Date: Sat, 29 Aug 1998 11:08:40 EDT From: M7DB@aol.com To: cp@opus.hpl.hp.com Message-Id: <aabcdefg2832$foo@default> Subject: Orchid Bark
Dear Joe
Although new to CP's, I've grown orchids for 15 years.
There is a BIG difference between Orchid Bark and the bark you get in the
garden center.
The most important difference is that orchid bark is sterile, therefore
eliminating the threat of virus and pests. Orchids grown in un-sterilized
bark (or any potting medium) may outwardly appear to grow quite well, but many
times have viruses which can cause deformed flowers, deformed plants, etc.,
especially as the plant ages. These viruses make the plant unsatisfactory for
breeding purposes, not to mention risking the health of other plants. Viruses
can and do spread from plant to plant through splashing water, etc.
The Orchid Bark also is graded differently than the bark that comes from the
garden stores. Fine in "garden store terms" means a 2" piece, vs. 1/4" in
"orchid terms."
Also most Orchid Bark is redwood bark and fir bark is a small needle like
bark. In Ohio this is quite different from the barks sold in the garden
stores that are used for mulch, etc.
I hope this helps.
M D Blain
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