Red Lava Rock

[Cookiemonster]

Hello all
I found some Red Lava Rock at Lowe's intended for landscaping- or thats what it says on the bag! It weighed a ton, could barely lift it haha.
Can I use this type of lava rock for orchids, i might add some of this rock to my orchid mixes and maybe try some in SH-

I'd appreciate any advice,
thanks all

[SP2340]

I looked at that stuff before but I bought a smooth rock instead. I used it at the bottom of the pot to give it some weight so they don't blow over since they are outside. I have on orchid growing in marble so I guess you could use lava rock. I don't think you can use it for S/H since it probably doesn't have any wicking abilities.

[Jerry Delaney]

I don't think you can use it for S/H since it probably doesn't have any wicking abilities.

I think you might be surprised how well it wicks!!

[GreenpinkE]

I use it all the time with no problem, in pots and S/H. You may need to make little ones out of big ones with a hammer, and it wicks as good as clay.

[WhiteRabbit]

Originally Posted by Jerry Delaney

I think you might be surprised how well it wicks!!

really Jerry???
hmmm ... interesting
I may need to try this

[Brenda Aarts]

Anybody have a minute to explain what wick means?? I'm not familiar with that term.

[GreenpinkE]

It's able to draw water from the bottom to the top.

[Brenda Aarts]

Thanks. Guess I'll be using the buckets I have of it in my garage!!

[cabnc]

Check out this site:

How to grow orchids in Lava Rock

Dr. Courtney Hackney has some interesting notes on using lava rock.

Charlie

[lambelkip]

I've had trouble with lava rock retaining too much moisture. anybody else have this problem?