SH in LECA versus Inorganic Conventional Culture

[estación seca]

I have been experimenting with using polyester fiber, intended for filling pillows, instead of sphagnum moss or rock wool. It is very cheap and works well. It does not break down. It is bright white, so it takes a little getting used to.

[Joseia]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I have been experimenting with using polyester fiber, intended for filling pillows, instead of sphagnum moss or rock wool. It is very cheap and works well. It does not break down. It is bright white, so it takes a little getting used to.

Interesting. Does the fiber retain water like sphagnum moss and slowly dry?

[daddydoall]

The polyester fiber is hydrophobic and seems to repel roots and organic growth (hence its utility in outdoor cushions) when I tried it.
Rock wool is hydrophilic quickly takes on algae growth and roots grow into it.

[Ray]

There are both hydrophilic and hydrophobic grades of rock wool. Personally, I have done best with a blend.

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by daddydoall

The polyester fiber is hydrophobic and seems to repel roots and organic growth (hence its utility in outdoor cushions) when I tried it.
Rock wool is hydrophilic quickly takes on algae growth and roots grow into it.

I bought a bag intended for stuffing pillows and used it as a pad under a Schomburgkia seedling mounted on a branch. It does retain some water. I would think a mass of even hydrophobic filaments would retain some water due to water's surface tension.