be added to paphiopedilums from limestone cliffs; bark composts acidify with age; peatmoss, pine needles, oak leaves in the mix produce acidit... Read More