Orchiata Classic (No.9)

Orchiata Classic (No.9) helps create the ideal wet/dry cycle for young orchids, promoting healthy growth. Its 100% natural, aged bark holds water and nutrients while its hard physical structure helps retain the perfect balance. This premium-grade bark is perfect for both hobbyists and commercial growers, and ready to use straight from the bag.

CLASSIC: Size 6-9mm  AFP% 47-52  WHC% 55  WRE% 25

Why Orchiata?
Daltons Orchiata is a natural, organic product made from Pinus radiate bark from renewable forests in New Zealand. The natural properties of this exceptional growing substrate have been proven by orchid growers worldwide to provide true value and consistently superior growth. 

Renowned for superior quality
Orchiata is a perfect substrate for growing orchids, providing a variety of natural properties to the plant and a wealth of benefits for the grower. During the bark aging process beneficial micro-organisms proliferate and any pathogens are eliminated. The outer surface of the bark chip is broken down, allowing it to hold water and nutrients for the plant, while the inner structure remains hard and stable. Combined with a uniform chip size, with minimal fines and wood, Orchiata gives consistent hydration, an ideal wet/dry cycle and also provides excellent longevity.

Orchiata Saves You Time & Money
Orchiata can be used straight from the bag its stable EC means there’s no need for initial flushing. Orchiata is pH balanced and because it will not break down in the pot it maximizes availability of nutrients for the plant.

Orchiata’s beneficial micro-organisms resist pathogens and promote healthier roots. Growers using Orchiata report a reduced need to repot as well as vigorous growth that shortens maturity time, reducing labour costs while optimizing production and plant value.

No Need To Wash First 
Orchiata does not need to be washed before use; it should be used straight from the bag. Unlike some other bark products, Orchiata:

• Has not been contaminated by soil or other organic matter
• Does not contain high salt
• Does not contain high amounts of bark dust as processing removes this

If you DO wash Orchiata you will wash out the dolomite, which we have added during production as it is beneficial for plant growth. Washing Orchiata will unnecessarily increase labour costs, while destroying one of the key benefits of the product.

Naturally Sustainable & Renewable
All Orchiata products are produced from sustainable and renewable resources. The finest quality bark is sourced from carefully managed man-made forests in New Zealand, ensuring future sustainability.

Best pH and EC Levels 
The best pH and EC will depend on the type of orchid you are growing as well as the fertilizer regime you use. We provide Orchiata at a start pH of 5.5 – 6.5 through the addition of dolomite. From research, most orchids grow well within this range. The initial EC of Orchiata is < 0.3 mS/cm, however, with fertilizer addition this will slowly increase. Over time the pH will eventually drop and the EC will increase. It is important to check the pH and EC to make sure a balance is maintained and plant management in the pot is correct.

How Does Orchid Hold Moisture 
Through the production process, the waxy, water repellent layer of Pinus radiata is removed, allowing the Orchiata particles to hold onto water. When Orchiata dries it will also rewet well.

Pot Size & Grade for Your Orchid 
This will depend on the orchid type you are growing and its climate requirements. However most orchids prefer to be restricted in their pot; you must never use pots that are too big. It is also important that the pots that you purchase have appropriate drain holes which allow all water to drain (no pooling). General guidelines are highlighted below; however please contact us if more information is required.

ORCHID TYPE: Small Flask Plant  
POT SIZE: 3cm plug or 5cm pot  
ORCHIATA GRADE EXAMPLE: Precision or Classic

ORCHID TYPE: Small Plant  
POT SIZE: 7cm pot  
ORCHIATA GRADE EXAMPLE: Classic or Power

How To Tell When To Rewater 
It is important that you allow Orchiata to dry sufficiently before rewatering. These wet and dry cycles help to control fungi and insect growth which leads to stronger root growth. You can tell when Orchiata has dried sufficiently by either picking up the pot and feeling the weight (a dry pot will be very light compared to a wet pot); or by carefully digging down into the media – the media should be dry for the first 2 – 3cm (in small pots) and 4 – 5 cm in bigger pots.
How often you water the orchid will depend on the orchid type, pot type and time of year.

Technical
pH 5.5 – 6.5
EC <0.3 mS/cm
Moisture <15%
Nitrogen fixed for stable EC
Uniform chip size in bag
Versatile, ideal growing media for a variety of orchid species