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Thu, Mar 25, 10 at 2:11
| I'm repotting an orchid for the first time... from bark to bark. I have some unused orchid bark that is several years old... and has been stored properly. Is it still good? Can unused bark also decay in such a way that it loses nutrients/minerals?
My other question I can probably find in a FAQs. I removed as much bark as I could, but the root are still clinging to a lot of pieces. I guess I should ignore that and continue with the transfer? |
Follow-Up Postings:
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| Bark that is dry will keep pretty much forever. As for nutrients, the medium is not the source so it doesn't matter. If a piece of root has a firm hold on a piece of bark and the choice is a clean but damaged root, I say let the root keep it. That being said, if there are still a lot of pieces, you may need to try again. Almost all of these pieces will come off without root damage. |
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| You might try soaking the roots for a couple of hours in tepid water to see whether or not the bark can break loose. It should make the roots more flexible and less brittle. Easier to repot. |
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| Try and disturb the plant as little as possible. Orchids do not need repotting often. If you are worried about the status of your bark - and it can harbor many bacterial/ fungal conditions - put the quantity you need in a plastic/glass container and microwave it for 3 minutes. That will get rid of most nasties. |
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| Hi Are you in Florida?? I almost never use bark due to the constant breakdown of the material . MY favs. for most epiphytes are either mounted, Tree fern or crushed lava rock Contained in a pot of course Growing outdoors or indoors?? gary |
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- Posted by stitzelweller Md (My Page) on Sun, Mar 28, 10 at 9:13
| gary, I agree re: YOUR favorite potting media. Great for south Florida. --Stitz-- |
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| Nope, I'm in California. I'll try soaking the roots. That may work somewhat, though it may also make the roots more vulnerable to breaking... but it's worth a try. Thanks for the responses everyone. I figured the bark would be okay, and it's been stored nicely. chrysbiz |
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