Favorite Cattleya Mix

[peeweelovesbooks]

Originally Posted by khill

I use strictly lava rocks. Some of my catts are outside all summer in the heavy Florida rainy season, and it works well for that application. I need something that will dry out fairly quickly and not rot.

hi. forgive my ignorance, but is lava rock the same thing as volcanic rock? thanks.

[khill]

Yes, I believe volcanic rock and lava rock are the same medium.

[Jerry Delaney]

Originally Posted by Ray

I use PrimeAgra brand LECA in a standard plastic pot. Absorbs well, dries fairly rapidly, and is always airy without fear of decomposition.

However, just because something works well for one, it does not mean it will for another.

I think Ray has summed it up SO well with his statement that just because something works well for him does not mean it will for everyone. My own personal favorite is 4 parts medium bark, 1 part coarse perllite, 1/2 part medium charcoal, 1/2 part medium tree fern. If I am potting anything larger than a 6" pot, I place an inverted net pot in the center of the pot to keep the center from staying too wet. I have found over the years that it is much easier to modify your growing mix than to change your watering habits.

[Cynscats]

Originally Posted by Jerry Delaney

If I am potting anything larger than a 6" pot, I place an inverted net pot in the center of the pot to keep the center from staying too wet.

I have found that seedling pots inverted in the center of the larger pots work really well also. You can stack them up to just the right height for the rhizomes on a cattleya and create great small air pockets throughout the larger pots.