Orchiata Bark FAQ

Not sure which chip size will work best for your orchid? Check out our sizing chart! This guide was created by our experts to help provide advice to hobbyists and experts alike!

The different grades, or sizes, of Orchiata are specifically tailored to maintain stable plant growth from initial potting, and repotting as the plant ages. Each chip size has been designed to help orchids grow to their full potential, from seedling to mature plant. Suggestions for plant usage by age are below, but a more detailed description by plant type can be found in our sizing chart link above.  

Orchiata is created from the bark of the Pinus radiata – or Monterrey Pine tree.  Originally native to California, the Pinus radiata was introduced to New Zealand in 1859 where it grows faster and bigger, yielding thicker bark and rounder chips.  Thicker, rounder bark means less delamination and slower breakdown.  Pinus radiata has a naturally occurring low cation exchange capacity which means it is less likely to hold salts.

To create Orchiata, Pinus radiata bark undergoes a natural, chemical free, treatment process, culminating in the development of a stable substrate used to grow orchids and other plants beautifully!  The only addition, at the end of the processing cycle, is natural Dolomite – added to obtain an optimal pH between 5.5 – 6.5.  

Orchiata is NOT a composted product.  It is an AGED product.  Composting breaks down both the inner and outer layers of the bark, resulting in a softer media with a shorter life span.  Aging only modifies the OUTSIDE of the bark particle, leaving the core strength intact, resulting in a much longer lasting growing media.

The bark used for Orchiata production is sourced from over 4 million acres of renewable forests, managed to a sustainable forestry plan – ensuring the product will be available now and well into the future.

This premium product is used by orchid hobbyists and enthusiasts around the world!