Cork is a natural product that is produced from the bark of the Cork Oak or quercus suber tree.
This grows in countries around the Mediterranean, predominately in Portugal and Spain.
Orchids love growing in, on and around cork because the roots work their way in and around the craggy surfaces and texture.
An added benefit is that it holds virtually no water, lasts long, and mixes well with other media to make spectacular mix combinations.
The bark of a cork tree is carefully removed every 9 to 10 years by experienced professional harvesters.
This grows in countries around the Mediterranean, predominately in Portugal and Spain.
The tree then grows a new thick coat of bark, almost like sheep grow wool!
Cork is a renewable resource, the average life span of a cork tree is more than 200 years.
Mixes made with cork are typically quite open and airy which is perfect for most orchids.
Quart bag
Many orchids love to grow on cork plaques, and in cork tubes which we think look great too. The reason these orchids love cork is because it doesn't
get sopping wet, resists mold, and has craggy surfaces for roots to burrow into. Cork chips, chunks and nuggets make a marvelous addition to mixes
because they impart these same qualities and also keep the mix open and airy. They look fantastic in the mix too, and the top of the mix seems to stay
fresh and clean looking for longer stretches of time.