Description
About virgin cork bark
Virgin cork bark is the outer bark of the cork oak, harvested from the living tree without harming it. It is light, rot resistant and full of natural texture. As a result, it has been the standard mount for Tillandsias and orchids for as long as people have grown them.
We sell it two ways. Pre-cut flat tiles come in small, 3.5 by 7.5 inches, medium, 5.5 by 11.5 inches, and large, 11.5 by 11.5 inches. Single tiles are thin and flat.
Alternatively, order rough cork by the pound in one-pound increments. Pieces by the pound come in many shapes and sizes, and most are larger than the pre-cut tiles. You can cut them to any size you like.
Shipping note: checkout does not include shipping for this cork, because it costs more than the website calculates. Instead, it ships by FedEx Ground, and we email a separate invoice for the difference before it leaves. For an exact quote, email us your address and quantity. Alternatively, order from our cork website, wholesalevirgincorkbark.com, where shipping is free.
For a shop, a cork tile with a plant wired to it is the simplest finished mount there is. It hangs on a nail, it stands against a wall, and it never needs replacing. Cork by the pound is the economical choice for anyone making mounts in volume.
Using virgin cork bark with air plants
Set the plant on the rough face of the cork, and then fix it with Tillandsia Wire through a small drilled hole or with a dab of E-6000 Tillandsia Glue at the base. Wired plants lift off for soaking, while glued plants stay put. Cork dries fast and never rots, so you can mist the whole mount in place, or dunk it and let it drip dry. Hang the tile from a hole in the top corner, or lean it on a shelf. Then keep it in bright indirect light. In a humid greenhouse, the plant will root into the bark on its own.
- Fits: One plant on a small tile, several on a large, for example xerographica, harrisii, stricta or ionantha clumps.
- Mounting: Wire through a drilled hole, or glue at the base.
- Watering: Mist in place, or dunk the whole mount.
- Feeding: Feed monthly with diluted TillyBoost Fertilizer in the soak.
- Placement: Wall, shelf or greenhouse in bright indirect light.
- Care of the cork: None, because it resists rot and insects.
Browse more Air Plant Displays, pick plants from our Air Plants, or read the air plant care guide.
