Orchid bark is typically taken from fir trees and has been steamed to
extract the resins that can be toxic to your orchids, while mulch grades are
usually simply untreated pine bark.

Of course there are exceptions, but generally speaking, it's best to avoid
mulches unless you know for sure about the source ands treatment.
--

Ray Barkalow - First Rays Orchids - www.firstrays.com
Plants, Supplies, Books, Artwork, and Lots of Free Info!

.. . . . . . . . . . .
"Jim W" wrote in message
news:1g32mqc.jdrg88scrgn4N%00senetnospamtodayta@ma cunlimited.net...
Is there any reason not to use 'normal' chipped bark, such as is used
for mulching, for orchids, as opposed to that sold specifically as
'orchid bark'? What is the difference?

Cheers
//
Jim