Cats in Lava Rock

[rochelle@58]

Just wondering -
I seem to have gravitated to growing a good number of my cattleyas in lava rock. I love it because I'm an over-waterer and its hard to do that this way. I was wondering what the cons are to lava rock only? Any input I get helps. Thanks

[Mandy2705]

I have experienced the same thing, in my care and environment they love lava rock. One downside is I have to constantly spray the roots.

[rochelle@58]

Hi Mandy -
I spray the roots occasionally but not a lot. I have a sister in Denver though and just from visiting her I know you probably do need to do that! Keep me posted how yours grow and I'll do the same. Thanks for replying! Barb

[Leafmite]

I think that the only cons I have seen is: 1) you have to flush the rock out really well every now and then to get rid of excess fertilizer build-up. 2) You have to water more often. 3) when you first pot an orchid into it, you often need to stake the orchid so the sharp edges of the rock don't harm the roots. 4) When reusing the lava rock, I have learned to boil it in distilled water as I have softened tap water.
I have been using it for a number of years, alone, and it has worked very well for me. Recently, I have added the new medium of LECA so some of my newer orchids are in that. Same concept.

[nutgirl]

I use both lava rock and LECA for my Cattleyas.

I have experienced all the pros mentioned plus the fact that Cattleya types that have lingered and lanquished in other mediums immediately respond when repotted in it.


Maureen

[mtorchid]

My Catts are either in LECA or mounted. I've heard that lava rock tends to collect fertilizer solids more readily than LECA so as Leafmite mentioned a good, regular flushing of water is important with both lava rock and LECA.

[Leafmite]

I have had some orchids in the red lava rock many years and have not had a problem. One of the Cattleyas I gave away last year had been in it over seven years (since it was a tiny seedling) without issue.

Flushing needs to be done with any long-term medium for potted houseplants. I usually just let the summer rains take care of it each year.

[rochelle@58]

Sorry for the late replies. I had to go out of town unexpectedly and just got back! Thank you all for your observances and advice and I feel much more confident now. I wish you all happy growing!