styrofoam peanuts as THE potting medium?

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Merlyn

Back off track to answer. I bought a large bag of the red lava rock. When opening I found that there are many different sizes already there, just fishing around will get them. I haven't had to break any but a few and all I did was use a hammer and protect my eyes while smashing at them in a bucket. All I do when using it is wash off the dust with the hottest water out of the tap in a colander I keep for my orchid media. I kept a Den in nothing but the lava rock for a few years until he decided that he didn't want to be a compact anymore or else he was off duty as a compact orchid and I don't keep any of the standard Dens !!!

HTH !

thanks so much for the info! I have a couple Catt types in straight pumice, both growing like weeds - the BS one blooms like crazy too - so I've been wanting to try lava rock - also seems like a good addition to other mixes for orchids. Cheaper than the pumice, as well as bigger pieces

Now, I just need my car to work, or someone to drive me to HD

[Arenalbotanicalgarden]

Lava rock ?

[Cym Ladye]

White Rabbit,

Off the thread again on lava rock. It may be cheaper but all lava rock is not the same. Some hold salts voraciously and after a year or so of use, will become so salt saturated that any roots contacting them will die. Be very careful what lava rock you use and especially in our Northern California area.

CL

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Cym Ladye

White Rabbit,

Off the thread again on lava rock. It may be cheaper but all lava rock is not the same. Some hold salts voraciously and after a year or so of use, will become so salt saturated that any roots contacting them will die. Be very careful what lava rock you use and especially in our Northern California area.

CL

thanks for that info - is there any way to know which lava rock might be ok, or which to avoid?

[Wrebbitrocks]

Originally Posted by fotofashion

Uh----guys. The water soluble peanuts dissolve in ta-da_____WATER. All you have to do is splash a little water on them and you will have your answer instantly.
Beverly A.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA

that was just too funny. anyways yeah, i know the difference between the two. the other ones are made of cornstarch and when you wet them theyre slimy and stick into a giant mess.

i beg to differ on the bad sides though. from what i've seen, the peanuts dont float in water. only some of the top ones do when you flood the pots but watering from above, the co-hesion of the water will hold them together. i potted them in a way that theyre intertwined with the roots and theyre all interlocked with themselves and the walls that they dont move but theres plenty of air. i may just take a picture. you know kinda like when we were kids and pushed against the sides of a narrow hallway and you could climb it?? sorta like that concept.

as for water retention, they have pleanty of grooves, and also when split in half, theyre somewhat porous and sponge texture so those hold nicely. i thought of it because in nature theyre not potted in anything so this is almost like nothing. theyre not easy to tip because i have them in somewhat heavy pots with slots. oh and ive been watering with distilled water so theres no salts like from our tap water here. when i fertilize, i flush them the next watering

i have a 3 catts, a dendro, and an onc. in this. theyre doing fine. my only concern was that the plastic would leach chemicals in the long run which im prepared for with a repot. i was thinking on getting another vanda to play with this method. since it dries fast, holds a tad of moisture for humidity, and is airy.

[Leafmite]

I use lava rock and have not had trouble with salts building up. It is important to use pure water and to rinse between fertilizing. I try to use organic fertilizer.
I have also used styrofoam without trouble. I have used the peanuts and also chunks of packing styrofoam packing material. Watering more often is the only cravat. I think using styrofoam might be perfect for those who have trouble moving heavy pots.
Leafmite

[Wrebbitrocks]

yes it is tedious watering often but id rather do that than risk overwatering. this stuff dries fast. i think this may also solve my problem with large plants. when i have gotten large ones, the center doesnt dry fast enough so this could help

[Gage]

Originally Posted by Gage

I'm no expert on styrofoam, but I believe the 2 kinds are as follows: the kind we want to use is shaped like an S and is smooth, the kind we don't want to use is more like an 8 and is rough(ish) and I believe may hold water. I am referring to white packing peanuts. Hope this helps?

Sorry, just wanted to clarify that I was distinguishing the difference between two kinds of white styrofoam that DO NOT dissolve in water. But the rougher one can become water-logged because it is the same type of foam used to make swimming "noodles", the ones the kids play with in the pool. You leave those out in the rain or in the pool and they will get water-logged. So I stick with traditional styrofoam.

Wrebbitrocks, so cool to hear that you're having success with so many chids in just styrofoam! Can you post some pics??

[Cym Ladye]

Originally Posted by Leafmite

I use lava rock and have not had trouble with salts building up. It is important to use pure water and to rinse between fertilizing. I try to use organic fertilizer. ..........
Leafmite

I do not know all the differences on types of lava rock, but we have discussed it on other OB threads. Leafmite says it all however, which undoubtedly is the reason she has not had a problem.

CL