Stalite

[peeweelovesbooks]

Thanks so much for the information!

[Ray]

I am well aware of what the material is. I was merely mentioning that I had compared it to LECA for S/H culture.

I have spoken to the manufacturer in the past. maybe they can point out a local source:

Carolina Stalite Company
PO Box 1037
Salisbury, NC 28145-1037
P: 704-637-1515
Toll Free: 800-898-3772

[peeweelovesbooks]

Thanks guys. I found it @ Hicks Orchid Supplies in Orlando, if anyone is interested.

Their email is: hicksj0430@bellsouth.net

Before jumping in, I am going to repot 2 catts: both in the same type of pot, but one with hydroton and one with stalite. Let's see how it goes.

Seems like an interesting new medium. And, everyone I've asked about it likes it a lot.

[peeweelovesbooks]

Update #2: I also found it at OFE: Small bag for $10.95 and HUGE bag for $22.95.

[Becca]

Originally Posted by peeweelovesbooks

Before jumping in, I am going to repot 2 catts: both in the same type of pot, but one with hydroton and one with stalite. Let's see how it goes.

Keep us updated on how it goes! I'd really like to know. I realize you grow in a different climate then me, but how often do you have to water your orchids that are potted in all LECA non s/h culture? I have found several of my catt hybrids that I mixed more LECA in the potting mix then I realized really like it. I know Sue also uses LECA with her 'chids as well. I've been tempted to try it but to scared to!

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by Becca

Keep us updated on how it goes! I'd really like to know. I realize you grow in a different climate then me, but how often do you have to water your orchids that are potted in all LECA non s/h culture? I have found several of my catt hybrids that I mixed more LECA in the potting mix then I realized really like it. I know Sue also uses LECA with her 'chids as well. I've been tempted to try it but to scared to!

Hi there Becca! I'll certainly keep you updated. Right now, I have to water them every day. It's REALLY hot here so the pots dry out rather quickly.

I spoke yesterday with the guy at OFE and he informed me the growers down here are turning to stalite bcs. hydroton is getting more expensive.

I will definitely let you know though. I ordered some pots and as soon as they arrive I'll start my little non-scientifically rigorous experiment.

[derv88]

Old thread dredge, but I bought a 10 pound bag of Stalite and would like to experiment with it.

Does anybody have any recent experience/reviews of this medium? I bought a Catt at the Naples orchid show a couple of months ago and it is potted in 100% Stalite.

Curious that there isn't a lot of mention of this media in the forums.

Let me know if anyone has any recent feedback/observations!

Thank you!

[derv88]

I repotted one Catt yesterday in 100% Stalite. I did notice right away that if you have a stair climbing Catt, it might be a challenge to repot with Stalite and also take care of mature new bulb roots that were previously ariel. Thee sheer weight of the medium and the shifting of the rhizome when repotting and looking for that perfect position might be too harsh on older roots.

It does seem to be retaining water well so far though. I've got the pot skewered and will track the length of time the medium sustains before rewatering for my conditions and compare it to traditional bark.

The medium just seems so...dead...it basically feels like rock. Very curious to see the long-term results of this experiment.

[Nexogen]

Originally Posted by derv88

I repotted one Catt yesterday in 100% Stalite. I did notice right away that if you have a stair climbing Catt, it might be a challenge to repot with Stalite and also take care of mature new bulb roots that were previously ariel. Thee sheer weight of the medium and the shifting of the rhizome when repotting and looking for that perfect position might be too harsh on older roots.

It does seem to be retaining water well so far though. I've got the pot skewered and will track the length of time the medium sustains before rewatering for my conditions and compare it to traditional bark.

The medium just seems so...dead...it basically feels like rock. Very curious to see the long-term results of this experiment.

You can try an experiment with Hydrolite; Hydroponic Grow Media from Botanicare.

[azredsand]

New here...what does OFE stand for? Thanks