Reed-stem epidendrums

[khill]

Hi Junebug--

I don't fertilize every time I water, so the answer, I guess is yes, I do flush. The orchids that I have outside just get the rain in the Florida summer, so flush themselves.

I love the lava rock medium. It can't break down ever. I just don't use it for my phals, as they need a little more water retention.

A local orchid grower was who recommended lava rock to me, and I can see why now. Especially for the catts and phal type dendrobiums.

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by khill

Hi Junebug--

I don't fertilize every time I water, so the answer, I guess is yes, I do flush. The orchids that I have outside just get the rain in the Florida summer, so flush themselves.

I love the lava rock medium. It can't break down ever. I just don't use it for my phals, as they need a little more water retention.

A local orchid grower was who recommended lava rock to me, and I can see why now. Especially for the catts and phal type dendrobiums.

Thank you for your reply. I've got some sizeable Catts that are growing outdoors. Their current bark, charcoal, pearlite mix becomes too wet when exposed to our multiple weekly rain showers. This sounds like a good medium for them. I've got about 2 quarts of lava rock that I purchased from a web site, but will need more. I hate to pay the hefty shipping fees. Have you had any luck finding lava rock at local nurseries or pet stores?

Thanks again,

June

[Lorraine]

Originally Posted by Junebug

Thank you for your reply. I've got some sizeable Catts that are growing outdoors. Their current bark, charcoal, pearlite mix becomes too wet when exposed to our multiple weekly rain showers. This sounds like a good medium for them. I've got about 2 quarts of lava rock that I purchased from a web site, but will need more. I hate to pay the hefty shipping fees. Have you had any luck finding lava rock at local nurseries or pet stores?

Thanks again,

June

Hi June,

I found lava rock at either H.D. or Lowes. It's in the landscape area with all the other stones and is red/clay colored. Decent size bag with mix of sizes good for orchids, just rinse it off well before putting in your pots.
Lorraine

[Junebug]

Originally Posted by Lorraine

Hi June,

I found lava rock at either H.D. or Lowes. It's in the landscape area with all the other stones and is red/clay colored. Decent size bag with mix of sizes good for orchids, just rinse it off well before putting in your pots.
Lorraine

Thank you Lorraine. I should have thought of that. Duh! Will run out and get stocked up and try to avoid being tempted by their ailing orchids.

[cb977]

Originally Posted by khill

Hi Junebug--

I love the lava rock medium. It can't break down ever. I just don't use it for my phals, as they need a little more water retention.

A local orchid grower was who recommended lava rock to me, and I can see why now. Especially for the catts and phal type dendrobiums.

Just saw this and thought I'd add my

I have all my Phal species hanging sideways in baskets with sphag but all the hybrids are in aliflor and they are all doing really well. If you like the lava rock medium as much as I love my aliflor, don't limit yourself...try putting a phal in it and see how it goes.

[khill]

Thanks for the info Susanne. I maybe will give it a try. All my phals need repotting when they finish blooming. How often do you water your phals in aliflor?