Pine bark orchid is a kind of substrate commonly used for orchid cultivation. It comes from the cork of some trees and has many characteristics that make it ideal for orchid cultivation. In addition, it disintegrates over time and supplies nutrients to the plants. Orchid bark is made from the bark of certain trees, a type of potting material.
It has good breathability and drainage and retains moisture, so it is often used as a medium for growing orchids. You can find ready-made mixes containing orchid bark, but you can also make your own at home.
What is The Pine Bark Orchid Made Of?
Pine bark orchid is made from the soft outer layer of pine tree trunks. This protective layer prevents moisture loss and protects the tree from damage. The thickness of the skin of the orchid varies according to tree species, but is usually around 1-2cm.
The main component of orchid shells is cellulose, which gives the shells strength and toughness. In tropical regions around the world, orchid bark is harvested from trees. The cork oak Quercus suber cultivated in Portugal and Spain has been the most common type of orchid bark for horticultural use. The use of different kinds of orchid barks, such as eucalyptus and fir, can also be made.
Orchid shells can be used to cover garden beds in an environmentally friendly way. Because it comes from a sustainable resource that’s called pine trees! If you are using an orchid bark as a multi, spread a thin layer over the surface of the soil to avoid suffocating the plant.
How To Use It
Soak the pine bark in water overnight when it is cut. There’s a loss of tannic acid in the pine bark as a result. Wash it again with clean, running water and dry it in sunlight for a few minutes after use. After that, the pine bark is prepared to be used as an orchid growth medium.
What can I use instead of Pine Bark Orchid?
Orchid bark is a common substrate for growing orchids, but it can be expensive. One option is to use fern wood fibers.
This substrate is similar in texture and to the bark of water-floating orchids, but is much cheaper. They are also easy to find in the garden. Another option is coconut copra.
Made from coconut husk, this material provides excellent drainage and breathability. Once dry, however, it can be difficult to re-water, so keep an eye on your plants if you choose this option.
Finally, consider using perlite or vermiculite instead of the pine bark of orchid. This material is often used in potting mixes and provides good drainage while being lightweight. It’s also very affordable, making it the best option if you’re on a limited budget.
Now You Know What is Pine Bark Orchid, Don’t You?
Thus a brief explanation of what a pine bark orchid is. Hopefully the explanation above is useful and don’t forget to share this article with friends and relatives! Thank you for reading!
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