Am having very good luck with mixes consisting of Heat expanded shale(Stalite), Coconut Husk chips and Crushed seashells (all thouroughly soaked and wased before use. Stalite will hold 30% of it weight in water. Stalite (a gravel used in the precast concrete industry) comes in 3/8 and 1/2 inch sizes. Using 1/2 with a sprinkling of seashell for Cattleyas. 3/8 and CHC (1:1) and sea shell for paphs and phrags. 3/8 an CHC (4:1)for cymbidiums.
You need seashell or another source of calcium carbonate in you mix to help stabilize pH up. I like a
pH of 7 especially for cymbidiums. Have used these mixes long enough to feel comfortable recomending them.
Dolomite Lime and Gypsun (Granulated) can be used if you cant find sea shell.
Last edited by orchids3; 10-07-2009 at 10:14 AM..
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