rubber mulch for orchid mix?!

[JeffreyGreen17]

i was recently talking to a friend about their orchids and he told me that he used a rubber based mulch. He said that it drains well and most likely wont deteriorate and thus wont cause rot issues. is this a good media? any thoughts please post!

[Zoi2]

Interesting. I guess it's also reusable?
Joann

[JeffreyGreen17]

i guess so, when he told me i thought it was very interesting and quite smart too

[JennS]

It sounds possible to use, but the type I have seen is a bit too small sized and would need something else in the mix to add more air flow. I got the idea from a fellow member to use lava rock which is really nice because it barely breaks down if at all. I get it at home depot or lowes for about $5 for a very large bag. There are many sizes to choose from within one bag to suit many different orchids. I mix it with charcoal and for more thirsty types i add some spag by that does break down.

[JeffreyGreen17]

that sounds like a really nice mixture! i think for my Dends. i will try lava rock, charcoal, and bark, which are all really good for airflow. what kind of media do you use for dends?

[Izzie]

As long as you could make sure that it wouldn't leach chemicals. Rubber might "degrade" more so than lava rock would. I don't like the smell.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

How does rubber retain moisture?

[CTB]

Doesn't sound good to me, I found rubber to get hot in the sun. Not for me.

[JeffreyGreen17]

ohhh good points, ya i'd hope that they wouldn't degrade and then leech chemicals into my plants soil :/ hmmmm i did a little research and it turns out that rubber mulch can be really bad for your plants i guess im staying to the lava rocks and bark

[Ray]

That was a fad a few years ago.

I don't recall what was "wrong with it", but longer-term users apparently had issues, as it is no longer common.