Rock Wool Medium

[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.