Activated Bamboo Charcoal for Orchids - Fine , 1/2 c.f. ( ships UPS Ground ) A000163
Activated Bamboo Charcoal for Orchids - Fine , 1/2 c.f. ( ships UPS Ground )
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Item #: A000163
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Description & Details

We have been using this product in our nursery for over 10 years with excellent results. Huntington Botanical Garden has been using it for years as well.

 

Charcoal is by far one of the most important components in a potting mix for orchids. It is produced by the slow burning of natural wood at temperatures of 400°C–500°C (750°F–930°F) in the absence of oxygen to prevent combustion. Coal is not charcoal and cannot be used in its place. Activated charcoal is charcoal that has been heat treated to greatly increase its surface area. The result is a highly porous charcoal with a massive surface area which acts like a sponge. Activated Bamboo charcoal is superior to regular charcoal. Bamboo, a fast-growing grass, is sustainable compared to hardwood, as you never know which kind of wood was burned to make the charcoal. Our Activated Bamboo Charcoal is imported from Taiwan and manufactured at a facility that burns the bamboo charcoal to 1200°F—a temperature much higher than burning the wood to get hardwood charcoal. The fine size (average 1-2 cm) of the activated bamboo charcoal makes it perfect for adding to the orchid bark and moss mixes.

 

Activated Bamboo Charcoal is added to potting mixes to keep the mix sweet by absorbing harmful and odor-causing bacteria and toxins; its small to medium size pieces keep the potting media from compacting the roots of plants thus providing aeration, and drainage. Activated Bamboo Charcoal is inert and does not decay. The addition of Activated Bamboo Charcoal extends the life of the mix, reducing the need to replace the mix as often. We recommend adding one cup of Activated Bamboo Charcoal to 3 or 4 cups of bark, moss, or other media. Rinse in clean water to remove dust before using.

 

Activated Bamboo Charcoal is not just for orchid mixes. It can be added to potting media for houseplants; used as a bottom layer in terrariums; as a filter media in aquariums; and part of a bioactive terrarium/vivarium. Many growers in Southeast Asia use Activated Bamboo Charcoal exclusively as a potting medium since orchid bark is scarce.

 

 
 


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