S/H purchasing info
 

I'm a rather new orchid enthusiast and through trial and error, I'm doing okay. Since joining this board, I've been really facinated with the S/H concept and I have a particularly troubled oncidium that I'd like to try out. I can't seem to get it's watering or humidity right. I'm located in Northern Ontario, and its difficult to purchase innovative materials. (Even buying orchid bark can be a nightmare!) Are there some Ontarians out there that can recommend a reputable mail-order supplier?

I found a nearby hydroponics retailer with a website - store is closed at the moment. Their product list includes "clay pellets" in varying quantities. I'll try to drop by tomorrow and check it out. Anything else I should consider a must to get started? I've been reading about fertilizers and root hormones - I'm on info-overload!

Hello Miyuki !

Here, in montreal, I can find my LECA ( clay pebbles ) at Home depot.

Claude

Hi Claude,
Even my Home Depot is pathetic when it comes to this stuff. When I started growing orchids they had everything needed, but I guess its not too popular because they've discontinued it all. I just checked a few days ago for pebbles for a humidity tray with no luck. Everything I purchase comes from the Toronto area, which means a weekend trip.

Hello again Miyuki....

Here`s what I found...

http://www.ontariogrowerssupply.com/scart.asp?sar=Leca%20Clay&area=Growing%20Media,%20 Amendments%20and%20Conditioners&SID=226

Hope this help !

Claude

Hi Everyone,
Thanks for all the help! I was able to purchase clay pellets today although not a particular brand name so I'm not sure about capillary action or buoyancy issues - but I'm going to give it a try anyway. If this stuff doesn't seem to work as the forum has described I will order some or wait until I visit a larger city. I've got my translucent container ready to put holes in - 1" from bottom right? Oh and the pellets are soaking with a small quantity of rooting hormone added. At what level to I keep the water?

As long as there is water in the reservoir, it's OK, but believe it or not, it's actually advantageous to water more often.

Try this store and semi-hydroponic forum there Welcome to First Rays Orchids Tons of useful information about SH