Pure Hydroton - Orchid Board

eggshells · #1 07-18-2011, 10:36 PM

Has anyone here tried pure hydroton as a medium? I am really not fond of re-potting and disturbing the roots and I'm just wondering if anyone had tried pure hydroton and nothing else as a medium and had success with it?

Besides I bought a 50L bag of Hydroton and want to use it.

Edit:
Also I forgot to add that I dont mean S/H culture. just substituting LECA for bark mix

zxyqu · #2 07-18-2011, 10:46 PM

Well, I dont know how much moisture hydroton will hold by itself, but it should work. However, if you're not using a Semihydro (S/H) setup, you'll be watering quite often to keep it moist.

eggshells · #3 07-18-2011, 11:18 PM

I say they hold pretty good moisture, probably 3-5 days. the only thing is the top dries quickly. I'm thinking of topping it with sphagnum moss.

jrodpad · #4 07-18-2011, 11:55 PM

I have a phrag in pure hydrotron and it loves it - it's growing like a weed and it blooms like a mad man.

I do, however, have to water it daily.

Worth it.

-J

eggshells · #5 07-19-2011, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrodpad

I have a phrag in pure hydrotron and it loves it - it's growing like a weed and it blooms like a mad man.

I do, however, have to water it daily.

Worth it.

-J

Do you water w/ fertilizer daily?

WhiteRabbit · #6 07-19-2011, 12:12 AM

I know of at least one OB member who has been growing in straight leca - in Florida - has had good success with it - mostly Catt alliance, I believe.

eggshells · #7 07-19-2011, 12:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhiteRabbit

I know of at least one OB member who has been growing in straight leca - in Florida - has had good success with it - mostly Catt alliance, I believe.

That is what I am going to put on Hydroton. I will try it and experiment on a few plants. I will put everything on a journal and see how everything goes.

WhiteRabbit · #8 07-19-2011, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eggshells

That is what I am going to put on Hydroton. I will try it and experiment on a few plants. I will put everything on a journal and see how everything goes.

cool - let us know how it goes - I suspect they will be happy that way - I have a few catt alliance in straight pumice (may retain moisture a bit longer than leca - but maybe not, don't know hehe) - and they seem VERY happy that way!

nutgirl · #9 07-19-2011, 10:50 AM

I have all my plants in it. Both S/H and regular.

I'm using it as a regular potting medium for Catts, Cyms, Dendrobium, Bulbos and a Barkeria.

Maureen

pedidiva · #10 07-19-2011, 11:38 AM

I use LECA for medioum. I have a Vanda in it. It retains moisture pretty well deep into the plant. I us a long wooden skewer to check for moisture. For me, the LECA retains more moisture than the bark mix I was using. It depends upon your conditions, though. My plants are in clay pots. Humidity averages ~ 50% & I have a fan running. Temps get to mid 80's in the summer, never below 55 in the Winter.

Good luck, anoter reason that i like the LECA is because it is reusable. Boil, soak, Wah-La (I know it Voila)