Best Orchid Bark Brands: Comparing 5 Brands

[@Orchideria]

I need to make a correction in this video. Under the Orchiata bark, I listed only 3 sizes because I wasn't aware they had more. They actually have 5 sizes. There is one that is smaller than I listed, called Precision, ranging around 1/8 of an inch (4-6 mm) and one that is the largest of them all, called Super, ranging around 18-25 mm. I appreciate Ken's email from Orchid Supply Store for pointing this out and for also telling me that they are now Dalton's Orchiata. I'm not affiliated with them, so I totally appreciated the honest feedback. If you want to check out the bark mixes, please contact the Orchid Supply Store at orchidsupplystore.com/shop-by-categories/bark/orchiata-orchid-bark/. (not an affiliate link) I found their prices to be better than what I found on Amazon, so it's worth a look.

[@KanemiX3]

Hi Amanda, I have watched countless orchid videos, From Missorchid to Rick L. But you have the best content when it comes to orders and orchid shopping and choices. You are always straight to the point and list your information better than miss orchid. I always go back to your videos.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Insert Name Here, Thank you. I'm humbled by your words.

[@ajnthejuice593]

WELCOME BACK AMANDA! Its great to see you and Midnight again. Because I have so many cymbidiums, it is so much cheaper to mix my own orchid mix. And orchid bark is an ingredient in my orchid mix. And as you said, everybody's situation is different. But it takes time and homework. As for orchid bark. I use E.B. Stone medium orchid fir bark here in Northern California, and I have been very happy with it. Although the price varies from store to store a lot. I found the best deal in my area, and have continued to buy it there. They also sell an orchid mix which is a general orchid mix and not so much for the variety that you have . Then you have to figure out what to add to it. But after that is done, it's easy peasy.

[@Orchideria]

Hi AJN, 👋 It's good to be back. Thank you for all your support and kind words. I haven't heard of that brand, so I'll be on the lookout for it. I bought the bag for cymbidiums at Repot-me but haven't tested it yet. I have feeling that I'll end up doing what you did and make my own.

[@ajnthejuice593]

Just as a comparison of the prices, I get a 1cu ft. Bag of med orchid bark for $10.99. That’s a big bag. So it’s a no brainer for me. If I had just a few orchids, I might consider a mix but with 40 or more, I don’t think so. I know I still have all the extras that I have to add, but I’m sure that it’s more economical to make my own. Plus I can adjust my mix as situation may arise.

[@zazaza171]

You are Awesome Honest, well explained! I am a beginner! My mom fell and 2 members from church brought 2 Orchid plants beautiful! No idea in how to care for them. I am so glad to have your beautiful website on You Tube!!

[@christinenorton2510]

Very useful information as usual. Nice to see you're back with us all.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Christine, Thank you! 😊 I appreciate it.

[@JohnnyRecently]

Please make more videos, Amanda! You're the best orchid teacher I've ever seen!

[@Orchideria]

Wow! Thank you!! 😊 I plan to as soon as I get settled. I've been moving a lot this past year and haven't had time to do much in terms of orchids.

[@lorislp123]

I love your videos. They are so informative!!

[@ellietobe]

One of my children bought me a beautiful orchid for Mother’s Day a few years ago. My children know how much I love plants and especially flowers, however, I had never owned an orchid nor did I ever plan on getting one. I was under the impression that you basically needed a hot house with lots of humidity in order to keep an orchid alive. That may have been true 100 years ago but not today with all the hybrids that are now sold. After that orchid was done showing off it was still alive. I was not really sure what to do with it. I had learned enough to know not to put ice cubes in the pot but not much more. I decided to buy the premixed imperial Repotme orchid mix. I added just a little more sphagnum moss to the mix. We have high humidity during spring and summer and I did not want them getting to damp during those seasons. It is pricy but since I only had one orchid and was just experimenting to see if I could get it to bloom again I felt better buying something done by someone who knew what they were doing. That orchid has surpassed my wildest expectations! It flowers twice a year and grows a new leaf in between flower spikes. I am amazed. I also bought the Repotme orchid fertilizer also. I have been extremely pleased with the results. Since I have an Amazon “membership” I purchased those products through Amazon. No additional shipping charges. The Repotme website charges for shipping or I would buy direct from them. I don’t know what kind of bark they use but It has been over two years since I repotted that orchid and the bark is still looking good. I think I will eventually repot it next year. It seems so happy right now that I do not want to disturb it until I need to. My deal with myself was that if I could get the orchid to bloom again that I would then purchase another one. I now have three more orchids. Two of the new ones are minis and one is regular size. I have to disagree with this woman about mini orchids. They usually come in a pot that is about 2” wide. When I repotted those mini orchids I went up to four inch pots. Really, if those orchids could breathe like us we would have heard a sigh of relief! Most of the roots were healthy but they were squeezed into those tiny pots so tightly that it was difficult even getting them out of the plastic “pot” that was inside the ceramic pot. I had to cut that off! The four inch pots were not too large. The minis are growing new leaves and roots all of the time. Still hoping for a spike. I once bought that Orchiata bark once. The one in the pink bag. I was very disappointed in the quality. It was supposed to be medium size but instead it was mostly very small pieces of bark and dust. The Repotme bark was much better quality. I also grow succulents and tropical plants indoors and I usually mix my own soil for them. I spend more for the media for the orchids but it is worth it. Obviously, if I had a room full of orchids I would have to find a different way of doing things.

