s/h hydropon alternatives?

[camillenad]

hi,

I've been reading about Hydroponics lately and would like to try S/H on some of my orchids, but where I am right now there are no Hydropons available. I was wondering, is there an alternative to the clay used in S/H?
Thanks

[Olivia]

I think Prime Agra and Hydroton are what most people use. I order mine off the internet but I've also bought some from vendors at the local orchid show.

I'm not sure about viable alternatives. Both of the names mentioned above are types of LECA (lightweight expanded clay aggregated) which are somewhat unique for their ability to wick moisture from the reservoir and the shape with allows for air pockets. I haven't heard of another inorganic medium that will match those properties.

[gnathaniel]

I'm none too savvy on S/H, but I've seen people using perlite/spongerok, lava rock, and pumice in similar setups. I think you could also use gravel or coarse sand, though the wicking action of all of these is going to be somewhat different from LECA. I actually just put a couple of rescue Phal seedlings into S/H pots with sponge rock (coarse perlite) on top of a heat mat in an attempt to save them. Where are you located, Camille?

--Nat

[camillenad]

Thanks for the feedback Olivia and Gnathaniel, i'm in Turkey right now so it's a bit difficult to come across some supplies, i can order from the US worst case scenario, but 1st I wanted to search for alternatives...

[jrodpad]

I have heard that folks use rice husks as an alternative to Leica in S/H setups. Full disclosure - I've never done this myself and have never even seen it done. Does anyone remember the name of the OB member who grows this way?

-J

[Olivia]

Rice husks sounds familiar but I don't remember who uses them.

Way back in the day my brother successfully used perlite for a hydroponics set up with beans for a school project. The only thing I would keep in mind with that is the size of the pieces. The stuff I see here in the US is all pretty fine grade. The reason I mention this is that there seem to be two sizes of LECA available and Ray (if I remember correctly) recommends the coarser grade for most mature orchids.

[camillenad]

Exactly what i was thinking, perlite. I dunno if it would work with Phals, since they have large roots, maybe larger sized Perlite would do. And when using something such as perlite, is it ok to use it alone? So many questions sorry guys but as i said i'm new to orchids but eager to learn as much as i can to keep mine good and healthy. Thanks!

[Olivia]

I would think you could use the larger size perlite just like the hydroton. My brother certainly didn't add anything to it other than the appropriate fertilizers when watering.

Though perlite is rather light weight compared to hydroton. You may need additional help anchoring the plants in it.

[Ray]

My first experiments that led to the development of S/H culture used 3/4" #4 perlite.

Works fine at first, but over time the particles tend to crumble, leaving a suffocating sludge at the bottom of the pot.

[camillenad]

Thanks Olivia and Ray, so i guess over time Perlites a no-no :s