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Is there a replacement for pine bark on orchids?

Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by OrchidsFan200, Mar 22, 2023.

  1. Mar 22, 2023 #1
    OrchidsFan200

    OrchidsFan200 New Member

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    Hello everyone, I have a small question. In my city it is very difficult to get pine bark, however, many orchids require it to grow properly and I do not have access to this material. But is there any material that can replace pine bark? I'm asking because I don't have any kind of access to this material and it would be impossible to get it for my orchids to develop well. Greetings!
     
  2. Mar 23, 2023 #2
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    First, where are you located? And welcome to the forum.
     
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  3. Mar 23, 2023 #3
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Orchids do it require pine bark to grow. If you think about it, you would probably never find a single plant in nature growing in it.

    What they DO need is a substrate that provides mechanical stability and holds water and nutrients without stifling air flow around the roots.

    Currently, I grow all my plants in an inorganic mix of lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA) and cubes of rockwool made from molten basalt. Over the years, I have grown orchids in bark, cypress wood chips, chunks of ground cork (don’t do that, it decomposes rapidly) coconut husk fiber, coconut pith chips, redwood fiber, sphagnum moss, and any number of other materials, including glass marbles.
     
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