[@loribadgero1035]

Thank you for your honest insights into these products and detailed explanations!

[@ivetm2523]

Hi Amanda, great to see you again! Most of the brands in your video I can’t buy in the EU, but Orchiata is here available too. And it’s my favorite. Thanks to your previous videos I found my perfect mix (with sphagnum, charcoal and small pieces of cork, which I’m adding to Orchiata). Thank you for your videos. I appreciate the scientific facts, you are using in them, very much. I hope we’ll see your next video soon.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Ivet M, Thanks for watching! I appreciate it.

[@elbeem20001]

Hi Amanda ... as you know my now, my favourite potting mix is pebbles with charcoal. Works wonders for me!! Earlier this year, while I was experimenting with potting mixes, I did buy and use the Miracle Gro Potting Mix - course blend. Needless to say, it did not go well, with my humid, rain forestry climate. The bag has to remain open to prevent musty smells, etc. I still have quite a lot of the mix left- and I intend to put it in my compost!! The other brands you "advertised" are non existent in my neck of the woods, but can still be purchased online. All the best, and a pleasure to see you again.

[@Orchideria]

Hey Lyn! 👋 Compost is a great place for it. 🤣😂 Thank you so much for writing. I appreciate all your words and kind thoughts.

[@carolynfrazier9121]

Great video...much needed information! Love your videos because you are so detailed and precise. I have learned so much from you and I have been growing orchids for 15 years. We can always learn!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Carolyn, Thank you so much! I'm humbled when I read comments like yours because I still have so much to learn still. So this is encouraging.

[@tallybeaverman9462]

Hey Sweetie, You know I was thinking coconut chunks were the way to go. 3 years later with all the root rot I got, I have changed it up, and think this is a better option. Now I put enough Sphagnum to cover the bottom of a net pot then a layer of rocks, I use lava rock, but don't think the type of rock matters. Then an inch of coconut chunks and fill the rest of the space with rock again. Of course the plant is in the pot as I build it up. My thinking now is to give a little of moisture retention with a lot of air. You have to water rock only media daily, too much work for me. So we will see how this works. In my Specimen Baskets, one plant really took a hit, so I turned the basket upside down (plants are wired in) and beat the outside with the handle of a hammer and knocked out most of the loose coconut chunks. Then hit it with rooting hormone and the roots are taking off again. The wood baskets I made have no media in there at all, and they're doing the best. JUST A LITTLE UPDATE

[@Orchideria]

Hi Tally, Good to hear from you. I have yet to test more coconut husk, but haven't gotten around to doing so. I have moved countries and here where I live now they all use coconut, more than bark It's really amazing. So I'm learning lots, but still have so much to learn. Thanks for the update.

[@tallybeaverman9462]

@@Orchideria 😊👍

[@tallybeaverman9462]

@@Orchideria Out of curiosity, what country did you move to?

[@Orchideria]

I'm back in Brazil

[@tallybeaverman9462]

@@Orchideria Oh lucky you, in the Heart of Orchid Country. I love the Cattleya Rex, wish I could afford some.

[@renatecormick7399]

Hi Amanda, when I saw the little blue dot under your name in the list of subscriptions I literally went “yeah she’s back”. I’ve been checking your channel just about every day, I know you usually post once a week but I kept thinking I might have missed a video . I join all the other subscribers in welcoming you back, nice to see that smiling face again, not to mention the valuable information that comes with it.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Renate, Oh wow! What a great way to start my day, reading what you wrote. Thank you. I appreciate it. 🙏 😊

[@alexleefavorites]

Totally agree and thank you for sharing. I tried 3 of the named brands in the past 12 months as well. Better-Gro = Garbage rePotme = Quite good but unnecessarily overpriced (personal opinion) Besgrow Orchiata = Excellent (a bit hard to find in my area in Canada but I still like this the most)

