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Sterilize cork bark?

Discussion in 'Everything Else Orchid' started by pontupo, Jun 6, 2014.

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  1. Jun 8, 2014 #21
    pontupo

    pontupo Member

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    I bought mine from Ray (who clearly bought his from Maryland cork).

    Shipping is expensive from Ray (not complaining), but the one-stop-shop for everything I need including my new reverse osmosis system is very attractive. Ray also sells in amounts that are reasonable for someone at my stage of hobbying. I looked first at Maryland Cork based on conversations on this forum, but the minimum shipment is way too much cork. Hopefully as I continue to build relationships in the orchid community (and as my needs "grow") I'll be able to begin purchasing cork with or from larger growers. For now, though, thanks Ray for making it easy! :)
     
  2. Jun 9, 2014 #22
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    Last time I went down there I picked up about 100# of flats and 30 tubes of all sizes. My "prize" was one 16" in diameter bu 5' long. After doing nothing with it for over a year, I ended up selling it to a zoo.
     
  3. Jun 11, 2014 #23
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I received my order from Calwest so they are definitely in business. Their return address is in Carmichael, CA (east of Sacramento)
     
  4. Jun 11, 2014 #24
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    That is very good news. I did look at the website a couple nights ago and see that the stock is very limited still. Did you choose from what was on the website or request other things as well?
     
  5. Jun 11, 2014 #25
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I just ordered what was shown on-line. Cork, AAA sphagnum, and a few pots.
     
  6. Jun 12, 2014 #26
    ZWUM

    ZWUM Bulbophiliac Staff Member

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    That 5A sphagnum was awesome but I've never found a different source other than Cal West. I did buy some sphagnum from a vendor at a reptile show that appeared to have come from an Asian company and that is very nice. It's the closest I've found to the 5A stuff.
     
  7. Jun 12, 2014 #27
    Marni

    Marni Well-Known Member Staff Member Supporting Member

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    I am hoping for the 5A to be available again.
     
    ZWUM likes this.
  8. Jun 12, 2014 #28
    Tom-DE

    Tom-DE Well-Known Member Supporting Member

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    About two years ago, I bought some 5A for my Neof. It came worse than the 3A that I had from them two or three years earlier. They hand-wrote 5A on the package. What a disapointement!
     
  9. Jun 12, 2014 #29
    Ray

    Ray Orchid Iconoclast Supporting Member

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    A few months ago I spoke to the folks who distribute the Pacific Wide products (Besgrow NZ Sphag and Orchiata) on the east coast, and was told that the 5A stuff was really not in much demand, and MAN! was it expensive, even at wholesale. When I got a sample, I didn't see enough of a difference to warrant getting it instead of the 4A stuff they mostly sell.

    [​IMG]
     
  10. Jun 12, 2014 #30
    ZWUM

    ZWUM Bulbophiliac Staff Member

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    That's the stuff I got! It's pretty nice! I just assumed Asian because of the packaging lol
     
  11. Jun 12, 2014 #31
    wpinnix

    wpinnix William Pinnix

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    I got two bales (3 kg) from US Orchid Supplies of 3A stuff. I compared it to my small bale of 5A and couldn't tell a difference. The bale says Tokyo on the packaging, and I believe the main users are bonsai. I would recommend the product. It is in no way comparable to other 3A products I've seen, it's clean with long strands.
     
  12. Jun 12, 2014 #32
    KellyW

    KellyW Orchid wonk Staff Member Supporting Member

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    Thanks, good to know.
     
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