Since I had bonsai a long time before I grew orchids, my first orchids were planted in it. I used pine bark fines and either turkey grit or the small high fired clay used for pond plantings. They did great.

As long as you understand the mix holds more water than the typical large bark orchid mix and adjust your watering to the plants needs you won't have a problem.

I successfully grew and bloomed a Jewel orchid, a Brassavola digbyana, phals and some small catts. I used the same needle point plastic mesh things over the drainage holes to keep the mix in the pot. The digbyana is still in the 6" basket it was originally potted in.

If the people you are talking/writing have never grown another potted plant, this combo could be a bit tricky because of the amount of water it holds. Orchids can be grown in or on anything if the light and watering needs are correct for that type plant.

Brooke

Hi
What kind of orchids ??lol Nothing creates as much debate as Media lol. Most people mean epiphytes when they say "orchid" but even thta doesn't narrow it down enough.
So much variation in grow methods and climates
Brooke's last sentence about sums it up ?? But isn't that true of ANY plant??
Have not tried the gritty mix on any orchids but think of several terrestrials that would be worth a shot. Especially where they get a lot of water or were grown indoors. gary