Soaking Medium Bark

[masaccio]

I have a couple of paphs that are doing well (as purchased) in medium bark. Even though they need watering every 2-3 days, I'm impressed by the growth and vigor I'm seeing. Since eventually they will need repotting, I've been wondering how long standard medium grade orchid bark should be soaked before using for paphs. A week? Does boiling the bark and using it as soon as it cools replace extended soaking? Thank you.

 

[Paphluvr]

When I used bark (I now use a mix based on CHC) it usually came in a heavy duty plastic bag. I just poured boiling water over it, gave it a good shake, sealed it well and considered it ready to use the next day.

 

[Ray]

►Pour hot or boiling water over it, wetting it thoroughly.

►Wait 15-30 minutes, during which time the cellulose structure opens up.

►Pour hot or boiling water over it, wetting it thoroughly.

►Use when cool.

 

[Ozpaph]

make up the mix.
hose it down to wash out fine.
let drain (I mix the bark/charcoal/perlite on shadecloth)
shovel into plastic garbage containers
close the lid
humidity does the rest

 

[masaccio]

Excellent. I like all of these options. Thank you!