Using Diatomite as potting medium

[ans.smile]

Hi, diatomite contains a lot of plant silica. Plant silica is very necessary for plant health, and helps plants to have a greater resistance to illnesses and climate changes - eg sudden drought. Diatomite contains other nutrients, but you should use it with your regular fertilizer program. To be conservative, it holds water 150% and more of its own weight. The water and silica and fertilizer are slowly released to the plant. Various tests were done and a lot of very good results were obtained on plants other than orchids. As far as I can see, orchids were not officially tested. However, if you go to the Maidenwell Diatomite page, you will find at least 3 references of people using diatomite for orchids and having success with it