Jim,
I have been working with Coconut husk for over two years, a
friend showed it to me at Xmas time in 2002. At that time I
started playing with it, and the plants I tried grew very well. I then
bought a couple of bales of it and started potting plants into it. I
now have over half my collection in pure fine or medium coconut husks,
some plants that need more moisture I have mixed in sphagnum moss,
others that like to drier, I have mixed in gravel and various other
material to open up the mix.
I sing the praises of coconut husks as a good media for orchids.
I have found that under my conditions I do not grow Oncidium and
Pluerothallids grow better in New Zealand sphagnum. Most of my other
orchids all grow in coconut husks with no problems. Like with any
media I get an occasional plant that does not grow as well in it and I
move it to another media.
I do not think there is anyone universal media that can be used
for all orchids. Any grower should watch their plants and observe if
the roots are growing well, are the new grows looking heathy, and is
it blooming with vigor. If you can answer yes to those three questions
then the media is probably good for the plants.
Tom Hillson
At 7:20 AM -0500 2/8/05, Gareth Wills wrote:
Re:
Friends,
I am sure this has been discussed before, but we are reaching a compost
crisis at RBG and I would appreciate some further discussion or private
notes if that is preferred. What is the general conclusion about coconut
bark, course and fine?? Are there particular genera that will not tolerate
it. Im interested in using it straight or in mixes. Any commentary usefull
and appreciated.
Jim Brasch ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
Orchid coordinator
Royal botanical Gardens
Burlington, Canada
I have had excellent results using mixes of coir and CHC with sponge rock and/or small bark with phals, paphs, oda, colm, cyms, etc. There's an excellent article regarding paphs and phrags at http://ladyslipper.com/coco3.htm It's well worth reading if you're even thinking about switching over to a different medium. Of course, as with all media, it will take a little experimenting to adjust the mix to your method of growing and watering. But as shown in the article, the influence on paph root formation is nothing short of phenomenal.
Gary
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