Where to find fine (3-4mm) prime agra or hydroton?

[greenpassion]

I am really having a hard time finding the hydroton or prime agra pellets that are the smaller size, typically used for orchids with finer roots, such as oncidiums. Last year I got some from First Rays, but now all I see that is there is the larger pellets, more for phals. I've searched on line, to no avail. Anyone out there know where to find this stuff?

[Wild Orchid]

Originally Posted by greenpassion

I am really having a hard time finding the hydroton or prime agra pellets that are the smaller size, typically used for orchids with finer roots, such as oncidiums. Last year I got some from First Rays, but now all I see that is there is the larger pellets, more for phals. I've searched on line, to no avail. Anyone out there know where to find this stuff?

I seem to remember seeing hydroton in a pet store.

[chiquib313]

Check out the hydroponics stores. They usually have it available.

[Ray]

I really doubt you need anything that fine.

[greenpassion]

Originally Posted by Ray

I really doubt you need anything that fine.

That's funny. I bought the smaller prima agra on your (Ray's) recommendation. Prior to that, I had had no idea that different orchids perferred differing size pellets. And I notice that it's not available any more on First Ray's site. Only one size is.

[Ray]

Like others, I used to use the fine grade (4-8mm) for fine-rooted plants. As I gained more experience with using it however, I realized that it 1) adds little, if anything, compared to the coarse (8-16mm) grade, and 2) can actually lead to problems, as the small spaces between the particles can be totally clogged by the plants' roots, resulting in "self-suffocation".

I amended my recommendation to say that I use it only for plants with hair-like roots, such as African violets and the basil I keep in the greenhouse for cooking.

More recently, I have abandoned that altogether, as I realized that the root environment is essentially the same, no matter what the particle size, so why risk the issues that accompany the small voids between the small particles?

[tucker85]

You're right, the small size LECA doesn't seem to be available any more. Actually I think the manufacturers of Hydoton have gone out of business completely. If you really feel that you need a small size rock media, small lava rock is available from RePotMe.com but if it's for s/h I think you should go with Ray's advice. He's definitely the authority on the subject.

[greenpassion]

Thank you Ray. It's good to know. Also, I'm so glad that you still have SOLO. Great stuff. Have a wonderful holiday!

[seaj]

So is small LECA really a thing of the past? Are there no comparable products out there?

I actually do grow African Violets in hydroton and they are doing well. Most of them are standard sized plants, but I also have a few miniature types and small immature plants also. Because they don't need very big pots, those small plants usually have a hard time establishing themselves in the regular grade hydroton. I have to sort out the smallest balls for the top inch or so of the pot to help the plants anchor themselves in, but I would like a finer grade to avoid such issues.

[lepetitmartien]

Seaj, why don't you select in a regular 8-16 mm bag the smallest for this ? It's not that difficult either by shacking or in water (mine tend to drown faster when smaller).

There's also the cat litter solution too, but it's definitely smaller. Some hints on the products that can be used, and you'll find on a UK orchid forum if I remember well some experiences on orchids to read first. Be cautious anyway.