Where to Find Larger Perlite
 

I'm getting ready to repot a few plants. A couple of them are Paphs that are currently potted in what looks like a combination of some kind of medium bark and large Perlite. I got them from an orchid show a couple months ago. I would like to come up with a very similar mix, but I have had no luck finding Perlite in larger chunks. A couple times, I have ordered what was described as larger Perlite, but upon receipt, it was just fine and dusty, like the stuff you buy in the garden department at the local stores. A hydroponics store near me carries it, but I would have to buy a huge quantity. The Perlite in the pots now appears to be close to 1/2 inch in diameter. I don't think I need it to necessarily be that large (these are pretty small plants), but I'd be happy if I could find something at least 1/4 inch in diameter.

Do any of you have any suggestions for a source of this stuff? Or, alternatively, if you don't think that kind of a mix is the best for small Paphs, I'm open to suggestions.

Did you look at Repotme.com or Kelley's Corner?

Yes, I have. In both cases, it looks good in the pictures on the website, but I'm a little apprehensive because I've ordered it before (not from them) where it looked fine on the order page but was not as pictured when I received it. I was hoping someone could tell me they got some from so-and-so, and it was a nice size, not too small and dusty.

P.S. I see Repotme has a general purpose orchid mix that contains small Orchiata, medium Orchiata, and medium Perlite. That might work. I'm staying away from their Paph mix as it contains sphagnum, and I don't do well with sphagnum. I can't tell when things need watering.

I've just bought this. Reviews say larger size

Amazon.com : 8 Quarts xGarden Horticultural Grade Premium Perlite - Coarse and Chunky : Garden & Outdoor

Wayne Roberts of Roberts Flower Supply also has the larger stuff. I have seen it at shows and his open houses.

Orchid Growing Supplies - Plants for Sale Columbia Station Ohio | Roberts Flower Supply

Perlite Institute | A Worldwide Association of Perlite Professionals
The Perlite Institute: Perlite Information Library (downloadable PDF files)

I don't know what your local hydroponics store is like, but out here there are a few pretty large ones and they carry stuff like what you're looking for.

Also do an online search for sponge rocks instead of perlite.

Thank you for posting that. Fascinating stuff, interesting career. I'm thinking of becoming a perlite professional myself.

Thanks to all of you for the replies. You've given me some options that I will look into.

Philip, I only checked with my closest hydroponics store. There are others I will call to see if they might have the smaller bags.

ES, what a wonderfully educational site you linked!