Orchiata Classic 6-9mm by Daltons — Orchid Bark for Repotting Young Orchids

Orchiata Classic is the 6–9mm grade in the Daltons Orchiata range — the go-to chip size for second potting, young orchids moving up from seedling mixes, and orchids that prefer a little more water around the roots, including Phalaenopsis. 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: Classic (6–9mm) Bag Sizes: 5 litres or 35 litres Air Fill Porosity: 47–52% Water Holding Capacity: 55% 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 Classic the Right Grade? Classic (6–9mm) suits young orchids at second potting and moisture-loving orchids like Phalaenopsis. Potting seedlings straight from flask or miniatures? Step down to Precision (3–6mm). Larger plants with thick roots that want more air? Step up to Power (9–12mm) or Power+ (12–18mm). How to Pot With Orchiata Classic 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 Precision 3–6mm The finer grade for seedlings, deflasking and miniature orchids. Orchid Focus Grow Vegetative feed for young orchids establishing in fresh bark. Orchid Focus Bloom Flower-initiation feed to bring orchids into spike and bloom. Frequently Asked Questions Is Classic the right grade for Phalaenopsis? Yes. Daltons list Classic as ideal for orchids that prefer a little more water, and its 55% water holding capacity suits Phalaenopsis and other moisture-loving genera in standard pots. 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 Classic 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 The Repotting Grade Growers Trust Premium NZ orchid bark, shipped Australia-wide. Free shipping over $499*. Add to Cart Browse Substrates