Lava rock experiences with renantheras?
 

Has anyone had any first-hand experiences (good or bad) with using lava rock as a potting medium for renantheras? I have a number of them growing in empty clay pots, and it's a bit of a chore to have to water them as often as I do (daily during the summer months, every few days during the winter). I would like to put something in their pots to help retain at least a little moisture, but I'm very hesitant to try most potting mixes for this genus. And since my local Lowe's has bags of red lava rock on sale this week for $7, now seems like it might be a perfect time to try this.

Any feedback will be appreciated.

Thanks!

Steve

I waited because I don't have any experience.

At the Tamiami show a few years back a grower was selling meter long top cuttings of various quarter-terete Vandas and also big red Renanthera hybrids. They were cheap. He tells his Florida landscape customers to put the bottom six inches in the south Florida sand, including a few roots, and keep them moist. He said they require at least 4-6 hours of full direct sun per day to flower.

I brought one home and put it into a pot with LECA. I set it in front of a window that gets direct Arizona morning sun. It got automatic watering every morning. Most plants would burn there, but this didn't. It grew well but rats ate it. If I go back to Tamiami I'm bringing more of these back.

Thanks for the reply! Interesting advice from the South Florida vendor--and too bad about the rats taking a liking to your plant. Your renanthera rooted well in the LECA?

Yes. They root all along the stem too.

Good to know. Thanks again!