Den. Potting Medium

[kiki-do]

I have got to repot a dendrobium that is a hardcane. It's a noid from Walmart. What mediums are best for these type orchids? I am not set up to do S/H, so another answer from that one would be so appreciated. I've noticed alot of small rock-type medium in others I have gotten.
I usually use coconut husk chunks, perlite, allifor, and charcoal. Would this be okay and if so, should the mix be small husk chunks or medium sized?
Thanks for any help.

[kiki-do]

Hello!
Help please! I'm seriously having a brain cramp. I don't think I've repotted a hardcane before.

[allaKAZAAM]

Though I am not an expert, I will give you the "recipe" for my mixture.
I use:
Perlite 15%
Charcol 10%
Fir Bark 30%
Coconut Chunks 25%
The very loose (small bits that is) Sphagnum Moss 5%
Terracotta Balls (not sure the exact name) 10%
Dolamite 5%

Hope this helps...and my Dens seem to really like this mix. I have bought a few Dens from online sources and they have take to the media quite well.

Mark

[kiki-do]

Thanks so much! Is the Dolamite like sponge rock or what? Not familiar with that one. Thanks!!!!!

[Paul]

I'd say use what you have on hand, Kiki. Personally, I would use the medium size (or larger if you have any around) husk chunks but be 'skimpy' with them -- use a greater ratio of the allifor

[cb977]

Hi kiki

If you have any LECA, it will do well too

You don't have to go through the whole S/H system to use just plain LECA

[whygreenberg]

I'm with Paul as to using what you've got on hand. After all, best to use a mix/medium that you are familiar with.

[quiltergal]

Your mix should be fine Kiki. I have a hardcane in CHC/perlite/charc. It's new growth is 1" in diameter!! I kid you not!

[dgenovese1]

Hi Kiki,
It looks like you've got some good answers, but just in case you're looking for another alternative...a simple one I think...I'll fill you in on what I use.
50% charcoal
50% lava rock
I grow all of my hard cane dendrobs in this mix, and grow some great hard cane dendrobs. I posted a pic of one in the thread titled "What's Your Favorite" if you're interested in seeing it.
The only thing I can think of that might make this difficult for you to use is our different growing areas, but then again, that might not make a difference. with whatever you choose.

[Royal]

I'm with the "whatever you have on hand" crew.

I have used a bark based medium, a CHC based medium, and a LECA based medium. For me the best has been bark mix, CHC mix, or the CHC mix with some bark mix added.