I couldn't find the mix in pre-mixed form so I had to buy the ingredients separately; that is likely what you will need to do. A local garden center has the pine bark fines by the scoop which I will load into the back of my truck, and they had the perlite and sphagnum peat moss too. They didn't have dolomitic lime, which I'm having a hard time finding. It doesn't look like Lowes has it either. And I'm not sure what the CRF is....the garden center didn't know either.

Swiss, When you say pine bark fines are you talking about shredded pine bark mulch? My local does not have anything called "fines."

What exactly are the ingredients that represent each number?

I appreciate your help!

gardengal, my local garden center had something similar called gypsum, but the label on the bag said it does not change pH so I didn't get it. The other ingredients in the 5-1-1 are going to alter the pH and the dolomitic lime (as I understand it) counterbalances the pH.

Terri, as I undertand it, pine bark fines and pine bark mulch are two different products that are not interchangeable. I got my info from this link original referred to me by gardengal.

And I think the local garden center didn't call them "fines" either but rather pine bark pieces or something, but it was the same stuff.

So the 5 is actually pink bark fines?

Here is what I found on eBay but "fines" comes in several sizes and look at the price! Hold cow.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/300995781798?ul_noapp=true&chn=ps&lpid=82

So which is the correct size fines?

Then what is the "1" and "1".

The recipe is readily available with a simple search.

The bark pieces/fines/chunks/nuggets/mulch (makes no difference what they're called) should be in the size range from dust to 1/2 inch.

Josh

Josh, I never thought to add the word "recipe" to my Google searches. Thank you!!!

You can try orchid websites. Their bark will be more expensive, but there are many websites where you can choose the size of the bark. Look for free shipping. If you are interested, I can post some links to help you out.

What are planning to repot? If you need large quantities there are other alternatives you can try. Are you repotting indoor or outdoor containers. More information would be helpful

Jane

Indoor containers. I have been on orchidupply.com because I buy the mixes for orchids and anthuriums there. But these fines are hard to find. Is there an alternative to this 5:1:1?

Terri, for the entire mix just click on the link in one of my earlier posts. Also, my local nursery doesn't call them pine bark fines, but rather "ground pine bark."

Orchiata orchid bark comes in a small size. It is expensive. I would recommend to anyone wanting quality bark to visit an Orchid Society meeting in your area to purchase it from a vendor. You don't need to be a member of the Society, guests are welcome and the vendors will sell to anyone. You will get a much better price, no shipping or handling. They sell it in bulk at the meetings.

I am an orchid grower and have always purchased my supplies at meetings. The price difference is tremendous. You can just purchase what you need as they buy it in bulk. Google Orchid Societies in your area and go to their meeting. They usually meet once a month.

I grow many container (dirt) plants also. I do not use this fine bark for large container plants as the cost would be prohibitive. I have many plants. I use Orchiata for smaller dirt plants or orchids with fine roots.

For large containers, I buy Timberlane bark mulch in Walmart (purple bag). I mix it in a wheel barrow, add some potting soil, perlite and plant my large plants in it. Works fine, I've had no problems. Furthermore, I do not screen or measure or spend much time on it. I've never found a reason to do that.

I'm sure you can find a local Orchid Society to buy any bark at much lower prices than online.

Jane