Rock Wool Medium
Login
User Name
Password   


Registration is FREE. Click to become a member of OrchidBoard community
(You're NOT logged in)

menu menu

Sponsor
Donate Now
and become
Forum Supporter.

Rock Wool Medium
Many perks!
<...more...>


Sponsor
 

Google


Fauna Top Sites
LOG IN/REGISTER TO CLOSE THIS ADVERTISEMENT
  #111  
Old 06-01-2021, 01:16 PM
JScott JScott is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Grand Prairie, TX
Posts: 1,189
Rock Wool Medium
Default

An update on my rock wool experiments. I used a mixture of half rock wool and have LECA. The results have been good. I mostly used it for compact and mini Catts, and they're all very happy in it, with really extensive root systems.

This works for me, because although I love the convenience or LECA or scoria or stalite that don't break down, they just dry out too fast in the hot Texas summers, and the plants don't do well. When I mix half rock wool and half LECA, that provides adequate drainage, while still retaining moisture for a reasonable time.

I've got a couple Phals in the same mix, and they're doing great as well. I have several Rossioglossum 'Rawdon Jester' babies that are planted in different media, including a couple in straight rock wool and a couple in rock wool/LECA. They are doing really well at this point, but I'm about to have to bring them in for the summer because it will be getting too hot soon, so we shall see what happens then. They are just starting their new growths.

I like it so much for my mini Catts that I'm tempted to try it on a standard Catt, although I worry that in a pot that big, it might stay wet for too long. Has anybody tried this combination with larger plants?
Reply With Quote
  #112  
Old 06-01-2021, 01:29 PM
WaterWitchin's Avatar
WaterWitchin WaterWitchin is offline
Administrator
 

Join Date: Feb 2011
Zone: 6a
Location: Kansas
Posts: 5,032
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JScott View Post
An update on my rock wool experiments. I used a mixture of half rock wool and have LECA. The results have been good. I mostly used it for compact and mini Catts, and they're all very happy in it, with really extensive root systems.

This works for me, because although I love the convenience or LECA or scoria or stalite that don't break down, they just dry out too fast in the hot Texas summers, and the plants don't do well. When I mix half rock wool and half LECA, that provides adequate drainage, while still retaining moisture for a reasonable time.

I've got a couple Phals in the same mix, and they're doing great as well. I have several Rossioglossum 'Rawdon Jester' babies that are planted in different media, including a couple in straight rock wool and a couple in rock wool/LECA. They are doing really well at this point, but I'm about to have to bring them in for the summer because it will be getting too hot soon, so we shall see what happens then. They are just starting their new growths.

I like it so much for my mini Catts that I'm tempted to try it on a standard Catt, although I worry that in a pot that big, it might stay wet for too long. Has anybody tried this combination with larger plants?
Yes, Catts, Dens, Beallara, Odontocidium, Phrags, all in pot size from quart to gallon pots. Although I don't do half and half in anything. I'm still sort of layering mine.
__________________
Caveat: Everything suggested is based on my environment and culture. Please adjust accordingly.
Reply With Quote
  #113  
Old 06-01-2021, 02:08 PM
Jmbaum's Avatar
Jmbaum Jmbaum is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Apr 2021
Zone: 10b
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 133
Rock Wool Medium
Default

I have to agree with the layering technique. the rock wool toward the top keeps the moisture gradient from being too extreme, provide an extra bit of evaporative cooling, the effect approximates moss well. on another note i’ve found moss grows fantastically on the rock wool, making it more visually appealing.
Reply With Quote
  #114  
Old 06-01-2021, 03:08 PM
Dusty Ol' Man's Avatar
Dusty Ol' Man Dusty Ol' Man is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Oct 2020
Zone: 10a
Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Age: 69
Posts: 1,316
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JScott View Post
An update on my rock wool experiments. I used a mixture of half rock wool and have LECA. The results have been good. I mostly used it for compact and mini Catts, and they're all very happy in it, with really extensive root systems.

This works for me, because although I love the convenience or LECA or scoria or stalite that don't break down, they just dry out too fast in the hot Texas summers, and the plants don't do well. When I mix half rock wool and half LECA, that provides adequate drainage, while still retaining moisture for a reasonable time.

I've got a couple Phals in the same mix, and they're doing great as well. I have several Rossioglossum 'Rawdon Jester' babies that are planted in different media, including a couple in straight rock wool and a couple in rock wool/LECA. They are doing really well at this point, but I'm about to have to bring them in for the summer because it will be getting too hot soon, so we shall see what happens then. They are just starting their new growths.

I like it so much for my mini Catts that I'm tempted to try it on a standard Catt, although I worry that in a pot that big, it might stay wet for too long. Has anybody tried this combination with larger plants?
Here is one LC recently moved to SH. So far so good. There are new roots growing and the other visible roots are green and healthy.
Reply With Quote
  #115  
Old 06-01-2021, 04:05 PM
JScott JScott is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Grand Prairie, TX
Posts: 1,189
Rock Wool Medium
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by WaterWitchin View Post
Yes, Catts, Dens, Beallara, Odontocidium, Phrags, all in pot size from quart to gallon pots. Although I don't do half and half in anything. I'm still sort of layering mine.
So do you put the rock wool more toward the top of the pot to keep the base of the plant where the new roots emerge slightly moist? And then LECA on the bottom? Or do you do like multiple layers? This sounds interesting and I think I'd like to try it.

