Orchiata Super 18-25mm 35L by Daltons — Largest Orchid Bark for Maximum Airflow

Orchiata Super is the largest chip in the Daltons Orchiata range at 18–25mm — built for mature orchids that demand maximum air around their roots. Big Cattleyas, Vandaceous types grown in pots, and any thick-rooted specimen that sulks in denser mixes gets the fast wet-dry cycle it wants from these oversized chips. It's 100% pure New Zealand Pinus radiata bark, aged naturally so it holds water and nutrients on the chip 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: Super (18–25mm) Bag Size: 35 litres Air Fill Porosity: 51–55% 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 Super the Right Grade? Super (18–25mm) suits mature orchids that require the highest air fill porosity in the range. Want big-chip airflow but slightly more moisture contact? Step down to Power+ (12–18mm). The oversized chips also make a top dressing or coarse drainage layer for large aroids and indoor plants. How to Pot With Orchiata Super 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 expect a fast wet-dry cycle — the oversized chips drain and dry quicker than finer grades, so mature roots stay aerated. Pairs Well With Orchiata Power+ 12–18mm One step finer — big-chip airflow with a touch more moisture contact. 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 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. Is Super too coarse for smaller orchids? Yes, generally. Super (18–25mm) is designed for mature orchids that require high air fill porosity. Smaller or younger plants dry out too fast in it — use Power, Classic or Precision instead. Can I use Super for aroids and indoor plants? Yes, as a coarse component. Super works as a chunky fraction in large aroid mixes, a drainage layer, or a top dressing — anywhere you want long-lasting structure and air. 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. Maximum Air for Mature Roots Premium NZ orchid bark, shipped Australia-wide. Free shipping over $499*. Add to Cart Browse Substrates