Cypress & rockwool combo for media--your thoughts?

[ElenaMarie]

Hi! I picked up a cubic foot of Carter & Holmes' cypress and (not rockwool) spongerock mix. It looks really good but I'm wondering if anyone has used it before and has any tips or warnings for me.

Thanks in advance!

[Paul Mc]

It may help if you tell us also what you intend to pot in it. Different genera have different needs.

I, too, would like a refresher on rock wool (what it looks like, good for, etc...) and the combination of it with a wood. I nearly lost two orchids that appeared to me where potted in this type of material, and nearly lost all of my roots. They are Oncidium alliance, but the name is alluding me.

[Brooke]

The only rock wool I've used are small square cubes. It holds moisture for a very long time and if you understand its capacity to hold water and when to rewater, it OK.

I've got a couple of Bulbos and a Coel. growing in net pots with that as the mix.

I also hate handling the dry cubes - it really reminds of the Angel Hair used at Christmas or handling the old asbestos insulation. I now wear latex gloves when dealing with it.

Brooke

[isurus79]

I have never even heard of this mixture. Is it new? Do you guys know what makes it better than traditional media like bark, osmunda, coir, etc? I'm always looking to play with new things and do experiments!! lol

[Vanda lover]

One reason it is popular is because it doesn't break down. I have never used it myself.

[ElenaMarie]

Originally Posted by Paul Mc

It may help if you tell us also what you intend to pot in it. Different genera have different needs.

Duh! That would help wouldn't it? I'd be using it for phals and paphs.

I, too, would like a refresher on rock wool (what it looks like, good for, etc...) and the combination of it with a wood. I nearly lost two orchids that appeared to me where potted in this type of material, and nearly lost all of my roots. They are Oncidium alliance, but the name is alluding me.

I misread the contents. It's cypress and spongerock, not rockwool. Thanks for the tip on the roots, I'll have to watch for that.

[ElenaMarie]

Here's the web page for the mix.

Cypress Blend Mix: Carter and Holmes Orchids

This media is made using Cypress Wood Blend and Spongerok.
Recommended for most orchids in 2.5” pots – 6” pots and many in larger containers too. Can also be used as a base mix with other ingredients such as charcoal, tree fern or sphagnum moss added.

[ElenaMarie]

Originally Posted by isurus79

I have never even heard of this mixture. Is it new? Do you guys know what makes it better than traditional media like bark, osmunda, coir, etc? I'm always looking to play with new things and do experiments!! lol

I'm not sure why but C&H can't get ahold of the douglas fir bark in quantity so they're using this mix.

[Vanda lover]

Wow! There is no shortage of Douglas fir here! I don't like bark as a medium.