Orchiata Power+ 12-18mm by Daltons — Orchid Bark for Mature Orchids & Large Roots

Orchiata Power+ is the 12–18mm grade in the Daltons Orchiata range — a chunky chip built for mature orchids and plants that like space around their roots. The larger particles keep air moving through the pot between waterings, which is exactly what established Cattleyas, large Oncidiums and other thick-rooted orchids in 150mm+ pots need to stay healthy. It's 100% pure New Zealand Pinus radiata bark, aged naturally so each chip holds moisture and nutrients on its surface while the core stays hard and stable for years in the pot. Use Straight From the Bag Stable EC means no pre-soaking or initial flushing. Pot up and water as normal. Built to Last in the Pot Hard, aged radiata bark resists breaking down, so you repot when the plant needs it — not when the mix collapses. Dolomite-Buffered pH Coated with natural dolomite to hold pH at 5.5–6.5 and supply calcium and magnesium to freshly potted plants. Beneficial Microbes On Board The natural ageing process eliminates pathogens while beneficial micro-organisms remain to protect roots. Specifications Grade: Power+ (12–18mm) Bag Sizes: 5 litres or 35 litres Air Fill Porosity: 50–54% Water Holding Capacity: 56.8% pH: 5.5–6.5 (dolomite buffered) EC: <0.3 mS/cm Material: 100% New Zealand Pinus radiata bark Source: Sustainably managed NZ plantation forests Grower's Tip — Is Power+ the Right Grade? Power+ (12–18mm) suits mature orchids and orchids that need high airflow around their roots. Mixed collection with younger plants? Step down to Power (9–12mm) for the most versatile all-rounder. Very large specimens wanting maximum air fill? Super (18–25mm) is the biggest chip in the range. How to Pot With Orchiata Power+ 1 Place a thin layer of Orchiata in the bottom of a clean pot — no rinsing or soaking needed first. 2 Position the plant in the centre with the roots sitting below the pot rim. 3 Backfill around the roots, tapping the pot gently so the bark settles without compacting. 4 Water thoroughly and let the pot approach dryness before watering again. Pairs Well With Orchiata Power 9–12mm The versatile mid grade for young and mature orchids alike. Orchid Focus Bloom Flower-initiation feed to bring mature orchids into spike and bloom. Orchid Focus General One-bottle year-round feed for mixed orchid collections. Frequently Asked Questions Is Power+ only for mature orchids? No, but that's where it performs best. Daltons list Power+ for orchids that like space for their roots — established Cattleyas, large Oncidiums and other thick-rooted plants. Younger orchids generally do better in Power or Classic. Do I need to rinse or soak Orchiata before use? No. Orchiata's stable EC means it can be used straight from the bag with no initial flushing, and its dolomite coating already buffers pH to 5.5–6.5. Can I mix Power+ with other barks? No, blending isn't recommended. Softer barks break down much faster than aged Orchiata, which unbalances the mix over time. Blend with inert media like perlite or clay balls instead if you want a faster-draining mix. Is white or blue-green growth on the bark a problem? No. Orchiata is processed from a natural resource, and Daltons note that fungi from the Penicillium genus can occasionally appear — it will not harm or damage plants. How long does Orchiata last before repotting? Orchiata's hard, aged chips resist chipping and composting, so growers report noticeably longer intervals between repots than with softer barks. Repot when the plant outgrows the pot rather than when the mix breaks down. Select Size 35L 5L Room to Breathe for Big Roots Premium NZ orchid bark, shipped Australia-wide. Free shipping over $499*. Add to Cart Browse Substrates