{"product_id":"daltons-orchiata-classic-6-9mm","title":"Orchiata Classic 6-9mm by Daltons — Orchid Bark for Repotting Young Orchids","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, sans-serif; max-width: 860px; margin: 0 auto; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003e\n\n\u003cp style=\"font-size: 1.05rem; line-height: 1.7; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003eOrchiata Classic is the 6–9mm grade in the Daltons Orchiata range — the go-to chip size for second potting, young orchids moving up from seedling mixes, and orchids that prefer a little more water around the roots, including Phalaenopsis. It's 100% pure New Zealand Pinus radiata bark, aged naturally so each chip holds moisture and nutrients on its surface while the core stays hard and stable for years in the pot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr)); gap: 1rem; margin-bottom: 2rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background: #f4f9f4; border-left: 4px solid #2e5e2e; padding: 1rem 1.2rem; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; color: #2e5e2e;\"\u003eUse Straight From the Bag\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444;\"\u003eStable EC means no pre-soaking or initial flushing. Pot up and water as normal.\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background: #f4f9f4; border-left: 4px solid #2e5e2e; padding: 1rem 1.2rem; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; color: #2e5e2e;\"\u003eBuilt to Last in the Pot\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444;\"\u003eHard, aged radiata bark resists breaking down, so you repot when the plant needs it — not when the mix collapses.\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background: #f4f9f4; border-left: 4px solid #2e5e2e; padding: 1rem 1.2rem; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; color: #2e5e2e;\"\u003eDolomite-Buffered pH\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444;\"\u003eCoated with natural dolomite to hold pH at 5.5–6.5 and supply calcium and magnesium to freshly potted plants.\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background: #f4f9f4; border-left: 4px solid #2e5e2e; padding: 1rem 1.2rem; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem; color: #2e5e2e;\"\u003eBeneficial Microbes On Board\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.9rem; color: #444;\"\u003eThe natural ageing process eliminates pathogens while beneficial micro-organisms remain to protect roots.\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 700; border-bottom: 2px solid #2e5e2e; padding-bottom: 0.4rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: 1fr 1fr; gap: 0.5rem 2rem; margin-bottom: 2rem; font-size: 0.95rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade:\u003c\/strong\u003e Classic (6–9mm)\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBag Sizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5 litres or 35 litres\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAir Fill Porosity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 47–52%\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater Holding Capacity:\u003c\/strong\u003e 55%\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 5.5–6.5 (dolomite buffered)\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEC:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u0026lt;0.3 mS\/cm\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMaterial:\u003c\/strong\u003e 100% New Zealand Pinus radiata bark\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSource:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sustainably managed NZ plantation forests\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #fff8e1; border-left: 4px solid #f9a825; padding: 1rem 1.3rem; border-radius: 6px; margin-bottom: 2rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cstrong style=\"color: #e65100; display: block; margin-bottom: 0.5rem;\"\u003eGrower's Tip — Is Classic the Right Grade?\u003c\/strong\u003e\n  \u003cul style=\"margin: 0 0 0 1.2rem; padding: 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.7;\"\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eClassic (6–9mm) suits young orchids at second potting and moisture-loving orchids like Phalaenopsis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003ePotting seedlings straight from flask or miniatures? Step down to Precision (3–6mm).\u003c\/li\u003e\n    \u003cli\u003eLarger plants with thick roots that want more air? Step up to Power (9–12mm) or Power+ (12–18mm).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 700; border-bottom: 2px solid #2e5e2e; padding-bottom: 0.4rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eHow to Pot With Orchiata Classic\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin-bottom: 2rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; padding: 12px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #edf3ed; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"background: #2e5e2e; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\"\u003e1\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan\u003ePlace a thin layer of Orchiata in the bottom of a clean pot — no rinsing or soaking needed first.