Has anyone used Higromite? - Orchid Board

Pantsonfire · #1 06-08-2009, 12:02 PM

Just north of Reno is a volcanic ash deposit of pozzolan. It is being mined and burned in a kiln for use as a soil and concrete additive. The main product is called Lassenite, and is used on golf courses to retain moisture.

I asked if they could make a product similar to hydroton or prime agra, and they already do! Made in the USA.

It's named "Higromite".
Has anyone used this?
What were the results?

Pantsonfire · #2 06-08-2009, 12:42 PM

I noticed a previous thread about the product. But, that only involved a web-site analysis, no customer testimonials. I'm looking for first-hand accounts.

The product is touted as inert, reusable, won't float, locks in place, and is able to draw water to the top of 8" container. Based on the head-to-head comparison of other S/H media conducted on Firstrays.com, this product sounds like a contender in many aspects.
One issue would be the wide ranging particle size.

littlefrog · #3 06-08-2009, 12:58 PM

I've used a similar product (haydite) that is an expanded shale. Although in an attempt to simplify my life I've gone back to mostly bark mixes. I put haydite in the small bark mixes, and I still add it in to peat mixes for non-orchids, as a substitute for perlite. Works excellently for bromeliads (1:1:1 small bark, hadite, peat).

Anywho... I don't have any experience with higromite. But I wager it would be similar. Check the pH and after you wash it well check the TDS, just to make sure it is really inert. When I was using it more, I'd screen the haydite into two batches, fines and a batch that was a little smaller than a pea. I just used an old plant tray with a web bottom.

If I used it more I was going to figure out a gravity sorting system. I was planning on dropping the material from about ten feet, with a big fan blowing on the stream. The large bits would fall closest to the fan, the small bits farther away. Never got around to doing it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pantsonfire

I noticed a previous thread about the product. But, that only involved a web-site analysis, no customer testimonials. I'm looking for first-hand accounts.

The product is touted as inert, reusable, won't float, locks in place, and is able to draw water to the top of 8" container. Based on the head-to-head comparison of other S/H media conducted on Firstrays.com, this product sounds like a contender in many aspects.
One issue would be the wide ranging particle size.

DelawareJim · #4 06-08-2009, 01:52 PM

I have not used it, but after visiting their website I'm a little skeptical. Some of their claims are pretty sensational and some a little contradictory; like improved stem length and shorter inter-nodal spacing? As a horticulturist I know that the internodal spacing is simply the stem length between leaf nodes and shorter is generally preferred as it gives a bushier more compact plant. But improved stem length? Does that mean longer stems? Shorter stems? More compact plants with longer stems???

There is not a lot of published research available to back up some of their claims, especially regarding Silica. Early research with rice and cucumbers suggest some of these benefits but a lot more needs to be done.

This little voice in the back of my head keeps saying "SuperThrive". Some people swear by it, others call it snake oil.

All I can say is try some and let us know what you think.

Cheers.
Jim

Ray · #5 06-09-2009, 10:17 AM

One of their statements - "the varied shapes of the rocks promote porosity, allowing more oxygen to reach the roots" - is just plain incorrect.

100% sphere of a single size offers the most open volume.

Pantsonfire · #6 06-10-2009, 12:55 AM

We have all been subjected to years of advertising, some more than others. The claims on a website, or everywhere on Superthrive packaging, are to be expected. We have developed an "ad blindness" that keeps us from reading advertising, and when we do, there is an advertising filter in the noggin.

The only S/H media head-to-head comparison test results I have seen have been on Firstrays.com. (Thank you very much for that Ray) There were several factors taken into consideration. What higromite lacks in shape and free space, may be a trade off for root zone stability. The shape and density may compact somewhat, or lock the roots in place. The sphere shape may give the best open space, but wind, floatation, or plant handling might shift the roots to cause root damage. That can't be good either.

The cost of the product plus shipping puts it out of my price range, and I haven't found it locally.
If I can get some, I'll try to re-create Ray's test.

On a side note. How old is Ray?
I ask because of his website claim...
"The oldest active internet-only orchid vendor!"

Jerry Delaney · #7 06-10-2009, 01:22 AM

Hi Pants. I have tried a few orchids in it. Have not done any real scientific studies like Ray has, but here's my

Pros:
Does not float at all which, for me, makes it easier to wash. This adds to stability of plant in the pot compared to Hydroton.

Cons:
Much more expensive than most other media. Promotes algae growth much faster than other medias. Much heavier than any of the LECAs.

General Comments:
Ray, I agree with your statement about uniform particles allowing greater air penetration, but in a side by side comparison of 8 Zygo seedlings, half in Hygromite and half in Hydroton, there is no apparent advantage of the Hygromite over the Hydroton. It does appear to wick water a little higher and I think that accounts for the excessive algae growth on top of the medium. I do use it sometimes to kind of "top off" plants in Hydroton and this kind of helps keep me from blasting the marbles (my wifes term for the Hydroton) out of the pot when watering.

Pantsonfire · #8 06-10-2009, 02:38 AM

Thanks Jerry, that is helpful info. I wasn't even aware of the cost. I can't find it locally, so I'm trying to beg a sample from the manufacturer. If I can I'll try to re-create Ray's test. I don't grow orchids as successfully as I torture them

, so I'll skip your growing test.

Ray · #9 06-10-2009, 01:01 PM

The increased algae growth might simply be due to the lighter color, or a combo with the moisture. Diatomite and perlite are also great for accelerating algae growth.

Jerry Delaney · #10 06-12-2009, 12:01 AM

Quote:

The increased algae growth might simply be due to the lighter color, or a combo with the moisture.

Why is that Ray? I am not questioning your statement but wonder why lighter color promotes algae growth. Also, I have been wondering if the algae growth might be detrimental to the seedlings? I really don't like to use Physan. Is there an alternative Ray?