Rocks in S/H?

[Salixx]

I recently received a Potinara Hoku Gem from SBOE that I wish to transfer into S/H ASAP. It currently has a new growth started and is actively growing roots.

As with many of SBOE's Catt. Alliance plants, this one came potted in chunks of granite. I soaked it in water with KelpMax for probably around 2hrs, then cut the plastic pot off since roots were growing through the drainage holes. The problem I am having is getting many of the granite chunks out of the root ball. Which, if I had to have a problem, I guess this is a good one - the problem is a result of a healthy, established root system that does not want to let go! Some of the rocks have roots on all sides as well.

I don't want to damage the roots, which I would have to in order to remove the rocks. Rocks are inorganic, so it's not like they will rot in S/H, but they aren't porous either so they won't wick very well. My question is (maybe) simple. Can I basically just drop this plant into a S/H pot, fill in all the gaps with LECA and call it a day? Will this cause more problems than it's worth? What might be some concerns?

Thanks in advance!

Edit to add:
I don't like leaving them in the rocks because I have trouble keeping up with the watering on top of all my mounts.

[fishmom]

I don't know about S/H, but I recently transitioned an Aussie den from rocks to a bark medium. I removed the rocks that were easy and put the rest in the pot surrounded by medium. The plant is growing quickly and I will take out more rocks as I repot over the years. Meanwhile it has a good, solid base.

Remember that most roots will die off and be replaced when you move a plant to S/H. I would think that the new roots will seek out the moist, wicking medium and that the older roots on the rocks will eventually die off. You might want to check that in a year or two to replace more of the granite with LECA.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

Originally Posted by Salixx

I recently received a Potinara Hoku Gem from SBOE that I wish to transfer into S/H ASAP. It currently has a new growth started and is actively growing roots.

As with many of SBOE's Catt. Alliance plants, this one came potted in chunks of granite. I soaked it in water with KelpMax for probably around 2hrs, then cut the plastic pot off since roots were growing through the drainage holes. The problem I am having is getting many of the granite chunks out of the root ball. Which, if I had to have a problem, I guess this is a good one - the problem is a result of a healthy, established root system that does not want to let go! Some of the rocks have roots on all sides as well.

I don't want to damage the roots, which I would have to in order to remove the rocks. Rocks are inorganic, so it's not like they will rot in S/H, but they aren't porous either so they won't wick very well. My question is (maybe) simple. Can I basically just drop this plant into a S/H pot, fill in all the gaps with LECA and call it a day? Will this cause more problems than it's worth? What might be some concerns?

Thanks in advance!

Edit to add:
I don't like leaving them in the rocks because I have trouble keeping up with the watering on top of all my mounts.

Actually, granite can retain water for extended periods of time. If you haven't tried it before, try putting a bunch of granite chunks in a clear plastic pot. Water it thoroughly, and actually pay attention to how long they stay moist.

The large chunks I'm currently using on one of my orchids retain moisture for an entire day, to maybe a day-and-a-half here in this climate.

Not bad for a bunch of non-porous rocks.

If wicking is the reason, then it is understood. Granite does a rather poor job of wicking water upwards.

[Optimist]

I'd say Yes, to that. Frankly, even if it was organic, I would not rip the root up to get it off. How much "nitrogen" would it emit, really, and eventually it will rot and melt off. An inorganic stone? Sure! Let the root cling. Many of your epiphites are and can be also lithophytes.

[Salixx]

Originally Posted by Optimist

I'd say Yes, to that. Frankly, even if it was organic, I would not rip the root up to get it off. How much "nitrogen" would it emit, really, and eventually it will rot and melt off. An inorganic stone? Sure! Let the root cling. Many of your epiphites are and can be also lithophytes.

This was kind of my thinking and what I ended up doing. I soaked it a little longer and got a few more rocks out, gently removed some dead roots hidden behind the rocks then dropped it on in.

[estación seca]

Originally Posted by Salixx

I recently received a Potinara Hoku Gem.... Can I basically just drop this plant into a S/H pot, fill in all the gaps with LECA and call it a day?

Yes, and I would.