red landscape rock - Orchid Board

clxt7321 · #1 05-06-2006, 11:42 PM

Would the red landscape rock be okay as a growing media?? The stuff I saw was called "lava lite". It is rather on the large side, but could break it up into smaller pieces, and very irregular in shape. I was thinking of trying it in S/H. Any thoughts?

Karen H

nyorchids · #2 05-07-2006, 11:43 AM

they use this red lava rock alot with cattleyas because of good drainage

Tindomul · #3 05-07-2006, 09:20 PM

I think I've seen that used to mount anthuriums. If this is one in the same, then I don't see why it wouldn't work with orchids! Tell us how it goes.

Ray · #4 05-21-2006, 10:46 AM

That stuff is not really all that good for S/H culture because the chemistry is quite variable and can be of an extreme pH (LECA's tend to be neutral), it really doesn't wick that well, and the coarse external porosity can lead to "bridging" water droplets that can suffocate the root system.

I have also heard that it traps minerals and pathogens really well and is hard to clean.