Fir Bark All-Purpose Classic Orchid Mix is made with:

Phalaenopsis Basics:
Blooms:	Winter-Spring, can bloom year-round
Water:	Likes to be damp, not soggy
Light:	Low light
Temperature:	Warm growing, minimum temp of 55 degrees
Fertilize:	FEED ME! Weakly, weekly Increase amount by 50% from May-September
Growth Habit:	Monopodial, grows 1-3 new leaves per year. Bloom spikes emerge from the base of the 2'nd leaf node from the top, usually in early fall.
Look for:	New leaves in the Summer, Spikes in the Fall, Blooms in the Winter and Spring
Taxonomy:	Genus Phalaenopsis Tribe Vandeae
Natural Cues:	Phals are sensitive to the drop in temperature that comes with fall. If grown indoors the plant should be given 2 weeks of near minimal temperatures in the fall to initiate bloom spikes.
Repotting:	Phalaenopsis Classic Orchid Mix Phal Monterey Imperial Orchid Mix All Purpose Classic Orchid Mix AAA Phalaenopsis Imperial Orchid Mix

RePotme Fir Bark All-Purpose Classic Orchid Mix is an excellent choice for a wide variety of orchids such as Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, and any thick rooted orchid. This blend is designed to promote healthy strong roots with great drainage and a chunky open structure.

A word of caution is warranted when going from a sphagnum mix into a fir bark mix. Phalaenopsis tend to dislike going straight into fir bark when they were used to sphagnum. We recommend mixing fir and sphagnum 50/50 for one repotting cycle before repotting into straight fir mix. The opposite does not hold true, Phals moved from fir to sphagnum mixes typically adapt easily.

This mix was previously called Phal Bark All Purpose.

You may also want to consider our Imperial Orchid Mix line of Orchid Mixes. Please see our guide to finding the right orchid mix for your orchid. If you are unsure which orchid mix is right for your plants, feel free to contact us.

Classic Orchid Mixes, Imperial Orchid Mixes, Select-A-Blend, or individual orchid mediums, whichever is best for you and your unique growing requirements, rePotme delivers the goods!

We make our mixes the old fashioned way -- no "secret ingredients", just the highest quality and finest media that can be had, and we tell you exactly what goes in to every one of our mixes. Would you have it any other way?

That's the way we do business too, no surprises, just impeccable service, lightning fast responsiveness and checking back with you on every order to make sure you are delighted with what you received. We treat you the same way we want to be treated. We treat your plants the same way, as we treat our own.

Our clear orchid pots help make it easier to monitor moisture content and our Feed Me! MSU formula orchid fertilizer is perfect for this type of Orchid Mix.

The standard bag of our orchid mix is a generous overstuffed 13 inch x 18 inch size made from 12 scoops/quarts of media. All of our blends are delivered in convenient resealable containers.

Share Your Thoughts with rePotme

Everything arrived as promised.

I had to write you and tell you how much my orchids love your mixes. The first one I tried was the Oncidium Imperial Mix. They doubled in size and needed to be repotted or divided after a year. I then tried the Phrag. mix and again, success. I just received the Dendrobium mix and will report on the outcome. As you say, You Know Mixes.

Thanks for keeping your commitment!

Cynthia B.--- Ashland, MA

Hi,

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful product. I had the orchid in the picture for two years, without a bloom. I repotted the orchid this past May with your Phalaenopsis Orchid Mix, and you can see the results for yourself.

Thanks!

Denise F. --- Uniontown, WA

At my dentist's office last month I was horrified to discover, pushed into a dark corner, a poor, dusty, perishing (perished?) phalaenopsis. Having been the star of one of those elaborate holiday arrangements--roses, curly willow, ribbons/bows, etc--all that was left was two flaccid greenish leaves on top among all the dried up remains. So...pitched a royal fit--how could they deliberately murder such a beautiful organism, almost changed dentists over it, and took the poor thing home.

It's roots were just brown strings so I didn't hold out much hope, but I stuck it in some of your phalaenopsis mix and gave it a little Feed Me! anyway.

