KIWI Orchid Bark Grade #4, un-aged (uncomposted)
10 Litre Bag
* 20-25mm average particle size
Premium Sustainable Orchid Growing Media – Made in Aotearoa New Zealand
Kiwi Orchid Bark is a premium, sustainably sourced orchid growing medium trusted by growers worldwide for producing superior plants. Harvested from responsibly managed plantations in Aotearoa New Zealand, it is made from raw (un-aged) Pinus radiata bark, ensuring exceptional quality and performance.
🌿 Why Kiwi Orchid Bark Is Different
Unlike aged bark products, Kiwi Orchid Bark is processed directly after harvesting. The bark is cleaned, screened, and packaged immediately after felling, preserving its natural hardness and freshness—just as nature intended. With no added fertilisers, it provides a clean, stable growing environment ideal for orchids.
🌱 Why Orchids Thrive in Kiwi Orchid Bark
Orchids can grow in many environments, but they are highly sensitive to changes in root-zone conditions. Kiwi Orchid Bark offers a stable, long-lasting growing medium that supports consistent root health:
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Naturally stable pH for long-term root stability
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Hard bark structure that resists breakdown
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Long-lasting media that reduces repotting frequency
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Minimal pH fluctuation during repotting, helping prevent root shock
The result is a reliable, natural growing medium that provides orchids with the stable conditions they need to grow strong, healthy, and resilient for years.
🪴 Different Grades of KIWI Orchid Bark
No#1 Kiwi Orchid Bark
With a particle size of around 3–6 mm, this bark is perfect for seedlings and young orchids straight from the flask. As plants mature, it can be mixed with No.2 bark for larger root systems.
No#2 Kiwi Orchid Bark
#2 grade bark has a particle size of around 6–10 mm, meaning this bark is ideal for Disa, Masdevallias, young Cymbidiums, and many other orchid types. Popular for deflasking and seedling stages, it can also be used as a Sphagnum moss substitute.
No#3 Kiwi Orchid Bark
Having a particle size of around 8–20 mm, No.3 Kiwi Orchid Bark is our most popular grade and a favourite among orchid growers worldwide. Perfect for small to medium plants such as Cymbidiums, Cattleyas, Vandas, and Phalaenopsis.
No#4 Kiwi Orchid Bark
With a particle size of around 20–25 mm, this popular bark is trusted by growers worldwide and is ideal for larger Cymbidium and Cattleya-type orchids.
No#5 Kiwi Orchid Bark
At approx. 25-50 mm, No#5 Kiwi Orchid Bark is the largest grade we produce. It is often used in situations where the larger plants should be allowed to dry out between each application of water (e.g. Cattleya). It can also be placed in the bottom of a pot for increased drainage where grades 1, 2, 3 or 4 are used.
Using Kiwi Orchid Bark vs Sphagnum Moss & Other Bark Media
Aged (composted) Pinus radiata bark breaks down faster than raw bark, meaning plants often need more frequent repotting. It also typically has a higher starting pH (around 6.0–6.5) due to added fertilisers, which can drop quickly within 12 months. This fluctuation can stress orchid roots, requiring regular monitoring and re-liming to maintain stable conditions.
In contrast, Kiwi Orchid Bark is made from raw (un-aged) bark that remains structurally stable for much longer. This stability helps maintain a consistent root environment and reduces the need for frequent repotting.
Traditional fir bark media can also degrade and shift in pH over time, creating similar instability in the root zone. Kiwi Orchid Bark’s naturally hard structure resists breakdown, providing a longer-lasting and more reliable growing medium.
How to Use Kiwi Orchid Bark
Kiwi Orchid Bark can be used straight from the bag as a standalone growing medium or blended with other substrates depending on grower preference.
Potting Instructions
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Pre-soak the bark overnight to improve initial water absorption. Some growers add a small amount of fertiliser to the soak water.
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Remove old media from the roots before repotting.
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Add a base layer of Kiwi Orchid Bark to the pot.
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Position the orchid and gently fill around the roots, ensuring bark settles evenly without large air gaps.
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Lightly firm the bark. If the pot falls away when lifting the plant, repack slightly firmer.
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Water and fertilise as needed.
Most growers use Kiwi Orchid Bark undiluted, though some may add perlite, sphagnum, or other amendments depending on their growing conditions.
⏳ Repotting Interval
Thanks to the hardness and stability of un-aged Kiwi Orchid Bark, repotting is generally only required every 3+ years, reducing labour and plant stress.
🌏 Taranaki Bark – Product of New Zealand
No rinsing required apart from flushing a small amount of fines that may have been created during freight handling. Aged (composted) Pinus radiata bark can break down quickly and shift in pH, creating an unstable root environment and increasing the need for frequent repotting. Our non-aged bark remains stable for much longer, helping maintain consistent growing conditions so your plants can thrive.
⚠️ Important Note
This product is made from organic materials, including pine bark, and contains naturally occurring micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, and protozoa. It may also include mineral and fertiliser additives.
Inhalation of dust or direct contact may cause irritation or inflammation. Please refer to the packaging for full handling and safety information.
