Potting mix

[Wolfrott]

What's the verdict on decorative and/or functional potting mix?

E.G stones (real, glass, etc), bark, gravel.

[Ray]

My "verdict" is that decorative is a waste of time. The goal of a potting medium is performance - to provide a root zone environment that supports excellent growth in my plants, while working well with my watering habits and growing conditions.
Adding anything for the sake of appearance isn't even in my thought process.


Ray Barkalow
firstrays.com

[OrchidsPlz]

I agree with ray. However if you want to display your blooming orchids you can top dress with sphag then remove it when its done blooming

[tamiea]

I also agree with Ray. I am new to orchids but I want my orchids to be healthy. I do not care much if they are in pretty containers or stones.

[pipsxlch]

As Ray said, the purpose of potting media is function, not appearance... however, I've seen all the things you listed (except for glass pebbles) being used successfully. Various barks (pine, Orchiata) are probably the most commonly used media of all; many of us use lava chips or artificial pressed clay pebbles/rocks (LECA); gravel is used fairly commonly in the Caribbean region and I suspect elsewhere. It all comes down to what works with your conditions, but that doesn't mean it has to be 'ugly'. You can probably find something that works both ways for you. And, as OrchidsPlz said, you can always top dress with something more decorative when necessary- maybe the glass pebbles you mentioned.
For what it's worth, I've got a chunk of lava rock as a mount for a Trichocentrum, works great and I think it's neat looking.