Char-broil Lava Rocks for a Gas Grill for Orchids?

[Vanda lover]

It really does work well for many orchids, especially ones that don't like to be too dry between waterings. I used to use the clay pellets, but I can't get them here, they were much more expensive anyway, and if you knock over a pot it is a pain chasing those little balls!

[Laserbeak]

Thanks for the responses. I thought they'd probably be OK, but I decided to err on the side of caution, I didn't want to kill any of my orchids. It's good to know now that this type of lava rock is good to use because it's probably more commonly found than the bags specifically meant for plants.

[Ferns Daddy]

I like using lava stones for my orchids I can't over water with them. plus it help keeping the pots from tipping over

[kindrag23]

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

It really does work well for many orchids, especially ones that don't like to be too dry between waterings. I used to use the clay pellets, but I can't get them here, they were much more expensive anyway, and if you knock over a pot it is a pain chasing those little balls!

And if you step on one of those stone balls yikes:

---------- Post added at 07:44 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:40 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Ferns Daddy

I like using lava stones for my orchids I can't over water with them. plus it help keeping the pots from tipping over

Good heavens I def need something for that...my gramms are a pain in the tailfeathers keeping up right...

[AnonYMouse]

I've been meaning to re-post these pics over here:

[james mickelso]

There are many different types of lava rock. I collect mine and it is full of holes like swiss cheese. It's the best. I find that most lava rock is little different than your local gravel which by the way is excellent for orchid culture. But as with any other media used, you must learn how to grow in it. Every media takes adjustments to culture. Lava rock or gravel takes more water with fewer problems such as fungus and bacterial issues. Rot for the most part disappears. But you have to really keep an eye on it as it holds less moisture than other organic media. I use it a lot but them again mine is different than most.

[Vanda lover]

I believe that it harbors fewer insects as well.
If you use it in s/h it is good to mist the surface every so often. But I do find that it wicks better than the clay pellets.

[Orchids4ever]

Originally Posted by Vanda lover

It really does work well for many orchids, especially ones that don't like to be too dry between waterings. I used to use the clay pellets, but I can't get them here, they were much more expensive anyway, and if you knock over a pot it is a pain chasing those little balls!

I think i will have to go over to the Island-i have been looking for Months around here -nobody seems to carry any-Vanda lover what store do you get yours at? None at Rona or HD over here

[Bud]

Instead of using peanut styro foam which is very light, I use that b-b-q lava rock instead. It holds my pots stady and don't let my Phals to easily topple and fall.

[Vanda lover]

Originally Posted by Orchids4ever

I think i will have to go over to the Island-i have been looking for Months around here -nobody seems to carry any-Vanda lover what store do you get yours at? None at Rona or HD over here

Canadian tire usually has it