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Orchiata bark sources or alternatives

Discussion in 'Orchid Culture' started by Raven, Sep 13, 2021.

  1. Sep 13, 2021 #1
    Raven

    Raven Well-Known Member

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    Hello folks,

    My favorite vendor stopped selling Orchiata and I'm having a hard time finding a new one. The small bags that they sell on Etsy won't do a job for me since I need a lot (usually buy several 40 L bags a year). Any ideas on where I can get them?
    I've never used other bark, are there any other kinds that are similar to orchiata? Would be willing to try...

    Thanks!
     
  2. Sep 13, 2021 #2
    Maryanne

    Maryanne New Member

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    Have you tried 'Orchidsupply.com" in Ohio? I got Rexius bark and Orchiata there this summer 2021. The shipping to my area was cheaper than from a supplier in Florida. I was happy with their phone demeanor and quick shipping.
    Good luck,
    Maryanne
     
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  3. Sep 13, 2021 #3
    Raven

    Raven Well-Known Member

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    I haven't heard about them. Since I'm in Indiana, shipping should be relatively cheap. Their orchiata is still 60% more expensive than what I'm used to, though...
    How do you use Rexius bark? Is it more moisture-retentive than Orchiata?
     
  4. Sep 13, 2021 #4
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    When Rexius bark come on the market years ago I tried using it for quite a few years. I started adding tree fern, perlite and charcoal to open it up. It has a plate like shape and packs down rather badly in layers keeping roots from penetrating. I finally gave it up as a waste of time and money.
     
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  5. Sep 14, 2021 #5
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Roberts Flower Supply (orchid mix.com) has a wide variety of potting materials and other supplies, plus a few plants, notably cyps.
     
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  6. Sep 15, 2021 #6
    Raven

    Raven Well-Known Member

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    Thank you for your input! I guess I'm going to try to justify paying a lot for orchiata then.
    I keep forgetting about them. I used to buy tree fern from them. Gotta call and see what they have.
     
  7. Sep 15, 2021 #7
    Roberta

    Roberta Active Member

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    Another downside of Rexius - it is full of hard splinters. Handle with gloves if you don't want to be picking them out of your fingers, they hurt.
     
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