Currently on the market there are many orchid growing substrates for sale. Each substrate will have different advantages and disadvantages depending on the plant variety. However, the type of substrate most people use in growing orchids is pine bark? So why?Pine bark for growing orchidsrecommended by experts and also very popular? SameMicrobial product Duc BinhFollow the article now:Things you need to know aboutPine bark for growing orchids
1. A few brief details about pine bark
Pine bark is understood as the outermost layer surrounding the pine tree,is the part that is harvested and then cut or chopped into various sizes. In addition, pine bark for growing orchids also includes pine wood and scrap pine bark from factories that are purchased and divided into many products with many different sizes. The orchid pine bark market in Vietnam is divided into two groups:
1.1 Pine bark is of domestic origin
The origin of this product is in the Central Highlands region with sizes small, medium, large with common sizes ranging from 3 – 6cm.Besides, pine bark will be divided into two main types: 2-needle pine bark and 3-needle pine bark. So what are the characteristics of each type of incompetence?See details below.
- 2-needle pine bark: usually very hard and clumpy, so growers will often chop it very finely and mix it with coconut fiber to make a growing medium for orchids. However, the durability of the tree is very high, usually 6 years before it rots, so it also saves costs.
A few brief details about pine bark
- 3-leaf pine bark: different from the 2-leaf pine bark, the 3-leaf pine tree has an overlapping layer structure. However, the bark of the three-needle pine tree is very sharp, so if you are not careful during the peeling process, you will easily cut yourself. Besides, the durability will not be as high as 2-needle pine bark, which can only last about 2-3 years. This shows that pine bark is very durable and can be used for many different purposes.
Orchid growing experts recommend using itPine bark for growing orchidsBecause pine bark contains resin which has high antiseptic properties, it always maintains durability and nutrition. Besides, it also limits pathogens and harmful fungi that affect the quality of crops. Pine bark for growing orchids has many other uses, but one of the most miraculous effects is still to provide nutrients for orchids.
1.2 Pine bark of foreign origin
Orchid pine bark imported from abroad includes the types specifically summarized below:
- Habitat pine bark: This type of bark originates from Indonesia. Habitat pine bark has popular sizes: 3mm – 6mm, 6mm – 9mm, 9mm – 12mm, 12mm – 18mm, 18mm – 25mm, 20mm – 30mm. This type of shell is used to grow orchids, the most common is the pine type with size 3 – 6mm.
- Kiwi pine bark: Originated in New Zealand with sizes including 3mm – 8mm, 9mm – 20mm (popular size for growing orchids), 20mm – 25mm, 25mm – 50mm. Each type of size will have different uses such as: size 3 – 8mm is used for newly nursed plants that need a lot of water, ornamental orchids; Sizes 9 – 20 are used to grow medium or large plants; size 20 – 25mm is used to grow large orchids such as Dai Chau and Phalaenopsis; size 25 – 50mm is used to grow large orchids, this type has high humidity and lots of humus.
- Orchita pine bark: originating from New Zealand with corresponding sizes and uses: Size 3 – 6mm is used to grow small orchids as ornamental plants; size 6 -9mm is suitable for growing small Cymbidium orchids, Paphiopedilum orchids, orchids that need a lot of water; size 9 – 12mm used to grow cymbidiums and mature orchids; size 12 – 18mm used to grow mature Phalaenopsis orchids, Dai Chau. Size 18 – 25mm is very suitable for growing Vanda, Phalaenopsis, and Dai Chau orchids.
- Besides, pine bark for growing orchids also has Alf bark and Eco bark. However, this type is less commonly used.
2. Why should you choose pine bark to grow orchids?
First you need to pay attention to the role of pine bark in using substrate. This will help the orchid stay stable, prevent it from tilting, and also deepen its roots. BesidesPine bark for growing orchidsIt also helps roots absorb nutrients to grow healthily and flower more evenly and sustainably. But why do so many people like this form so much? Let’s find out now!
Pine bark is easy to find
Currently, Vietnam’s forests have grown a lot of pine trees, so finding pine bark is no longer a barrier. The presence of so many pine trees means that the price is also cheap but not as expensive as before because of scarcity. You can find it in provinces such as Lang Son, Cao Bang, Son La, Central Highlands, etc., which are all places with large pine sources. Besides, for pine trees that have had resin taken for a long time, the tree trunk is also affected quite a lot and the bark will also be rough and peeling. However, this is very good during the harvesting process and bringing it back to grow orchids.
Pine bark for growing orchids is widely used because of its effectiveness
Used for many different types of plants
Not only can it be used for orchids, but pine bark can be used on many different types of plants. Pine bark comes in many sizes, large and small, so it can be used for single-stem or multi-stem orchids. Each type of size will be used for each specific purpose and need.
For example, large pine bark is used for large tree roots and vice versa. On the market today, there are also many places selling ready-made pine bark in many different sizes for you to choose from. However, there are only 3 most common sizes that are widely used:
- Type 3x4cm: this is the largest size used for single-stem trees such as purple cinnamon, cypress and Phalaenopsis.
- Type 1x2cm: this is the most suitable size used for orchids: philippines, cranesbills, dragons, etc.