Well...two weeks later, tiny new green leaf (!!!)
Two weeks after that, another tiny new green leaf (!!!!!)
Today, it really appears to be alive and actually on its way to flourishing.
So, however you concoct your concoctions, I'm here to tell you, there are miracles in them.
Thank you, rePotme. I'll send you a picture when it blooms.

Carol P. --- Fort Worth, TX

I am so impressed with rePotme! I was given an orchid as a gift last September, and as a first-time orchid owner, I was totally clueless about how to care for it. When the leaves started to look a unhealthy, I did a google search and came across your website. After doing some research on your site, I placed an order with you for supplies so that I could re-pot my orchid. It has only been two weeks, but my orchid is now looking healthy and strong, which makes me so happy! I'm sure that if I wouldn't have found your site, my orchid wouldn't have lasted much longer. I look forward to seeing it bloom again this fall! Now, with the help of your website, I feel confident I can properly care for orchids, and am considering getting more of them.

Thank you for your service!

Stacy C. --- Parker, CO

Thank you for emailing to check to see how I liked my new products. I was waiting to reply becuase I just recently planted an ill orchid that I was given to rescue. I LOVE EVERYTHING I BOUGHT FROM YOU GUYS! I'm your customer for life! When I first got my orchid mix I couldn't believe how nice it was! I've never such nice moss! I have suggested you to everyone I know that grows orchids. Your products are fabulous. I love my new ceramic pots too! I have my two beautiful orchids in bloom right now in them on display. I would also like to add a comment about your customer service as well. I think you guys are AWESOME! When I send you an email you have such fast replys that sometimes I cannot believe how quickly you get back to me! I am also so pleased that I can call you and send you pictures for advice. It is so nice that your company is so people friendly and is great for begining orchid enthusiasts!

P.s. I have taken on two more sick orchids and will be sending you an email soon with pictures enclosed on advice.

P.s.s. You guys are really awesome!

Jennifer B. --- Charles City, IA

Hello rePotme,

I'm writing to say thank you. I've had my two orchid plants for several years, one for approximately nine years and the other for six. The younger plant is actually an offshoot of the older plant. I purchased my first orchid from a garden show. It was in bloom at the time. I wasn't sure what to do with the original bloom spike once it finished flowering, so I left it as is. Eventually a second plant grew from the tip of the spike.

Until I found your website about 3 years ago, I was very limited in my knowledge of how to properly take care of my orchids. I discovered your website when I was searching for new orchid pots. Based on care advice that I found on your site, I also bought your Classic Orchid planting mix and FEED ME! MSU Orchid Fertilizer along with my new pots.

I separated the two plants, and following advice from your site, I repotted my orchids in their new pots and mix and began a regular feeding/watering schedule. Eventually I also purchased a humidity tray.

My orchids have thrived!! They've grown - the baby is now as big as the parent - and both regularly put out new leaves. But, and it was a big but, they still failed to bloom. I hadn't seen a bloom since the original bloom spike nine years ago. But I was determined, so this fall I religiously followed your advice, creating an environment of shortened days and lower temps in order to encourage blooming. And as you can see from the attached photos, I was successful. FINALLY!! Thank you, thank you!! Both of my plants decided to bloom and they look beautiful. I wanted to share the good news and my gratitude with you.

Thanks again!

Laurie J. --- Lisle, IL

Thanks again on the always wonderful products, super speedy shipping, and awesome customer service. My orchids are glad to see the larger pots. They are potted in your media and fed the MSU fertilizer. They are huge with roots galore. I have already repotted one Phal., which had roots literally bursting out of its pot and climbing over the edges. Just waiting for the rest of the blooms to fall from the others, in order to repot. In addition, back in March, I bought a "Garbage / Clearance" NO ID Phal. from a store for $5, with blooms so sad and falling off, but the roots looked healthy and strong, and the plant was huge. I just can't let a good plant get thrown away. I repotted it in the Imperial Monterey Mix that I had on hand, with a sad bloom or two still trying to hang on. (I know this is a No No, but what could it hurt?) Since then, it began growing new roots and leaves. The spike even began to grow / elongate, adding new buds, and rewarded me with 7 new blooms, the size of your palm. A testament that your products work wonders.

