Question for the group:

Considering all of the growing media variants out there, how many of those
materials actually support orchids in the wild?


Cork Oak bark No
- Yes for the Australian Native Cork and some Sarco species and other small
epiphytes. I actually have used many this as a mount many times as I find it
lasts well and seems to support the small plants well.


Charcoal No
- In areas known for fire, many aussie native terrestrials require the
charcoal to be present to signify the presence of fire before they will grow
and flower. Also have seen plants growing on burnt trees in areas where the
charcoal is older than the plant.


Perlite No

Sphagnum Maybe some very wet growing terrestrials, but I don't know of
any
- Many Aussie natives will grow on Sphagnum. ( Rentouls "Growing Orchids"
has photos of this in the wild)


Osmunda (root system of the Osmunda cinnamomia fern)

Tree fern Yes! (sometimes)
- Quite a few tree ferns will support orchids as will some Cycad species.


Kye.