\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; padding: 12px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #edf3ed; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"background: #2e5e2e; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\"\u003e2\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan\u003ePosition the plant in the centre with the roots sitting below the pot rim.\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; padding: 12px 0; border-bottom: 1px solid #edf3ed; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"background: #2e5e2e; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\"\u003e3\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan\u003eBackfill around the roots, tapping the pot gently so the bark settles without compacting.\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; padding: 12px 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003e\n    \u003cspan style=\"background: #2e5e2e; color: #fff; font-weight: 700; font-size: 0.85rem; min-width: 28px; height: 28px; border-radius: 50%; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; flex-shrink: 0; margin-top: 1px;\"\u003e4\u003c\/span\u003e\n    \u003cspan\u003eWater thoroughly and let the pot approach dryness before watering again.\u003c\/span\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 700; border-bottom: 2px solid #2e5e2e; padding-bottom: 0.4rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003ePairs Well With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"display: grid; grid-template-columns: repeat(auto-fit, minmax(200px, 1fr)); gap: 1rem; margin-bottom: 2rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"\/products\/daltons-orchiata-precision-3-6mm-35l\" style=\"text-decoration: none; color: inherit; background: #f4f9f4; border: 1px solid #c8dfc8; padding: 1rem; border-radius: 6px; display: block;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color: #2e5e2e; display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem;\"\u003eOrchiata Precision 3–6mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; margin: 0;\"\u003eThe finer grade for seedlings, deflasking and miniature orchids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"\/products\/orchid-focus-grow-by-growth-technology\" style=\"text-decoration: none; color: inherit; background: #f4f9f4; border: 1px solid #c8dfc8; padding: 1rem; border-radius: 6px; display: block;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color: #2e5e2e; display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem;\"\u003eOrchid Focus Grow\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; margin: 0;\"\u003eVegetative feed for young orchids establishing in fresh bark.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003ca href=\"\/products\/orchid-focus-bloom-by-growth-technology\" style=\"text-decoration: none; color: inherit; background: #f4f9f4; border: 1px solid #c8dfc8; padding: 1rem; border-radius: 6px; display: block;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color: #2e5e2e; display: block; margin-bottom: 0.3rem;\"\u003eOrchid Focus Bloom\u003c\/strong\u003e\n    \u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.85rem; margin: 0;\"\u003eFlower-initiation feed to bring orchids into spike and bloom.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003c\/a\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003ch2 style=\"font-size: 1.1rem; font-weight: 700; border-bottom: 2px solid #2e5e2e; padding-bottom: 0.4rem; margin-bottom: 1rem;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eIs Classic the right grade for Phalaenopsis?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eYes. Daltons list Classic as ideal for orchids that prefer a little more water, and its 55% water holding capacity suits Phalaenopsis and other moisture-loving genera in standard pots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eDo I need to rinse or soak Orchiata before use?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eNo. Orchiata's stable EC means it can be used straight from the bag with no initial flushing, and its dolomite coating already buffers pH to 5.5–6.5.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eCan I mix Classic with other barks?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eNo, blending isn't recommended. Softer barks break down much faster than aged Orchiata, which unbalances the mix over time. Blend with inert media like perlite or clay balls instead if you want a faster-draining mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 0.8rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eIs white or blue-green growth on the bark a problem?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eNo. Orchiata is processed from a natural resource, and Daltons note that fungi from the Penicillium genus can occasionally appear — it will not harm or damage plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails style=\"margin-bottom: 2rem; border: 1px solid #e0e0e0; border-radius: 6px; padding: 0.8rem 1rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003csummary style=\"font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003eHow long does Orchiata last before repotting?