Cindy S. --- Mattawan, MI

David, the potting medium you sent is gorgeous!! It's so superior to the bark I've been buying at Lowe's. My orchids have been doing beautifully thus far - my beginner's luck and their wonderful nature. I can't imagine what they'll do when I put them in your potting mix. It even smells fresh!! Many, many thanks. I'll be ordering from you again.

Janie M. --- Atlanta, GA

Yes! She is thrilled with the orchid mix and used it ALL the next day. She thinks it is excellent material and be sure we will be back with another order. She has been collecting orchids for 41 years and said it is best mix she has ever seen.

Nancy G. -- Ellison Bay WI

I just want to thank you. I've NEVER been able to get orchids to re-flower. Out of frustration, I bought everything from you to repot 4 that I had and with your pots, mix, instructions and hints (using stryofoam chips), they're all blooming. I'll recommend you to everyone.

Thanks again!!

Rosemary G. -- Moorpark CA

David,
What can I say, if I could I would give you and your staff a big hug. I have never in all my years even working with the general public had the pleasure of working with competent and outstanding individuals like you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the extra potting mix. That meant so much to me, you have no idea. Everything arrived in perfect condition.
Your customer for ever!!!!!

Elizabeth C. ---- Massapequa Park, NY

I have owned several phals for about 6 years. One or two have not bloomed since the original purchase years ago. However, I found your website and purchased the necessary items to repot my phals. Well, let me tell you, the one that hasn't bloomed in 6 years has now put on a spike in the last week. At first I thought it was a root, but, low and behold, it is a spike. And, only after I repotted it. I must tell you that the roots were a mess, many rotted. However, I followed your online instructions as best as I could, and all are doing much better and putting on new leaves. Even the one with the new spike. Which, I found really amazing.

Bonnie L. ----- Watsonville, CA

Thank you for the follow-up email! Yes!! my order arrived FAST - got here yesterday and I just ordered Sunday P.M. I love shopping with you, the potting mixes are the best I have found, your shipping is fair and FAST and your customer service is the best!! Your web-site is also VERY helpful!!

Wishing you a Happy New Year and continued success!!

Melanie P. --- Hoschton GA

Dear rePotme,

Thank you for checking on my order. It arrived safely Friday afternoon. Thank you for the amazingly quick order processing and shipment. I am very happy with the products (Classic Mix, FEED ME! MSU, Clear Pots) that I received. I have already repotted my Phal. seedlings. I also want to commend you on, and thank you for, the great personal service that I have received from your company. This is a rare thing in today's world. You definitely have a customer for life and someone who is spreading the word of such a great company.

Thank you again,

Cindy S. --- Mattawan, MI

Dear rePotme,

Once again, you have exceeded my expectations! From the speed of processing my order to how quickly it arrived at my front door!

I just threw out the remainder of a "Premium" store bought bag of Orchid mix. When I compared that one with yours there was nothing but differences! Your quality of materials far surpasses any other brand that I have ever used, it retains moisture far longer than the others, and the blend of high quality materials is beyond anything I have found elsewhere.

I have a habit of purchasing mishandled Orchids from nurseries, and usually have experienced minimal growth....until I started using your mixes and (FEED ME!) fertilizer. My Cattleya that has not done anything in two years has started growing two new pseudobulbs and there is very notable root growth after a month of being re potted! And the same goes for several other Orchids in my collection! Once again, thank you! If I'm ever out your way, I will definitely stop by to thank your staff personally. You have another customer who will keep returning as long as I'm growing Orchids!

Ron B. --- Twinsburg, OH

I received my order of Imperial Orchid Mix yesterday. Really beautiful mix. I've not seen anything to compare with it. Thank you for a great product!

Ruth T, Williamsville NY

"I received my order on the 13th.....finally did some repotting yesterday....mostly phals...( ordered 12 Scoop Select-A-Blend ) mix....was great....I liked my choices for the mixture.....for cats I will just add lava rock & maybe more aliflor....I will tout your website at our next NOS (Society) meeting as I now have first-hand info to pass on.....thanks for a great idea.....will try another concoction soon... "

Marilyn M. ---- Naples, FL

Dear rePotme,

Your order arrived so fast! Once again, I believe that you have the best website, order system and delivery time of any and all Internet services (and I am including Amazon, which is also terrific!).

