Things that make me happy: ROOTS!

[Magnus A]

Growing roots are one of those great things about orchid growing! Here are 2 examples of new root growth for a Sophronitis and Bulbyphyllum planted in Hygrolon®

[tucker85]

I know what you mean. When a non-orchid-grower sees a nice orchid they will say something about the pretty flowers. When an orchid-grower sees a nice orchid they'll say something like, 'Wow look at the great roots on that plant'.

[james mickelso]

I concur whole heartedly. That is kew to good orchid growth. What exactly is this planted in and where did you get it? What are it's advantages? Cost? Repotting pros and cons?

[WhiteRabbit]

Yay for roots!

[Bud]

Right....my Vandas and and other root crazy plants would love this....thanks for the infos, Magnus!

Hygrolon®
The new unique material that opens up new growing possibilities.
- Holds 280 % of water
- Wicks and lift water vertically up to 320 mm
- Is 100% inert and free from degradation.
- Is a eco-friendly alternative.
- Acts as a excellent substitute for other organic growth substrates such as Sphagnum, cork, bark, xaxim etc.
- For terrarium, orchid and greenhouse use.
(it is very cheap....it doesnt rot or degrade....I want to use it on my ghost orchids....but sadly its only available in Europe....its not yet in the USA)

[Magnus A]

Originally Posted by james mickelso

.... What exactly is this planted in and where did you get it? What are it's advantages? Cost? Repotting pros and cons?

As Bud added to the post, Hygrolon® is a new material with interesting properties. I have just started to test it, and can´t say so much more as it is to early to evaluate.
I though can say that the material attract roots

For repotting you always has the problem that the root attach to your substrate and form a "solid" ball. This will be an issue for this material to and one downside is that the material is quit though, you cant rip apart a sheet of it, you need sharp tools to cut it.


I test it in different ways, as substitute for spagnum, in self watering system and as water distribution "spagnum cloth". I will report results as my tests goes on. But remember, this material is new and I have no idée about long term issues, though the specification look promising enough for me!

[james mickelso]

I wonder if cutting it into smaller pieces like maybe 1 inch by 1 inch and usingf it like that would be good. If it doesn't comnpact and drains well maybe that would be good.

[Gage]

Magnus, it's hard to tell but I would think that your stuff looks like it could be used for mounting. Can you show a wider shot of it, and maybe describe it further? Does it seem like something that could be used as a treefern mount alternative?

[Leafmite]

I like it! Right now, I use net pots and on some of the orchids, the roots are everywhere. That would be a neat alternative.

[Magnus A]

Originally Posted by Gage

Magnus, it's hard to tell but I would think that your stuff looks like it could be used for mounting. Can you show a wider shot of it, and maybe describe it further? Does it seem like something that could be used as a treefern mount alternative?

Gage, you can glue the material on almost everything, and then mount on it. Descriptions and inspiration pictures can be found on the internet, google "Hygrolon".

For me I use it in small bits as substitute for spagnum but the long term tests has do be done before I switch completely. I also use it as a "spagnum cloth" distributing water and moisture evenly over mounts.

Below you find a picture on the two rescue plants, chopped hygrolon and the cloth. The pot is filled with bits of hygrolon, a lid of the cloth for apparence and a wick. This make it into a S/H system that evenly distribute water throughout the pot when watered from below.