French Maritime Pine bark

[SarinahL]

Hi all,

Just a quick question. I've been looking for pure bark to mix my own medium and so far I've stumbled upon this stuff that they call "decorative bark" (to be used in or on top of plant pots). It is made of French Maritime Pine Bark. It seems to have been cleaned. Also, it's really meant to use with plants, so I'm not expecting this to be highly toxic to plants in general.

I can't find any conclusive evidence with google, and I am troubled somewhat by the language barrier (some things are considered so 'well-known' that only abbreviations or slang is used), am I right in thinking this is allright for orchids?

In fact, it's used as the main composite in most orchid medium mixes?

Thanks!

[Cym Ladye]

Sarinahl,

I saw your post on the OB and I think Ray has answered your question better than anyone could.

CL

[PaulB]

Is it possible you can get Orchaita in your part of the globe? Good stuff, and it lasts a long time. "Decorative" bark may work, but the stuff they sell around here is more for decorative ground cover and keeping weeds out of your yard. Not sure if it has nasties in it that would detriment your orchids.