ORCHIATA – ORCHID GROWING MEDIA from BESGROW

 

We’ve kept up with orchid media trends at Fifth Season and now plant all our orchids using Orchiata mix- and I must say our orchids have never looked finer. We have become proponents of this medium for both its versatility and ease-of-use. This product is composed of bark from the Monterey Pine (Pinus radiata), which is highly prized as an orchid medium for its long-term stability and ability to re-wet quickly. Michigan State University researchers state that, “Our preliminary research found that aged Monterey pine bark holds more moisture and nutrients and maintains a higher pH than fir bark, resulting in better plant growth. In addition, this aged pine bark does not decompose as quickly.” (Yin-Tung Wang, PhD, et. al.)

The bark is 100% pure and enhanced with calcium-rich dolomite, which is a critical nutrient for preventing bud drop, staving off fungal infections, and promoting proper cell development in new plant tissue. Orchiata is a great option for beginning orchid growers because it is designed to be used straight out of the bag and its longevity eliminates the need for frequent repotting. Orchiata also resists overwatering; compare this to sphagnum moss which can hold too much water leading to growth inhibition and a host of diseases. Experienced growers will also appreciate this medium for its ability to allow water and nutrients to adhere to the outside layer of each chip while simultaneously offering a slightly rough surface for roots to anchor to.

Besgrow’s high standards of processing result in a consistent substrate that is free of both toxins and pathogens, but allows beneficial micro-organisms to remain. Orchiata comes to us from renewable forest plantations in New Zealand, ensuring that we will have a sustainable supply of this unique substrate long into the future. It is available in 5 different chip sizes for various stages of orchid development, and has a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 (compared to much more acidic sphagnum peat moss), making it a superior choice to less meticulously-crafted orchid mixes. Come into the store and check out our orchids- the results speak for themselves!

Available from Fifth Season Gardening Co. in 5L, and 40L bags

 

Check out this testimonial from one of Hawaii’s most prominent orchid growers:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3EhFyGekkM&feature=player_embedded

By Jason Gabriel

Works Cited:

Wang, Yin-Tung, Matthew Blanchard, Roberto Lopez, and Erik Runkle. “Growing the Best Phalaenopsis; Part 2: Media, Transplanting, Water and Nutrient Requirements.” Orchids Feb(2007): N. pag. Web. 16 Aug. 2014. <http://www.hrt.msu.edu/faculty/Runkle/Orchid/Articles/Growing_the_Best_Phalaenopsis_Part_2.pdf>.