[@josettemoore654]

YOU ARE VERY RIGHT ABOUT PEAT MOSS, IT WILL TURN TO MUD-LIKE SUBSTANCE. I REALIZED THIS AFTER I UNPOTTED ONE OF MY CYMBIDIUMS FOR PSEUDO BULB DIVISION, OMG!!!! I ALMOST FAINTED BY HOW IT LOOKED. SO NOW I AM IN THE PROCESS OF RE-POTTING MY ALMOST 200 POTS OF CYMBIDIUM. THE PROBLEM NOW IS I HAD MY LEFT HAND OPERATED AND AFTER THIS THE RIGHT HAND WILL FOLLOW.

[@bettapalfish9057]

Nice to have you back. Very informative video. Mixes can be confusing especially living where you need heat or air conditioning most of the year.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Bettapal Fish, Thank you! That's my main problem too... it's so dry here.

[@sharonholmes4444]

💚 Hi Amanda, I've used Orchiata Bark for 2yrs since I first found out about it. I like that it has dolomite in it and easier, less stress on the orchid when it comes time for a repot or better yet the transition after purchase to your home. I use the small chip here in the Southwest USA 🏜️ dry climate.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Sharon, Excellent choice. Since it's dry where you are, the smaller chips are perfect. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@susiewilliams9939]

Missed seeing you on here! Glad to see your back!!!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Susie, Thank you! I appreciate it. 🙏

[@CTcatfur]

I missed you! This was very helpful. Love your co-star 🐾

[@Orchideria]

Hi VTcatfur. Thank you! It's good to be back.

[@Muffin21814]

Welcome back!!! I missed you!! It isnsoo much much better to just get orchids bark and add your own ingredients. 😊😊👍

[@Orchideria]

Hi Valarie, Thank you! I agree 100% about the bark.

[@michelleslifeonrepeat]

Great visual. I’ve found all the points you shared to be true.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Michelle, Oh my gosh! It's you!! Thank you for watching my videos. I've seen several of yours and you are an inspiration. So good to see you here.

[@michelleslifeonrepeat]

@@Orchideria oh my goodness, no! I am glad to have found your site to learn more. My orchid journey is young. Thanks for sharing your content. Have a fun Sunday.

[@Melissa-loves-orchids]

Very comprehensive video. I’ve learned a lot.

[@marlenebornman1841]

I just pull Somme bark off a tree which my husband has cut down. I broke it into pieces and boiled it used it to repot my phal and stored the remainder

[@NicoleDeanna]

Great content, welcome back!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Nicole, Thank you! 😊

[@nariepittman4632]

Just love orchiata bark for my phals

[@Orchideria]

Hi Ngarie, Thank you for commenting. I appreciate it. Orchiata is awesome.

[@steveduffield3740]

Good advice Mandy.

[@RosalieLillo]

Good grief, I just watched this video and my suspicions were confirmed. I got some miracle gro orchid bark and it was AWFUL. I am fairly new to orchid husbandry but my instincts confirmed what you said. I repotted an orchid with this stuff and right from the get go I hated it. It seemed amd smelled cheap. like they had added shards of chopped up fence posts or something. I hated the dusty peatmoss so I repotted anyhow. Then I noticed a white mold (2 weeks later) on the plant where it sat in the soil. I dumped it out and sure enough the 'peat' had sunk to the bottom and was a muddy mess of a plug right at the bottom where you need the best drainage. I sifted what was left and it was about 50% fine dust peat then I picked out the shards of fence post and repotted with just the bark chips. That was last week so while the orchid is already stressed I am going to get some new mix and start over. I will spray my roots with peroxide 3% to hopefully kill all the bad stuff that I introduced.....grrrr. Thanks so much for making this video

[@suefrese2999]

Thank you for this video. It makes so much more sense now. I want to make my own mix for my area (which is North Central Florida). Am very new to orchid growing but have 17 already. I think I better get it under control now! LOL!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Sue, I'm glad the video helped. 😊 It's an addictive hobby, for sure.

[@CTcatfur]

I’m new too, have 20 😬

[@anhhai7541]

Thanks Your video was very helpful and informative

[@Orchideria]

You're welcome . I'm glad the video helped.

[@aida087]

Good morning Amanda and thank you for sharing!! I used MiracleGro for awhile which, actually kept my Phal Orchids in great condition after, sifting and adding boiling water to it to kill the gnats!! Now I just got BetterGro Orchid Bark which, I'm hoping it's alot better!! What is your opinion in mixing sphagnum moss with the bark now that we're in Winter season? Thank you for any input!!💖🥰🙏🏼

[@Orchideria]

Hi Aida, Thanks for watching!! I mix sphagnum with all my bark mixes just because my home office is so dry. During winter, I water less so the roots won't rot.

