Orchiata Power 9-12mm by Daltons — Orchid Bark for Young & Mature Orchids

Orchiata Power is the 9–12mm grade in the Daltons Orchiata range — the most versatile chip size, suited to both young and mature orchids at second potting. It bridges the gap between fine seedling grades and the chunky mixes big Cattleyas want, making it the one bag that covers a mixed collection of Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum and Cattleya seedlings in 100–150mm pots. 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 (9–12mm) Bag Sizes: 5 litres or 35 litres Air Fill Porosity: 49–53% 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 (9–12mm) suits young and mature orchids at second potting — the most versatile grade for mixed collections. Moisture-loving orchids in smaller pots? Step down to Classic (6–9mm) for more water around the roots. Mature plants with thick roots in 150mm+ pots? Step up to Power+ (12–18mm) for maximum airflow. 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 Classic 6–9mm The finer grade for young orchids and moisture-lovers like Phalaenopsis. Orchid Focus Grow Vegetative feed for orchids establishing and growing in fresh bark. Orchid Focus Bloom Flower-initiation feed to bring orchids into spike and bloom. Frequently Asked Questions Is Power suitable for mature orchids? Yes. Daltons rate Power for both young and mature orchids, making it the most versatile grade in the range — it handles mature Phalaenopsis, Paphiopedilum and Cattleya seedlings across 100–150mm 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 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 One Grade That Covers the Whole Bench Premium NZ orchid bark, shipped Australia-wide. Free shipping over $499*. Add to Cart Browse Substrates