Looking for Fine Orchard Bark

[Jennifer M]

I am looking for the fine Orchard bark that I've seen mentioned so many times in the forum. I have looked at my local Home Depot. They had medium and large but not fine. I have also looked online and found what I think may be right but could some of you attach a picture or a link of what you use. I want to make sure I get the right kind...

 

[Tom]

You won't find it at the big chain hardware stores. You have to go to a local garden center or plant nursery. If they don't have it in stock, they can order it for you when they re-supply.

Here is one of the types I use:

 

[Markw84]

Pictured below is what I use. I get it at a upscale nursery chain here is N. California. The best price I can find is in 1 cu ft bags for $10. ( I think Tom has said he gets his bags of 2 cu ft for about $15.)

Home depot up here also does carry it, but only in 8 qt bags at $4.88 ea. (27 qts in a cu ft) so that's about $16 per cu ft.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Better-Gro-8-Qt-Orchid-Bark-50190/100166665

I quickly looked and saw it available in Home Depots in Florida, so not sure about your area. I'm sure you could have them order it if you can't find elsewhere. Be sure you get the "natural" orchid bark, not the orchid mix.

Here's the brand I use...

 

[ZEROPILOT]

I also get it from Home Depot.
They carry a few different types, so it gets confusing. And a few of them have things added for water retention.
It's not cheap. But I use it for extended periods of time in my now empty closed chamber.
These chips are the size of a quarter or less and small enough for my week old hatchlings to manage