How to handle bark and Xiantu? Sharing practical tips
Yipin Taohong, a Cymbidium lianpan cultivar, plant height 70-90CM, the longest leaves can reach 1 m, leaf width 1.2-1.5CM, leaves semi-upright, dark green in color, elegant and spreading, combining firmness with softness, no leaf stalk ring, pseudobulbs and roots thick and round. 2 to 5 flowers, large flowers 5.5CM in diameter, sepals 1.2CM wide, blooming every year in February, flower stalk height 40-60CM...
Actually, the cork oak bark we buy is already fully decomposed,it is just that the degree of decomposition varies from light to heavy,I have a little bit of experience from using it over the past few years,if it is decomposed too well, it rots too fast after potting, and it rots away in less than a year,if it is decomposed a little less, the mycelium grows slowly, and it does not have much effect in the first half year.I think using two-thirds of bark that is decomposed a little less and one-third that is decomposed too well, mixed together,gives very good results this way: the mycelium is produced quickly, it also rots more slowly, and it does not delay the orchid from settling into the pot.
Cork oak bark: when selecting cork oak bark, be sure to choose thicker pieces; try not to use those with just a thin layer of bark, and choose the brown-colored kind, as this kind of bark is fully decomposed and is not prone to heating up in high-temperature seasons.
Xiantu: when selecting Xiantu, be sure to choose the kind with a high content of rotten wood.
If these two potting materials are not used in time, they will dry out very thoroughly, and soaking them in water is not very effective either.
My method is: wet the Xiantu and bark, put them in a plastic bag to sweat, and orchid growers who have the conditions can put the tied plastic bag in the sun to dry, which can achieve twice the result with half the effort!
A warm reminder: when sifting dry bark or dry Xiantu, be sure to wear a mask, and choose a well-ventilated place, because these things come from the mountains and may carry some harmful things!