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Orchid bark or perlite or both? Which is better to add to soil for… | Anything about plants | Planta community

Molly

Orchid bark or perlite or both? Which is better to add to soil for extra drainage?

4 likes 7 comments

7 comments

  1. Tara 🪴👶🏻

    My homemade soil mix contains both. I have a plastic tote that I mixed a bag of cactus soil, a bag of perlite, a bag of orchid bark, and a bag of worm castings. Stir it up and I’m good to go! 🪴

    2 likes
  2. 3therea1

    It kind of depends on what you’re aiming at doing. Orchid bark is going to be more aerated than perlite since it’s coarse. But they both achieve the same thing: retain moisture and add drainage. But like Tara said, you can always mix everything together.

    1 like
  3. Bella56

    I love this question, there’s a lot of different soil amendments to add for extra drainage. Perlite, vermiculite, leca, pine bark, coco chips, volcanic rock and horticultural charcoal. It depends on your plant, some only need a little extra drainage while others need more.

    1 like
  4. Smallbeetoes

    My basic soil mix is 1/3 of each pottingsoil, perlite, and orchid bark. I feel like with just perlite it was not enough drainage for me.

    5 likes
    • Hvileeyvmirv

      Agreed! I do the same and Sometimes I even add cactus/succulent mix to it!

      2 likes
    • Lili

      These are also my go to ratios for a soil mix! I also add horticultural charcoal (it’s a good anti-microbial) & worm castings (for nutrients) 💪🏼

      1 like
    • Plant Father

      my planting mix is similar but i use coco coir and worm castings instead of potting soil, and a blend of pumice and various grades of perlite for the grit portion instead of just fine perlite. fir bark (“orchid bark”) holds onto a small amount of moisture and fertilizer but because the chunks are so big it typically leaves valuable air pockets in the soil. perlite holds water as well, but is basically an air pocket on its own. both are great amendments

      3 likes