oncidium evergreen...in lava rock week one
 

So far the lava rock has had no ill effect thus far. In fact I have thus found 2 new growths that are growing vigorously. Some root loss but nothing that was not to already be expected w new media. I am happy thus far. We will see how this continues to work out.

Awesome!

I have had my orchids in lava rock for nearly a month, and have also seen no ill effects. In fact, I think more drainage and air to the roots is leading to better growth. I feel that the lava makes them true epiphytes, holding little moisture lots of air flow and good drainage compared to wood chips. My cats and phals are having phenomenal root growth compared to the previous time period. I think that having to water more often simulates their natural environment a little more. The way I have it set up, they get a lot of humidity at the root area also but not direct water. Time will tell and I will continue to watch carefully.

Most of my oncidiums are in lave rock and seem to be happier, one noid oncid has even sent up 2 spikes and 3 new growth, I've been growing then this way for about 3 months and plan to repot rest of them in lava rock or on mounts.

Well mine are seeming to be happier then ever right about now! Thanks for the info. How chunky or pebbled do you make your lava rock?

And how do you all make your lava rock at all? Do you just buy the a pound or two of the stuff from the hardware store and smash it up with a hammer to get the sizes you need, or does someone sell it pre-chipped?

Great thread, Kindra!

Thanks. Hom3 depot sells it bagged for 3.95 a lb or so its for flower bed cover. I just break it down further w a hammer.

I have a flower bed that I filled in with lava rock. I think I have some extra and I do have an oncidium that will need to be repotted after its done blooming that I think is in a lava rock mix now.

The darned thing is putting out new buds on me, but I think it's about done. I didn't think that oncidium blooms lasted this long, I thought they only went for two or three weeks. LOL!

Mine bloomed for a full month and had been in bloom partially already. I decided after the most of thw blooms had started to show signs of wilt to cut the stalk.

I'll wait until it dries up a bit, then cut it. It's my sharry baby, so it can stay in bloom for as long as it wants! :D