Where to find orchid bark?

[smjohns]

I’ve been looking for cheeper options of substrate for my sulcata tortoise. And I’ve noticed people have been using orchid bark but I have no idea where to get that. So if anyone could help that would be amazing, thank you

Also if you know of any other substrate options and where to get them that would be perfect too!

 

[Kapidolo Farms]

Most garden supply centers have it, in many grades (particle sizes). You can also get 'fir bark' that is not labeled for orchids (less expensive still).

 

[smjohns]

Would this orchid bark work well?
https://www.acehardware.com/departm...MInc_vo6-C4QIVwh6tBh1iCgLZEAQYASABEgI3mfD_BwE
Here’s the link

 

[Yvonne G]

View attachment 267280

Would this orchid bark work well?
https://www.acehardware.com/departm...MInc_vo6-C4QIVwh6tBh1iCgLZEAQYASABEgI3mfD_BwE
Here’s the link

You can ask them if they'll order the fine/small particles instead of the medium. Black Gold is the brand I've used quite often.

 

[Tom]

Ask for fir bark at your local garden center. Not a big box hardware store or a chain garden center, but a local shop. They might also sell it as orchid bark for people who grow orchids. You want fine grade. I use this one for $10 a bag:

 

[smjohns]

Thank you everyone so much for your help!!!

 

[aqualungs]

If you can’t find it, I order from here. We have orchids also. They have sphagnum moss too.

https://www.kkorchid.com/media-for-potting-orchids/Fir-Bark.html

 

[aqualungs]

They also have coco coire lol

 

[Sterant]

All - does anyone use Fir Bark for large tortoises? I love it for babies but have never tried it for my adult radiated tortoises. The fine grade seems like a 30 pound tortoise's foot would sink right through it. Maybe the course grade? I have used cypress for years but it gets really dusty.

 

[Markw84]

All - does anyone use Fir Bark for large tortoises? I love it for babies but have never tried it for my adult radiated tortoises. The fine grade seems like a 30 pound tortoise's foot would sink right through it. Maybe the course grade? I have used cypress for years but it gets really dusty.

I use it for my adult Burmese Stars when they are indoors for the winter. Works great. I really like it. Once it is damp it does compact well, and with time it also breaks down a bit and compacts even more. They have no problem walking on it when new, though.

 

[Sterant]

I use it for my adult Burmese Stars when they are indoors for the winter. Works great. I really like it. Once it is damp it does compact well, and with time it also breaks down a bit and compacts even more. They have no problem walking on it when new, though.

Great. Does it get dusty as they compact it?

 

[Markw84]

Great. Does it get dusty as they compact it?

No. I do not find it dusty at all.