GrowPharm's Fine Fir Bark is recommended for a wide variety of orchids, such as Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, and any thin-rooted orchid. The product has been packaged dry for long storage life. You must soak media in water for 2 to 24 hours prior to use. Drain the excess water prior to planting your orchid. 

GrowPharm Fine Fir Bark for Orchids

GrowPharm Fine Fir Bark is a high-quality orchid potting medium made from carefully graded fir bark sourced in British Columbia. The fine particle size is especially recommended for Phalaenopsis (moth orchids), young orchids, seedlings, and orchids with thinner or delicate roots. Smaller bark pieces provide more surface contact with the roots, holding moisture slightly longer while still allowing good air flow and drainage.

This product is packaged dry in Alberta for long storage life and heat-treated for purity. Before using, always soak the bark in clean water for 2 to 24 hours to allow it to absorb moisture. Drain well before potting.

Benefits of GrowPharm Fine Fir Bark

• Excellent Drainage – prevents waterlogging and root rot.

• Air Flow for Healthy Roots – allows oxygen to reach the root zone.

• Perfect for Fine-Rooted Orchids – works well for Phalaenopsis, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum, and seedlings.

• Long Shelf Life – packaged dry and heat-treated for safe storage.

• Mix-Friendly – can be blended with sphagnum moss, perlite, or charcoal for custom orchid mixes.

Why Orchids Need Fir Bark

In nature, many orchids grow on trees where rainwater drains away quickly and roots are exposed to air. Fir bark recreates these conditions indoors. It holds just enough water for hydration while preventing roots from sitting in soggy soil. This balance reduces rot, improves nutrient uptake, and helps orchids produce stronger roots and more reliable blooms.

How to Use

1. Place bark in a clean container.

2. Cover with water and soak for at least 2 hours (up to 24 hours for best results).

3. Drain until moist but not dripping wet.

4. Repot your orchid, gently filling bark around roots without packing tightly.

Orchid Bark for Other Plants

Fine fir bark can also be used to improve soil mixes for many houseplants and specialty plants.

• Aroids (Monstera, Philodendron, Anthurium, Alocasia): Improves soil aeration, mimicking their natural forest habitat.

• Bromeliads and Tillandsias: Provides a natural-looking, supportive base with good airflow.

• Succulents and Cacti: Improves drainage when blended into cactus soil mixes.

• Terrariums and Vivariums: Useful in bioactive setups with springtails and isopods, as bark helps regulate moisture and support beneficial microorganisms.

Mixing fine bark with perlite, charcoal, moss, or potting soil lets you create custom blends tailored to your plants’ needs.

Bark Origin

This fir bark is a by-product of the British Columbia forestry industry and is not harvested as a primary product. GrowPharm purchases this bark, then heat-treats it in Alberta to remove insects and fungus before packaging. By choosing this product, you are supporting Canadian jobs and making use of a sustainable by-product that would otherwise go to waste.