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin: 0.6rem 0 0; font-size: 0.93rem; line-height: 1.6;\"\u003eOrchiata's hard, aged chips resist chipping and composting, so growers report noticeably longer intervals between repots than with softer barks. Repot when the plant outgrows the pot rather than when the mix breaks down.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/details\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"margin: 1.5rem 0 0;\"\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"font-size: 0.95rem; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 0.75rem; color: #1a1a1a;\"\u003eSelect Size\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; gap: 0.75rem; flex-wrap: wrap; margin-bottom: 1.5rem;\"\u003e\n    \u003cbutton data-variant-id=\"52079476539690\" class=\"tgg-size-btn-orchiata-classic\" style=\"padding: 0.6rem 1.4rem; border: 2px solid #2e5e2e; border-radius: 6px; background: #2e5e2e; color: #fff; font-size: 0.95rem; font-weight: 700; cursor: pointer;\"\u003e35L\u003c\/button\u003e\n    \u003cbutton data-variant-id=\"52079476572458\" class=\"tgg-size-btn-orchiata-classic\" style=\"padding: 0.6rem 1.4rem; border: 2px solid #2e5e2e; border-radius: 6px; background: #fff; color: #2e5e2e; font-size: 0.95rem; font-weight: 600; cursor: pointer;\"\u003e5L\u003c\/button\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cdiv style=\"background: #1c3a1c; color: #fff; padding: 2rem; border-radius: 10px; text-align: center; margin-top: 2rem;\"\u003e\n  \u003ch2 style=\"color: #fff !important; margin: 0 0 0.5rem; font-size: 1.3rem;\"\u003eThe Repotting Grade Growers Trust\u003c\/h2\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"color: #aed1ae !important; margin: 0 0 1.5rem; font-size: 0.95rem;\"\u003ePremium NZ orchid bark, shipped Australia-wide. Free shipping over $499*.\u003c\/p\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display: flex; justify-content: center; gap: 1rem; flex-wrap: wrap;\"\u003e\n    \u003cbutton id=\"btn-add-to-cart\" style=\"background: #b67317 !important; color: #fff !important; padding: 0.85rem 2rem !important; border: none !important; border-radius: 6px !important; font-size: 1rem !important; font-weight: 700 !important; cursor: pointer !important;\"\u003eAdd to Cart\u003c\/button\u003e\n    \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/substrates\" style=\"background: transparent !important; color: #fff !important; padding: 0.85rem 2rem !important; border: 2px solid #fff !important; border-radius: 6px !important; font-size: 1rem !important; font-weight: 600 !important; text-decoration: none !important; display: inline-block !important;\"\u003eBrowse Substrates\u003c\/a\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003cscript\u003e\ndocument.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', function() {\n  var btn = document.getElementById('btn-add-to-cart');\n  if (!btn) return;\n\n  var selectedVariantId = '52079476539690';\n\n  var sizeBtns = document.querySelectorAll('.tgg-size-btn-orchiata-classic');\n  sizeBtns.forEach(function(b) {\n    b.addEventListener('click', function() {\n      selectedVariantId = this.getAttribute('data-variant-id');\n      sizeBtns.forEach(function(ob) {\n        ob.style.background = '#fff';\n        ob.style.color = '#2e5e2e';\n        ob.style.fontWeight = '600';\n      });\n      this.style.background = '#2e5e2e';\n      this.style.color = '#fff';\n      this.style.fontWeight = '700';\n    });\n  });\n\n  btn.addEventListener('click', function() {\n    fetch('\/cart\/add.js', {\n      method: 'POST',\n      headers: {'Content-Type': 'application\/json'},\n      body: JSON.stringify({id: parseInt(selectedVariantId, 10), quantity: 1})\n    }).then(function(response) {\n      return response.json();\n    }).then(function(data) {\n      if (data.status \u0026\u0026 data.status !== 200) { throw new Error(data.description); }\n      btn.textContent = 'Added to Cart';\n      btn.style.background = '#2e5e2e';\n      setTimeout(function() {\n        btn.textContent = 'Add to Cart';\n        btn.style.background = '#b67317';\n      }, 2000);\n    }).catch(function() {\n      btn.textContent = 'Error \\u2014 Try Again';\n      btn.style.background = '#c0392b';\n      setTimeout(function() {\n        btn.textContent = 'Add to Cart';\n        btn.style.background = '#b67317';\n      }, 2500);\n    });\n  });\n});\n\u003c\/script\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Daltons","offers":[{"title":"5L","offer_id":52079476572458,"sku":"DAL-BARK-CLASSIC-5L","price":29.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"35L","offer_id":52079476539690,"sku":"DAL-BARK-CLASSIC-35L","price":69.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0847\/1573\/3290\/files\/OrchiataComGeneric35Lvis.jpg_1.avif?v=1784084521","url":"https:\/\/www.thegrowguys.com.au\/products\/daltons-orchiata-classic-6-9mm","provider":"The Grow Guys","version":"1.0","type":"link"}