Thanks! Your products are first rate, the service is first rate and I am one satisfied customer!!!

Betsy M. --- Williamsburg, VA

rePotme - I love your site & am very pleased with the information you provide. I've used all that I ordered from your company & have had orchids blooming for the last 6 months, because of what I learned from you. My blooming orchids were given to me by a grocery store nursery & we're mostly shriveled, brown & appeared dead. Thru your site I was able to identify, repot & give them the right conditions to thrive & bloom.

Janna P. --- Edmonds, WA

Yes, I received my order and I am pleased with it. I look forward to repotting when the blooms drop off.

I have combed your website and appreciate all the information you have. It is nice to have so much concisely offered in one place. This is my first orchid and I am thoroughly enjoying it. I'm sure there will be more to come and I will be returning to your website for more of your products.

I grew up in a small town and appreciated the customer service the local merchants gave each customer. I got that same service when I talked with you the day I placed my order. The order was probably small by your standards but you spent a fair amount of time on the phone educating me about the care of orchids and the benefits of different products - that is a lost art these days. You will be getting a lot of positive advertising from me when the opportunity arises - I'm starting with the friend who gave me the orchid.

Thanks again for your time and you will be my go-to place for future needs.

Barbara W ----- Fenton, MO

Orchid Mix FAQ

Can unused mix or media be stored for later use?: Absolutely yes! Because we make all of our mixes fresh, the container of mix or media you get will usually have some moisture in it. This is perfectly normal and is because we use water in the processing and preparing of many of the ingredients. It is necessary to dry out any mix or media before storage so it stays fresh.
What is the best way to dry and store mix or media?: We recommend removing the mix/media from the container it comes in and allowing it to get bone dry. This can be done on a cookie sheet or other suitable surface and may take a few days. Once dry, it can be placed back in the original container (box and/or bag) and stored in a cool dry location. Leave a small opening in the bag for air to get in and check periodically.
How long can stored mix/media last?: Dry mix can be stored for many months or longer depending on the location it is in and how dry it is kept.
When I am ready to use the mix/media after it has been stored, what is the best way to get it ready?: Uniformly moisten the mix/media by rinsing at the sink in a colander or similar container with drainage. It is not necessary to soak overnight. All rePotme mixes and medias are already prepared for immediate use when received, but it is always best practice to uniformly rinse before using.
What if I see any kind of green algae or mildew form on the mix or media ( stored or in bag or in pots with plants)?: Algae and other natural growth is not uncommon on growing media that is damp and that is exposed to sunlight especially. Normally this is not harmful to the plant as these elements are often present in a natural growth setting too. Rinsing with clean water can often be all that is needed to remove this and we recommend a regular monthly application of a mild solution of Physan 20 for this purpose as well (mix at a rate of 1 tsp per gallon). Keeping containers and mix/media clean and fresh is best as it reduces premature breakdown of material and allows more light to enter while helping us to see and monitor plant development at the root zone when using clear pots.

See why rePotme mixes make all the difference!

Quality and Value from rePotme

We've all heard the old adage that you get what you pay for. We know it is true with the clothes we buy, the tires we put on our cars, the food we buy, and so many other things we get. It is just as true with the mix and media we buy for our prized plants. Yes, it is possible to pay less, but you will get what you paid for and the result can be plants that show it! Our mixes give you an edge. Your plants can thrive and you can be confident that you have given them every chance to be their best. Why settle for less?

Why are rePotme mixes superior?

We carry more potting mixes and media than anyone, and along the way we've focused on quality of ingredients, freshness, and value for our great customers. All of our mixes are made by hand, the old fashioned way. This means that we inspect what goes in and we gently create perfect fresh blends that promote healthy and happy plants. Other mixes and medias can even have bugs and larvae in them when you bring them home. Our mixes come in clear bags so you can see what you get. Clean, fresh, just made and personally inspected for quality. Why settle for less?

What are customers saying about rePotme mixes?

