Can you grow in lava Rock?

[Cattleya17]

hey guys i have a few phals ready for re-potting and i was wondering if i can put them in lava rock! its inexpensive and it doesnt break down. so Let me know!

Hey and Thank you All so much in advance for all of your help!

[billc]

Hi neighbor, check this thread.
Red Lava Rock

Bill

[kiki-do]

I read somewhere that orchids basically need to be held up with some type of medium. (For our benefits, cause in the wild they grow attached to trees, rocks, etc.) I know dendrobiums love that type medium. We all have our own special mix, but I don't see why this wouldn't work just as well. I'm not an expert, so hope to hear from others.

[Cattleya17]

Okay. that makes sense. but i was just wondering more in particular do phals grow well in Lava rock? I grow most of my other plants (no phals growing in it) in it and they do amazing and bloom! This one particular phal I am talking about is growing in Sphag and is now making new roots ao i was wondering if moving it from that to lava rock will be detrimental.

[kiki-do]

Just my personal opinion here. I won't grow Phals in Spag. moss. There is too much chance of root rot if kept too wet. I only grow orchids that like alot of moisture in moss. Phals I repot as soon as possible to another medium. Unless someone else here has reasons why not to grow in rock, then I would say go for it!

[Cattleya17]

Ok cool cuz i never liked the stuff my self! and want it out! especially since we have been getting so much rain! my best phal is growing in bark right now but i really trust lava rock more! its growing right now so im very hopeful!