Our Premium Orchid Potting Mix is made from quality kiwi orchid bark, tree fern fibre, hardwood charcoal and pumice and our proprietary blend of bio nutrients. It has been carefully blended to hold enough water without becoming waterlogged.
 
Bio Leaf Premium Orchid Potting Mix is available in 2 grades:
Medium: Bark that is approximately 3 to 9mm in size and is suitable for orchids growing in a 2”-3” pot size. This mix is suited for orchids that have thinner roots like the Oncidiums or roots that require slightly more moisture like Paphiopedilums.
Coarse: Bark that is approximately 8 to 20mm in size and is suitable for orchids growing in a 4”-5” pot size. This mix is suited for orchids that have thicker roots like the Cattleya or Phalaenopsis or roots that require slightly less moisture like some of the Vanda alliance.
 
The main function of an orchid potting mix is to create an environment for the development of healthy roots. The potting mix you choose could literally be the life or death of your orchid. A potting mix that is conducive to developing a healthy root mass will improve orchid growth, health and flowering.
 
A few points to consider when you are choosing a potting mix for your orchids:
The mix should be open enough to allow for water and air movement through the root mass, thus reducing the risk of overwatering.
It should be able to hold moisture for a few days. During summer, this may be 2 to 3 days and a week or more in winter.
It should maintain its physical structure for several years before breaking down.
If possible, ask the supplier if you can have a look at and feel the medium. Feeling the medium can tell a lot about the characteristics of the mix.
 
Do this before repotting your orchids:
Before using the mix, empty the bag into a container, pour in a little water and mix it up thoroughly, just in case components of the mix have settled into layers.
Use just enough moisture to coat all the media lightly. Wetting the potting mix assists with distributing all the components evenly throughout the mix.
A slightly moist medium makes it easier to pack it between the roots when repotting.
 
Below is a summary of the properties of the ingredients we use in our medium:
1. Kiwi Orchid Bark - Improves Air Flow
Provides the structure for the roots to grow into. Many orchid growers rate this as one of the best orchid barks available. The bark is sourced from 25-year-old trees, allowing enough time to thicken and ‘harden up’. This means it will take longer to break down.
The bark is clean and has low contamination levels from litter such as cambium, wood pieces and soil.
 
2. New Zealand Tree fern Fibre - Moisture Retention
We add Fernwood Tree Fern Fibre to improve the moisture-holding properties plus the benefits tree fern brings to orchid potting mixes.
 
3. Bio Leaf HortiChar - Cleans Naturally.
The charcoal is made from hardwood and is petroleum-free. We do not use activated charcoal. Activated charcoal may absorb more fertiliser compared to normal charcoal. Charcoal helps to keep the mix “sweet” and helps with removing impurities, as well as keeping the mixture open. The charcoal will also absorb moisture onto its surface. Charcoal also has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
 
4. Pumice - Improves Drainage/Aeration
Pumice helps to keep the mixture open airflow and absorbs some moisture.