What Kind of Bark Is Suitable for Phalaenopsis Orchids? Learn to Judge Good and Bad Bark

Many friends have heard that they should use bark when growing Phalaenopsis orchids, but once they get it in their hands they are stumped: what exactly should this bark be like to be suitable? How do you tell whether the orchid is growing well in bark?

When choosing bark for Phalaenopsis orchids, you have to pay attention to air permeability and water retention. The most commonly used is pine bark, especially decomposed pine bark. Decomposed pine bark is darker in color, feels soft and does not prick the hand, and smells slightly of gentle fermentation rather than a pungent sour or foul odor. Why must it be decomposed? Raw bark ferments in the pot and generates heat, which easily burns the roots of Phalaenopsis orchids, so it absolutely will not do.

Besides pine bark, willow bark is also good. Willow bark contains natural salicylic acid, which can help Phalaenopsis orchids promote rooting and prevent disease. When choosing, look for the kind with fine grain lines on the surface and a slightly brittle texture; it likewise must be decomposed, clean and free of impurities. If the bark has strange mold growing on it, or is stuck with rotten leaves or soil, absolutely do not use it, because the pathogens hidden inside can make Phalaenopsis orchids sick at any moment!

Now let us talk about the details of processing the bark. Bark cannot be thrown directly into the pot; it first has to be"processed"! Break large pieces of bark into pieces the size of a thumb nail; if they are too big, the roots cannot grip them, and if they are too small, they easily compact. Then boil them in boiling water for 10 minutes, or soak them in a carbendazim solution for half an hour, to disinfect the bark and kill the insect eggs and bacteria inside. After boiling, take them out and place them in a ventilated spot to dry thoroughly; wait until the bark is completely dry before using it, and only then is it safe.

So how do you tell whether the plant is growing well in bark? The most intuitive way is to look at the root system of the Phalaenopsis orchid. Healthy roots should be plump and white or light green, with crystal-clear root tips, and should feel firm and elastic to the touch. If the root system is black and mushy, like over-soaked wood ear mushrooms, then it is most likely that the bark retains too much water and the roots have been smothered and rotted, so you must quickly change the bark and repot it!

Besides looking at the roots, the condition of the plant can also show the problem. Grown in suitable bark, Phalaenopsis orchid leaves are thick and glossy, new leaves keep emerging, and the flower spikes grow thick and strong. If the leaves turn yellow and wrinkled, and are also limp, and new leaves are slow to grow, it is very likely that the bark is too dry and does not retain enough water, or that the bark was not well decomposed and is "making trouble" in the pot.

In addition, changes after watering also need attention. Under normal conditions, after watering the bark will slowly absorb its fill of water and become heavy, but after 2 - 3 days it will slowly become light again, showing that it is both air-permeable and water-retentive. If after watering the bark is still soggy for a week, or even smells bad, change the bark at once! If after watering it dries out completely the next day, then the bark may be too shredded and too loose, with poor water retention, so you need to mix in some sphagnum moss to adjust it.

When growing Phalaenopsis orchids, although bark is inconspicuous, it is a key behind-the-scenes contributor! Choose the right bark and know how to read the plant's condition, and your Phalaenopsis orchid can also have strong roots and plump leaves. Next time you choose bark, remember to use these little tips.