Customer provided image of Phalaenopsis in bloom

"Hi,

I just wanted to thank you for the wonderful product. I had the orchid in the picture for two years, without a bloom. I repotted the orchid this past May with your Phalaenopsis Orchid Mix, and you can see the results for yourself.

Thanks!"

Denise F. --- Uniontown, WA

What do you mean by fresh?

Other outfits make their mixes with machines, and materials go in a hopper which often breaks down the media. If it was clean to begin with, by the time it is mixed and bagged ( by machines ), it can be dried out, crushed and dust laden. These "brand X" mixes then sit around on shelves, in storage buildings and trucks which further dries them out and the handling of the bags can further break down the ingredients into ever smaller particles and dust. Here at rePotme, our mix ingredients are washed, inspected and blended with care by people who know what they are looking at. Every mix is hand crafted and every bag is filled by hand. Often times the mix you receive was just made by us and you can tell because the media is still moist and has the look and feel that makes it obvious.

Why do some mixes require "soaking"?

Other mixes need to be soaked for hours because they are all dried out to begin with and they have been sitting around for months or even seasons! Compare a bag of our fresh mix to one of those and you will see the difference right away. Stiff, dusty, shriveled, and hard is the norm. That's why they tell you to soak overnight. Our mixes are ready to use when you get them, and the only thing we suggest is to uniformly moisten for immediate use.

What about quantity?

It can be a real challenge to sort out competing sizes when shopping for mixes. Some places tell you the weight, some the dimensions, but few tell you by quart size what you will get in the container. We tell you that one quart of potting mix fills a six inch wide pot, two four inch pots, or half of an eight inch pot with no plant in it. The number of plants that can be repotted depends on the size of the roots and how tightly the mix is packed into the pot. Our customers know that they get a stuffed container and it is usually surprising how much mix you get for the money. Good value and a fair deal from rePotme. That is what we strive to deliver with each and every order.

What about choices and sizes?

RePotme offers mixes for just about every plant by name, and we offer more medias in more size choices than anywhere else. We offer containers from our smallest MINI bag, all the way up to our giant CUBE sizes which holds many times that much. We pioneered the Make Your Own Select-A-Blend make your own mix concept where you tell us what you would like in your mix and we custom blend exactly what you want and ship it the same day.

Classic Orchid Mixes	Imperial Orchid Mixes	Houseplant & Bonsai Mixes
All Purpose Classic Phalaenopsis Classic Cattleya Classic Dendrobium Classic Oncidium & Seedling Classic Paph & Phrag Classic Cymbidium Classic Chunky Cattleya Classic Terrestrial Classic Fir Bark Classic Seedling Fir Bark Classic Jewel Orchid Classic Inorganic Classic	All Purpose Monterey Bark Imperial Phalaenopsis Monterey Imperial Phalaenopsis AAA Imperial Cattleya Imperial Dendrobium Imperial Oncidium Imperial Paph & Phrag Imperial Cymbidium Imperial	Houseplant Classic African Violet Classic Bromeliad Classic Cactus Classic Tropical and Subtropical Bonsai Mix Deciduous Bonsai Mix Conifer Bonsai Mix Evergreen Bonsai Mix Multi Purpose 50/50 Bonsai Mix Organic 50/50 Bonsai Mix Inorganic 75/25 Bonsai Mix

How long does the mix last?

Here again, rePotme delivers the goods! When buying orchids, it is always wise to inspect the mix and the pot that the plant is in. Many times, the mix is old and the plant is climbing out of the pot. Sometimes the pot isn't great either, offering little or no drainage. Repotting your new plants in our fresh mix and new pots is smart, and you would like to do so soon after getting them. Once the bloom is done, give the plant a breath of fresh air ( new mix promotes oxygen movement around the root zone ), and put it in a proper sized orchid pot that offers great drainage, and one that promotes air flow. Our exclusive Oxygen Core Dual™ Pots do exactly that. Mixes eventually break down, and one should expect to repot every year or two to keep the plants root zone healthy. Our mixes can be expected to hold up extremely well because they are fresh and clean to begin with and because they are gently handled and packaged all along the way.