Rock Wool Medium

[JScott]

An update on my rock wool experiments. I used a mixture of half rock wool and have LECA. The results have been good. I mostly used it for compact and mini Catts, and they're all very happy in it, with really extensive root systems.

This works for me, because although I love the convenience or LECA or scoria or stalite that don't break down, they just dry out too fast in the hot Texas summers, and the plants don't do well. When I mix half rock wool and half LECA, that provides adequate drainage, while still retaining moisture for a reasonable time.

I've got a couple Phals in the same mix, and they're doing great as well. I have several Rossioglossum 'Rawdon Jester' babies that are planted in different media, including a couple in straight rock wool and a couple in rock wool/LECA. They are doing really well at this point, but I'm about to have to bring them in for the summer because it will be getting too hot soon, so we shall see what happens then. They are just starting their new growths.

I like it so much for my mini Catts that I'm tempted to try it on a standard Catt, although I worry that in a pot that big, it might stay wet for too long. Has anybody tried this combination with larger plants?

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by JScott

An update on my rock wool experiments. I used a mixture of half rock wool and have LECA. The results have been good. I mostly used it for compact and mini Catts, and they're all very happy in it, with really extensive root systems.

This works for me, because although I love the convenience or LECA or scoria or stalite that don't break down, they just dry out too fast in the hot Texas summers, and the plants don't do well. When I mix half rock wool and half LECA, that provides adequate drainage, while still retaining moisture for a reasonable time.

I've got a couple Phals in the same mix, and they're doing great as well. I have several Rossioglossum 'Rawdon Jester' babies that are planted in different media, including a couple in straight rock wool and a couple in rock wool/LECA. They are doing really well at this point, but I'm about to have to bring them in for the summer because it will be getting too hot soon, so we shall see what happens then. They are just starting their new growths.

I like it so much for my mini Catts that I'm tempted to try it on a standard Catt, although I worry that in a pot that big, it might stay wet for too long. Has anybody tried this combination with larger plants?

Yes, Catts, Dens, Beallara, Odontocidium, Phrags, all in pot size from quart to gallon pots. Although I don't do half and half in anything. I'm still sort of layering mine.

[Jmbaum]

I have to agree with the layering technique. the rock wool toward the top keeps the moisture gradient from being too extreme, provide an extra bit of evaporative cooling, the effect approximates moss well. on another note i’ve found moss grows fantastically on the rock wool, making it more visually appealing.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

Originally Posted by JScott

An update on my rock wool experiments. I used a mixture of half rock wool and have LECA. The results have been good. I mostly used it for compact and mini Catts, and they're all very happy in it, with really extensive root systems.

This works for me, because although I love the convenience or LECA or scoria or stalite that don't break down, they just dry out too fast in the hot Texas summers, and the plants don't do well. When I mix half rock wool and half LECA, that provides adequate drainage, while still retaining moisture for a reasonable time.

I've got a couple Phals in the same mix, and they're doing great as well. I have several Rossioglossum 'Rawdon Jester' babies that are planted in different media, including a couple in straight rock wool and a couple in rock wool/LECA. They are doing really well at this point, but I'm about to have to bring them in for the summer because it will be getting too hot soon, so we shall see what happens then. They are just starting their new growths.

I like it so much for my mini Catts that I'm tempted to try it on a standard Catt, although I worry that in a pot that big, it might stay wet for too long. Has anybody tried this combination with larger plants?

Here is one LC recently moved to SH. So far so good. There are new roots growing and the other visible roots are green and healthy.

[JScott]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

Yes, Catts, Dens, Beallara, Odontocidium, Phrags, all in pot size from quart to gallon pots. Although I don't do half and half in anything. I'm still sort of layering mine.

So do you put the rock wool more toward the top of the pot to keep the base of the plant where the new roots emerge slightly moist? And then LECA on the bottom? Or do you do like multiple layers? This sounds interesting and I think I'd like to try it.

---------- Post added at 03:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:03 PM ----------

Originally Posted by Jmbaum

I have to agree with the layering technique. the rock wool toward the top keeps the moisture gradient from being too extreme, provide an extra bit of evaporative cooling, the effect approximates moss well. on another note i’ve found moss grows fantastically on the rock wool, making it more visually appealing.

That sounds great! I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the tips, guys! I haven't been around here much lately and I've missed you all

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by JScott

So do you put the rock wool more toward the top of the pot to keep the base of the plant where the new roots emerge slightly moist? And then LECA on the bottom? Or do you do like multiple layers? This sounds interesting and I think I'd like to try it.

Strategically, Jeff, strategically.

LECA in bottom, until it just covers reservoir hole. Handful or two of rock wool, more LECA, handful or two of rock wool, more LECA, then a bit of a mix at top. Still doing about 75% LECA and 25% rock wool by volume.

In other words, using the rock wool in some layers just to keep the wicking going upward. Just gut instinct, no actual science involved. I leave that up to others. But hey, it's working!

[Dekejis]

I'm going to give the mix a try with some of my phrags. I've repotted several plants into hydroton/rockwool mix and have then standing in aerated trays of water. Most of them are long-petaled phrags, which I know are notorious for hating wetter conditions, but I'm hoping that if I've seen folks growing vandas and aclandiae in s/h, then epiphytic phrags can manage it as well.

Here are my victi- I mean experimentees so far:
Majestic Tresses
Tall Tails
caudatum
caudatum v. sanderae
Wossner Supergrande x 3 (separated a small compot)
Sunset Glow (which got beat up pretty badly outside last summer. I'm so sorry little guy)
Also, since I've just gotten in three flasks, I've potted at least one compot out of each into s/h (rockwool/hydroton mix towards the bottom, mostly rockwool towards the top). I added a little crushed oyster into the kovachii crosses as well)
Acker's Classic (Twilight x kovachii)
Wallisii
Kovachii x Acker's Dragon

[Ray]

Originally Posted by WaterWitchin

LECA in bottom, until it just covers reservoir hole. Handful or two of rock wool, more LECA, handful or two of rock wool, more LECA, then a bit of a mix at top. Still doing about 75% LECA and 25% rock wool by volume.

In other words, using the rock wool in some layers just to keep the wicking going upward. Just gut instinct, no actual science involved. I leave that up to others. But hey, it's working!

I just potted up two identical paph divisions - one in a layered approach, the other blended. We'll see if there is a discernable difference.

[WaterWitchin]

That’s fun Bill! I have one that set for last two years growing fans but no blooms. I repotted with the layers last year. It’s blooming now. I’ll try to remember getting a picture. But also cultural difference last winter started when I moved to upstairs orchid space instead of BatCave dungeon. I do think the extra moisture helped, but just speculation. Pretty sure it’s getting higher light now, which doesn’t hurt.

I could never do anything experimental like that. Lack of consistency in my cultural care.

[Dusty Ol' Man]

I'm confused. Who is Bill?