Pinguicula bloom

[SFLguy]

Originally Posted by PaphLover

I also love how you can propagate them by pulling a few dormant, succulent leaves and repotting. You'll never run out.




I wonder if you could use either the lava or LECA for drosera. I dislike the messiness of the water it sits in with the regular potting media. Yuk!

Just as easy to propagate as succulents

I'm sure it would work for some Drosera, it really depends on how much is getting to the roots. But in either case the media would have to be sitting in the water

[estación seca]

I would worry about the LECA balls rolling over and squashing the plants. Or floating and foundering upside-down.

[SFLguy]

Woops let me add that the roots themselves should not be in the water themselves, they should get water through capillary action

[PaphLover]

Originally Posted by SFLguy

But in either case the media would have to be sitting in the water

Yes, absolutely! But like your lava rock, the LECA in water is so much cleaner than the peat mix. It's much more pleasing. You can just enjoy the beauty of the plant without the ugliness of the dirt from the pot swishing into the water.

Oh, btw, you inspired me to go out and get some lava rock. Still trying to find a place that has bigger pieces for mounting like you did, but at least I can now try lava for some orchids.

[SFLguy]

Originally Posted by PaphLover

Yes, absolutely! But like your lava rock, the LECA in water is so much cleaner than the peat mix. It's much more pleasing. You can just enjoy the beauty of the plant without the ugliness of the dirt from the pot swishing into the water.

Oh, btw, you inspired me to go out and get some lava rock. Still trying to find a place that has bigger pieces for mounting like you did, but at least I can now try lava for some orchids.

I'm glad I could help! I got my lava rock at an aquarium store, I also soaked them in distilled water for 24 hours to make sure they were clean. I hope your search goes well!

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by SFLguy

I'm glad I could help! I got my lava rock at an aquarium store, I also soaked them in distilled water for 24 hours to make sure they were clean. I hope your search goes well!

It's a good idea to keep track of the pH of the water you soak lava rock in. By-products of volcanism are generally strongly acidic, and can be trapped deep inside lava rock, particularly in larger pieces.

[SFLguy]

Originally Posted by Subrosa

It's a good idea to keep track of the pH of the water you soak lava rock in. By-products of volcanism are generally strongly acidic, and can be trapped deep inside lava rock, particularly in larger pieces.

Hmm I'll have to check up on that, didn't think about that part but they've yet to show any negative symptoms in the short run, we'll see as time goes on. Now I have to look around for one of those pH kits hiding around the house

[Tindomul]

What the FLIP is that!!!! OMG! I love it. How do you grow this?