I have been using charcoal in my mixes for over 20 years. I purchased it as fine, medium, coarse and extra coarse.
I buy bark under the same names or grades fine, medium, coarse.
This past summer I ran into the term "Horticultural Charcoal". I have not run across that term before. But a long time member of the Michigan Society who gave up his collection and his orchid supplies. He had a bag of Horricultural charcoal. It was really a mixed bag!! Everything from 1/8" sized pieces up to an inch.
I have always heard that charcoal " helps to sweeten the mix". Now what does that mean? Any ideas? Does that mean that charcoal works like a buffering agent if I am on the right track.