---------- Post added at 03:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:03 PM ----------

Quote:
Originally Posted by Jmbaum View Post
I have to agree with the layering technique. the rock wool toward the top keeps the moisture gradient from being too extreme, provide an extra bit of evaporative cooling, the effect approximates moss well. on another note i’ve found moss grows fantastically on the rock wool, making it more visually appealing.
That sounds great! I'll give it a shot. Thanks for the tips, guys! I haven't been around here much lately and I've missed you all
Reply With Quote
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Likes
Likes Jmbaum liked this post
  #116  
Old 06-02-2021, 09:08 AM
WaterWitchin's Avatar
WaterWitchin WaterWitchin is offline
Administrator
 

Join Date: Feb 2011
Zone: 6a
Location: Kansas
Posts: 5,032
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by JScott View Post
So do you put the rock wool more toward the top of the pot to keep the base of the plant where the new roots emerge slightly moist? And then LECA on the bottom? Or do you do like multiple layers? This sounds interesting and I think I'd like to try it.
Strategically, Jeff, strategically.

LECA in bottom, until it just covers reservoir hole. Handful or two of rock wool, more LECA, handful or two of rock wool, more LECA, then a bit of a mix at top. Still doing about 75% LECA and 25% rock wool by volume.

In other words, using the rock wool in some layers just to keep the wicking going upward. Just gut instinct, no actual science involved. I leave that up to others. But hey, it's working!
__________________
Caveat: Everything suggested is based on my environment and culture. Please adjust accordingly.

Last edited by WaterWitchin; 06-02-2021 at 09:20 AM..
Reply With Quote
  #117  
Old 12-19-2021, 12:16 PM
Dekejis Dekejis is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Jan 2008
Zone: 7a
Location: Roswell, GA
Posts: 113
Rock Wool Medium Female
Default

I'm going to give the mix a try with some of my phrags. I've repotted several plants into hydroton/rockwool mix and have then standing in aerated trays of water. Most of them are long-petaled phrags, which I know are notorious for hating wetter conditions, but I'm hoping that if I've seen folks growing vandas and aclandiae in s/h, then epiphytic phrags can manage it as well.

Here are my victi- I mean experimentees so far:
Majestic Tresses
Tall Tails
caudatum
caudatum v. sanderae
Wossner Supergrande x 3 (separated a small compot)
Sunset Glow (which got beat up pretty badly outside last summer. I'm so sorry little guy)
Also, since I've just gotten in three flasks, I've potted at least one compot out of each into s/h (rockwool/hydroton mix towards the bottom, mostly rockwool towards the top). I added a little crushed oyster into the kovachii crosses as well)
Acker's Classic (Twilight x kovachii)
Wallisii
Kovachii x Acker's Dragon
Reply With Quote
  #118  
Old 12-19-2021, 01:01 PM
Ray's Avatar
Ray Ray is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: May 2005
Member of:AOS
Location: Oak Island NC
Posts: 14,782
Rock Wool Medium Male
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by WaterWitchin View Post
LECA in bottom, until it just covers reservoir hole. Handful or two of rock wool, more LECA, handful or two of rock wool, more LECA, then a bit of a mix at top. Still doing about 75% LECA and 25% rock wool by volume.

In other words, using the rock wool in some layers just to keep the wicking going upward. Just gut instinct, no actual science involved. I leave that up to others. But hey, it's working!
I just potted up two identical paph divisions - one in a layered approach, the other blended. We'll see if there is a discernable difference.
__________________
Ray Barkalow, Orchid Iconoclast
FIRSTRAYS.COM
Try Kelpak - you won't be sorry!
Reply With Quote
Post Thanks / Like - 2 Likes
Likes WaterWitchin, DirtyCoconuts liked this post
  #119  
Old 12-19-2021, 03:57 PM
WaterWitchin's Avatar
WaterWitchin WaterWitchin is offline
Administrator
 

Join Date: Feb 2011
Zone: 6a
Location: Kansas
Posts: 5,032
Default

That’s fun Bill! I have one that set for last two years growing fans but no blooms. I repotted with the layers last year. It’s blooming now. I’ll try to remember getting a picture. But also cultural difference last winter started when I moved to upstairs orchid space instead of BatCave dungeon. I do think the extra moisture helped, but just speculation. Pretty sure it’s getting higher light now, which doesn’t hurt.

I could never do anything experimental like that. Lack of consistency in my cultural care.
__________________
Caveat: Everything suggested is based on my environment and culture. Please adjust accordingly.
Reply With Quote
  #120  
Old 12-19-2021, 11:51 PM
Dusty Ol' Man's Avatar
Dusty Ol' Man Dusty Ol' Man is offline
Senior Member
 

Join Date: Oct 2020
Zone: 10a
Location: Lake Charles, Louisiana
Age: 69
Posts: 1,316
Default

I'm confused. Who is Bill?
Reply With Quote
Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
approximately, cubes, rock, water, wool


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
New to Neo questions (air roots, rock mounts, watering, light) websherpa Vanda Alliance - Neofinetia 24 03-04-2020 09:29 PM
Brassia & lava rock KarlBrown74 Potting & Repotting 5 03-03-2013 04:59 PM
Good medium for Paph repotting? ElenaMarie Beginner Discussion 11 04-17-2012 10:09 AM
How tight should the medium be packed? Im Just Saying Potting & Repotting 18 03-06-2012 02:45 PM
where can I find growing medium online? soundtweakers Beginner Discussion 21 08-20-2009 11:59 AM

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:28 AM.

© 2007 OrchidBoard.com
Search Engine Optimisation provided by DragonByte SEO v2.0.37 (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.
Feedback Buttons provided by Advanced Post Thanks / Like (Lite) - vBulletin Mods & Addons Copyright © 2024 DragonByte Technologies Ltd.

Clubs vBulletin Plugins by Drive Thru Online, Inc.