I use orchiata with LECA pellets when growing hoya, and orchiata and LECA with long fibered sphagnum moss for most orchids and nepenthes. The hoya are grown pretty much semi-hydroponically, and the bark is quite long lasting! I don't have issues with it as a media, it works great for me! But, the downside is the cost. I bought a large 2 cubic foot bag (i think) for nearly $40. If you have less plants, it'll last a bit, but can be costly if you have a lot of plants.

I use it in Florida. I buy it through my Orchid Society which is much less expensive than buying on line. I only use it with certain orchids. I've moved some of my orchids to rock because of the high humidity and heat.

Try to find a local Orchid Society and see if you can get it through their vendors.

Jane

Many orchid people in the northeast prefer it, because we use bark to help increase humidity in our pots, and Orchiata doesn't break down anywhere near as quickly as regular bark. Worth the extra cost! Remember not to rinse it.