Water orchids potted in lava rock

[cantrell]

Hi, all. I'm currently using both lava rock and Seramis as mediums. I like both, but I slightly prefer lava for reasons I won't get into here. The problem is that I'm not sure how to "scale" lava rock.

I currently soak the orchids I have potted in lava which is a great way to hydrate them, but isn't very scalable (I don't have time to soak more than maybe a dozen plants total). Seramis, on the other hand, is easier to scale since I can add water to the top of the media, or to the tray, and let the Seramis do the distribution which means watering dozens of orchids is quick and easy.

Anyone know of a faster, more efficient way to water orchids planted in lava?

Thanks,
Christian

[Leafmite]

I grow all my non-terrarium orchids in red lava rock (and basket/net pots or plastic Vanda baskets). I have trays under the orchids and water them with a watering can. I have airline tubing to drain the trays, the type used for fish pumps. The orchids are on shelves so gravity gets the water flowing through the tubing easily (and I can do other things while letting the trays drain).

Smaller chips of lava rock actually wick water. I have a Burr. Nelly Isler in small lava rock chips.

Most of my non-terrarium orchids are members of the Cattleya family with a few Angraecoids, a Dendrobium, a Oncidium, and a Neostylis Lou Sneary added to the mix.

[cantrell]

Thanks, Leafmite. I'll see if frequent watering from above is enough to keep my orchids planted in lava rock sufficiently hydrated.

[estación seca]

You could plant orchids in barrels of basketballs if you watered them often enough.

[bethmarie]

Originally Posted by estación seca

You could plant orchids in barrels of basketballs if you watered them often enough.

Has anyone found a good source for barrels of basketballs?