- Bean crumbs: this is the smallest size so it also has many nutrients. This type will help plants stay hydrated longer and is suitable for seedlings, growing slipper orchids or being spread as a layer on the top of orchid pots.
Cheap price
Pine bark for growing orchids is now easy to find, so the price is no longer as expensive as before. There will be places on the market that sell whole, unminced or minced piecesavailable. However, the price is only 15-20 VND/kg. That price is completely reasonable and suitable for all family conditions. Besides, you should also find reputable places to buy and not be cheapmoneylose your gills.
Pine bark is highly moisturizing
When first using itpine barkYou will not see good moisturizing but will be stable for 1 to 2 months. If you plant pine bark, you should water it every 2 days as the appropriate time. Do not water too much or the plant will be waterlogged and die.
Pine bark retains high moisture and drains well
Good drainage
As mentioned above, pine bark does not retain moisture well but performs an effective drainage function. This also depends on the size of the substrate. The larger the size of the plant’s substrate, the faster it can drain water. However, that doesn’t mean you need to water it thoroughly.
How to make plants drain wellisLeave the foam bark underneath to ventilate the pot and spread pine bark on top and mix it with the moss to increase drainage efficiency. Try using pine bark to grow orchids this way, it’s very effective.
Functions and uses of pine bark for growing orchids
Makes plants less susceptible to disease
InPine bark for growing orchidsContains resin with high antibacterial properties and is long-lasting, so there are few harmful bacteria and fungi that can penetrate. If you use pine bark that is warm enough, it will not develop fungus and mold like regular types.
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Pine bark rots for a long time
As for pine bark, you can be completely assured about its durability. Normally, pine bark will last 3-4 years depending on the quality of the tree. But with this amount of time, your orchids will already have to be replaced, so using pine bark for about that many years is reasonable. Meanwhile, substrates such as moss, charcoal or wood are only durable for about 1 year.
3. How to properly handle pine bark for growing orchids?
Many people buy pine bark and get it emptyknow howProcessing will affect the quality of the tree. In more severe cases, your plants will have harmful fungi (mustard seeds, white patches) and the roots will gradually die.
Vietnamese pine bark is not the same as foreign pine bark, so after exploitation, a lot of dirt sticks to it. If you don’t treat that dirtthenwill affect care and planting. The smaller the pine bark, the less clean it is, so you must be very meticulous and thorough in the initial cleaning step. So how to properly clean pine bark to grow orchids and give the plant the best growth? Follow alongcontinuethis article.
How to properly handle pine bark while still promoting plant growth and development
The way to process pine bark is extremely simple and easy to do. It’s just that you haven’t found the right method yet and haven’t done it really carefully.
- Chop the pine bark to your liking: This depends on the size of the tree’s roots. If the roots are large, chop them finely and if the roots are small, such as Cymbidium orchid, orchids with small roots, chop them finely. This will be a bit complicated and take a lot of time, so please try to be patient. However, for those who are busy and cannot sit down to chop, you can buy ready-made minced meat to save time.
- Soak pine bark in water: pour the pine bark you have minced or purchased in advance into a basin containing clean water. The pine bark should be soaked for 3-5 days so that dirt can be released. Soak as long as possiblebecausePine bark will not get fungus because the resin performs a good antibacterial function
- Soaking water in lime: After soaking the pine bark in water for about 5 days, you can start taking it out. This step is not finished yet. You continue to pour the pine into a pot of clear or opaque lime and leave it for another 3 days. This ensures that the pine bark is completely clean so that the planting process is assured. However, you should not use aluminum potsbutUse a plastic pot to soak because lime contains alkaline substances that will cause your pot to turn yellow.
- Rinse thoroughly with water: After about 2 days, take the pine out and let it dry naturally. If the amount of pine you buy is too much, you can store it and store it in a cool place for long-term use.
Clean the pine bark by soaking it in lime water for about 3 – 5 days
4. Some notes when growing orchids with pine bark?
Leave the shellDo not plant orchidsTo maximize its effectiveness, you need to have principles and precautions so as not to affect the plant’s growth process. Below are some important notes you need to keep in mind while planting and caring for orchids:
Some notes when implementing the method of using pine bark as a substrate
- Shreds of pine during trialreasonwillhas sizeThe size is uneven, so you need to sieve it again to make it smooth and suitable for the intended use.
- Pine bark to grow orchidsThis is a medium that holds a lot of salt, so water the plant many times and thoroughly to remove the salt. When too much salt accumulates, the orchid’s leaves will turn yellow and burn.
- When using it, if you see white mold on the pine bark, that is a normal problem. Even though you handle it cleanly and thoroughly, natural factors cannot be avoided. There will be flying mushrooms in the air and they will also fall back on the orchid basket and grow quickly in the right environment. To minimize this situation, you should always keep the orchid basket in a dry, well-drained condition and do not choose an orchid basket that is too deep. Because the orchid pot underneath is dry and the top is negative or vice versa, the risk of white mold will be higher.
In short, the above are ways to handle itPine bark for growing orchidsand notes during planting. Don’t be subjective and not treat them before planting them will cause many consequences that will make you regret it. That’s why pine bark must be soaked and washed with lime before being used. Wishing you success in growing and caring for orchids.
Learn more: How to water orchids & stimulate orchids to flower effectively
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