Potting media for people who like to water

[My Green Pets]

Lava rock is working for me so far. I like it in plastic pots as it retains moisture a bit longer. In baskets it dries out sooner.

I tried some clay pellets briefly but I had some issues and wasn't patient enough to try to figure them out. I will probably give the clay pellets / LECA another try in the future as I've read very good things about them.

[NYCorchidman]

Clay balls are the best.
You can water (or you almost have to) everyday and you won't kill plants in it.

Lave rock is also good, but it contains some water. at least a lot longer or more than clay balls.

[snowflake311]

Just mount your orchid. They don't need media if you have the time to water everyday and mist roots. I wish I could mount mine I don't have time and it's too dry here.

[oscar freak]

i'm gowing my orchids to display throughout the house pots just make it easier,i would love to be able to water daily.trying to make that happen

[oscar freak]

there's a place nearby that sells different kind of stone for gardening,could i use that?

[RJSquirrel]

people need orchid mix...

orchids dont

wht evr wrks fr u wll wrk fr yr rchd

Its only human to feel like somethings missing

[WhiteRabbit]

Use skewers, and teach yourself to water less

[oscar freak]

i hadnt watered for 14 days and the stick was still coming out damp,so something must be wrong?either not enough air movement around roots or not enough light?i would prefer to live without all that and just water to my hearts content.

[ALToronto]

Another vote for lava rock. I find it much better than clay pellets - the pellets are too lightweight, and for me at least, they hoard more minerals. Also, clay pellets are made with chemical binders, which may not all come out during the initial soak. Lava rock just needs a quick rinse.

Or you can just put your plants, bare root, in clay pots and use wire clips to hold them down. I had a catt growing that way until I put it in lava rock so I could water every other day.

[orchidsarefun]

Originally Posted by oscar freak

there's a place nearby that sells different kind of stone for gardening,could i use that?

I know from my folks' experience that it is not that easy to get suitable potting mix in South Africa. If you are still struggling, why don't you contact your local orchid society ? Firstly they can advise you on what everybody else is using locally and secondly you may be lucky in that they have suitable material that they sell to members. My Orchid Society, for example, buys in pallets of NZ Orchiata and sells off to its members.
Another point - if you are using orchid bark, it shouldn't matter that much if they are rained on outdoors. Wind should help with transpiration. You could also cut slits into the sides of your pots, that will help. You should be OK, provided water doesn't collect and stay on the leaves for days and the pots don't sit in a dam of water. Orchids are hardier than people think.
Lastly - you should only be growing those orchids that are geared to your environmental conditions. This site is of great help: Internet Orchid Species Photo Encyclopedia and can be used even if you have hybrids and know their species parentage.