Where to Find Larger Perlite

[Mountaineer370]

I'm getting ready to repot a few plants. A couple of them are Paphs that are currently potted in what looks like a combination of some kind of medium bark and large Perlite. I got them from an orchid show a couple months ago. I would like to come up with a very similar mix, but I have had no luck finding Perlite in larger chunks. A couple times, I have ordered what was described as larger Perlite, but upon receipt, it was just fine and dusty, like the stuff you buy in the garden department at the local stores. A hydroponics store near me carries it, but I would have to buy a huge quantity. The Perlite in the pots now appears to be close to 1/2 inch in diameter. I don't think I need it to necessarily be that large (these are pretty small plants), but I'd be happy if I could find something at least 1/4 inch in diameter.

Do any of you have any suggestions for a source of this stuff? Or, alternatively, if you don't think that kind of a mix is the best for small Paphs, I'm open to suggestions.

[Dollythehun]

Did you look at Repotme.com or Kelley's Corner?

[Mountaineer370]

Yes, I have. In both cases, it looks good in the pictures on the website, but I'm a little apprehensive because I've ordered it before (not from them) where it looked fine on the order page but was not as pictured when I received it. I was hoping someone could tell me they got some from so-and-so, and it was a nice size, not too small and dusty.

P.S. I see Repotme has a general purpose orchid mix that contains small Orchiata, medium Orchiata, and medium Perlite. That might work. I'm staying away from their Paph mix as it contains sphagnum, and I don't do well with sphagnum. I can't tell when things need watering.

[orchidsarefun]

I've just bought this. Reviews say larger size

Amazon.com : 8 Quarts xGarden Horticultural Grade Premium Perlite - Coarse and Chunky : Garden & Outdoor

[Leafmite]

Wayne Roberts of Roberts Flower Supply also has the larger stuff. I have seen it at shows and his open houses.

Orchid Growing Supplies - Plants for Sale Columbia Station Ohio | Roberts Flower Supply

[estación seca]

Perlite Institute | A Worldwide Association of Perlite Professionals
The Perlite Institute: Perlite Information Library (downloadable PDF files)

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I don't know what your local hydroponics store is like, but out here there are a few pretty large ones and they carry stuff like what you're looking for.

Also do an online search for sponge rocks instead of perlite.

[bethmarie]

Originally Posted by estación seca

Perlite Institute | A Worldwide Association of Perlite Professionals
The Perlite Institute: Perlite Information Library (downloadable PDF files)

Thank you for posting that. Fascinating stuff, interesting career. I'm thinking of becoming a perlite professional myself.

[Mountaineer370]

Thanks to all of you for the replies. You've given me some options that I will look into.

Philip, I only checked with my closest hydroponics store. There are others I will call to see if they might have the smaller bags.

ES, what a wonderfully educational site you linked!

[dounoharm]

Coarse Perlite, 20 Quart Bag - Potting Soil & Growing Medium | Greenhouse Megastore