Clay potting material

[Ranchnanny]

Everyone, I have been looking at orchid supplies and saw these clay type round balls being used as potting material. Between fir bark and these clay balls what are the differences? Is one better then the other or are they used for specific reasons?
I have repotted several of my orchids that were purchased from the big lot stores and have used those styrafoam peanuts at the bottom to enhance drainage. I still have so much to learn about growing orchids but I love it I just wish I would have started sooner.
I have recently ordered a Paph. Maude's Ruby from Chesterfield Orchids. Anyone ever order from them?
Thanks
Sheridan
Ranchnanny

[quiltergal]

Hi Sheridan, fellow Oregonian! I even know where Crooked River Ranch is .

The clay balls are LECA (light expanded clay aggragate), commonly used in hydroponic systems. Orchid growers have discovered it makes a great medium for the chids. The postitives are it's reusable, never decomposes, gets lots of air to the root zone, no bugs. It also has moisture wicking properties and is used in a growing method called semi-hydro. Visit the Semi-hydro forum for a complete description, or better yet visit Welcome to First Rays Orchids. Ray has so much good information on his website, and not just about growing s/h. Definately worth a visit. There are different LECA products, Hydroton, Alifor, and PrimeAgra to name a few. The downside to using LECA is the big plants in the big pots get really heavy. I'm still experimenting with a couple of plants in s/h. My plan is to try a plant from every alliance and see which ones respond best to s/h. In the mean time coco husk chunk, perlite and charcoal still work great for me.

That's a very pretty vini colored Paph. I've not ordered from Chesterfield before but it looks like they have a nice selection. If you ever get over to the Eugene area there's a greenhouse you must visit!

[Ranchnanny]

Thanks Terri I will take a look at that Ray's site. How long have you been raising orchids? I have been at it about 3-4 years and have a collection of 24 orchids ie Dens, Phals, Catts & I think a Brsdm.
I recently ordered an Orchidarium and should be getting it next week sometime. I am concerned that there is not enough humidty in our home hence purchasing the orchid house hopefully will do the trick.
Thanks for such a quick response.

Talk to you again by for now
Sherry
Ranchnanny

[quiltergal]

I've grown a few chids (and not very well) for about 3 years. I didn't really get serious until about a year ago. I have about 35+ plants now and it's a little of everything. Phals, catts, dens, oncs, and some other oddballs.

I came from the high desert to Jacksonville many years ago, so I know what you're dealing with. An orchidarium is a great way to solve that 10% RH problem! Better order the jumbo size though.

[Ranchnanny]

Where in the high desert are you from? We love it here and don't intend to leave. I know what you mean about getting the large Orchidarium. The one I ordered is not the big one I am already saving for that one. I have to start somewhere right its going to be fun watching the orchids in that new enviornment. I also plan to mount six of my windowsill Catts. and hang them inside the Orchidarium. It will be in the dining area between two large windows. I will post photo's when I get it and after its up and running.
TTFN
Sherry

[Ranchnanny]

Terri, just to let you know I ordered a S/H kit from First Rays site. I read as much as I could but its getting late so I gave up and will return in the morning to read more. Very interesting read. I am going to try it out on two of my Phals. that aren't doing so well. Their leaves are kind of soft so what the heck. If it doesn't work I will go back to the bark mix. Thanks for the advise

Sherry
Ranchnanny