[@aida087]

@@Orchideria Oh great thank you so much, I'll do that as well!!💖🥰🙏🏼

[@melissamorales3635]

Love this video. I repotted all my Phals in Orchiata and just that. I don’t care if I have to water more. Hopefully my phals come back to life since I had potted them into a mix of moss and better grow and after a month noticed all my orchids leaning and losing a ton of roots. I ordered Orchiata and repotted them all in that 2 weeks ago. So far no yellow leaves and because they had lost mostly all their roots I’m only spraying the top of the bark every other day.I may put a layer of moss on top but after my experience Im turned off to it.I used the power size. How long do you think I should wait until I start adding nutrients to my water. I just ordered seaweed and have calmag and fertilizer. Thank you so much!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Melissa, Thanks for watching my videos. You can already start using the fertilizer with water. I usually do 3 weeks with fertilizer, and the 4th week just water. Since they have been reported so soon, use less than you normally would. Both those brands you mentioned, Calmag and the seaweed (I use KelpMex), are fantastic.

[@melissamorales3635]

@@Orchideria thank you so much for your reply. I will start this week.

[@narinasamkough2252]

Thank you for all the information very helpful

[@Orchideria]

Hi Narina, Thanks for watching and for leaving a comment. I appreciate it. 🙏

[@nadaharripersad7886]

Hi how to repot my orchid also how often do orchids bloom have mine for a year still no flowers

[@Orchideria]

Hi Nada, Thanks for watching my video. Orchids will usually rebloom in a year's cycle. Some Phalaenopsis and other genera will rebloom 2x a year. It all depends on the orchid.You might want to check out a few reasons that the orchid doesn't bloom in this article: orchideria.com/when-do-phalaenopsis-orchids-bloom/ to find some reasons why it's not reblooming. I am going to make a video on repotting so keep an eye out for that in the near future.

[@Jaenara_GP]

Orchiata is the no.1 best ever bark for orchids. I got one that shipped from Singapore. Sadly it’s not in my country market and it’s so hard to get it even for business bulk purchase. Before I’m using orchiata, I eager to used reptile pet bark, regrets to this day 😔

[@Orchideria]

Hi Jimmy, Oh no... The reptile bark can be good if it's a good brand, but most break down extremely fast. Orhciata is wonderful! I wish it was available there... Sometimes you can get an orchid association to buy in bulk and ship in it, and each grower give a little to cover the costs. That works a lot where I'm from.

[@Unkn0wn1133]

The miracle grow was so bad where i live. I put a lot of plants into it when I was first starting about 8 years ago and the quality was bad really dusty and smelly and the plants got sick

[@robinnitowski2009]

What about lecca.

[@decbabygem4eva]

I brought the Monterrey from repot me and well I don’t have PayPal and I paid through Amazon. Amanda let me tell you it was all crumbly the white rock was crush it was dusty and smelly. I reached out to repot me and nothing! No feedback nothing. I’m so over their overprice.

[@richardlawton1023]

I baked the miracle grow at 300 degrees for 2 hours. Killed all the bugs

[@fnb77wildfire]

Yes I agree with the miracle grow stay away I have a bag that was purchased for me and I hate it.

[@annehalkyard]

I wish you would turn your camera around and shoot from the back so I can see things you show not mirror-backwards. Thanks!

[@Orchideria]

Hi Anne, I will keep that in mind. Thanks for the tip.

[@XyzeqPalentira]

Some of these edited videos are side swapped?

[@Orchideria]

Hi Mike, What do you mean side swapped? If you mean cut and inserted in other places, then yes. All of them are. I usually forget a little bit of information, record it later and add it in to the video. Or I have to go back and edit a video where I said something wrong. I still can't make videos in one setting, as in one take. For me, that's almost impossible. But now I'm curious, why do you ask?

[@XyzeqPalentira]

Some, but not all of the bark pack writing is swapped around from left to right.

[@Orchideria]

Oh... I see. Yes, that B-roll part I filmed with the front camera and the rest with the back camera. I hadn't thought about that in editing. Thanks for pointing it out.

[@XyzeqPalentira]

No problem. Just thought I’d let you know. As you mention, it can be easily done in editing. As an aside, I really like your friendly and very helpful videos. Thank you.

[@Orchideria]

Thank you!

[@joycecrook107]

Thank you for the information, really appreciate that. Poor quality video though, hard to watch.

[@Orchideria]

Hi Joyce, Thanks for the sincere input.