Hydroton-use - Orchid Board

kp53 · #1 03-01-2009, 04:40 PM

Is hydroton appropriate for all kinds of orchids? I have a dend that is growing well in it and it's time to replant some of my other assorted plants and I wondered if there were varieties of plants that did better than others.

lambelkip · #2 03-01-2009, 06:55 PM

no, it's not appropriate for all kinds of orchids. you don't want to use it for orchids that need to have their roots dry out between waterings

Brooke · #3 03-01-2009, 08:17 PM

I use it for catts and some dens in place of an organic media in clay pots. I have to water more often but I never have to worry about it breaking down.

I also know a woman who grows her phals in hydroton in clear pots and waters when there is no condensation on the pot. I haven't tried any phals in plain hydroton yet but she has great roots showing in the pots.

Brooke

Ray · #4 03-01-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lambelkip

no, it's not appropriate for all kinds of orchids. you don't want to use it for orchids that need to have their roots dry out between waterings

Sorry, but I have to disagree. Use it in a pot with lots of drainage and it will dry out very rapidly - moreso than many organic materials.

Joanie · #5 03-02-2009, 02:37 AM

Ditto!! :iagree:

cb977 · #6 03-02-2009, 09:56 AM

I use either hydroton or aliflor for almost every plant in my collection. There are some that are in sphag or Epiweb but there's not one that has any bark mix

rogerman · #7 03-02-2009, 09:59 AM

I can't even buy bark here....So I don't have any in bark either.

kp53 · #8 03-02-2009, 06:08 PM

Thanks to all for the great advice. I think I'll use the hydroton and see how it goes.