Growing orchids in rock?

[Kmac]

Most of my orchids are in a bark mix. I have one catt in lava rock, and have just acquired one that is in Stalite, which I am told is a lightweight processed rock. Both are in 6" pots, and I am told that the advantage of potting in rock for larger pots is that it is harder to overwater.

The one in lava rock I have had for a while, and seen no growth...one eye started and then shrivelled. I am thinking of repotting it into bark mix, as I am afraid it is not retaining enough water.

The one in stalite is new, and extremely healthy looking, with 2 spikes starting, so I plan to leave it in stalite. I think the grower said he waters only once a week.

Anyone have any hints on growing in lava rock or stalite, or comments on how often you water in these media?

Thanks--

[Vmax]

Hi Kathi,
The plants I have growing in rock prefer less water, anyway. They are Laelias and are specifically rupiculous (thriving in rocks). My catts have all done far better in a bark mix, so I would probably repot into bark. I tend to water more frequently as temperatures soar, so that may not be so helpful for you in this case. I watch root growth as an indicator of overall plant health. Not too regimented, but it's worked for me so far.
Good growing to you,

[orchidsal]

Kathi I have a couple Dendrobium's and a Epicattleya in lava rock and they are doing quite well in it. I do believe you need to water a bit more with lava rock as the medium versus bark mix's. It could be that your right about the rock drying out to fast. As you know Cattleya's like to dry out between waterings, but they may very well want to continue to 'sip' in between time. If it were me and its been a long time since you have seen new growth, I would repot in medium size bark, perlite, etc. I admit to know nothing about stalite and am hoping someone else can help you there. Good growing! AL

[leafmite]

Hi!
I grow all my orchids in straight lava rock but for my vanilla to which I added other media. During the winter, I water once every six to eight days by dipping or soaking each plant in a bucket of water, depending on their watering needs. To avoid mineral or salt build-up, I don't use tap water and I fertilize every other watering. In the summer, I water more frequently, soaking longer in the bucket, every three to five days, if mother nature doesn't do the work for me. If the rain is light, though, I still give the plants a soak. The only problem I had was when I soaked one of my cattleyas a bit too deep and water got into one of the pseudobulbs but that is a tale for another day (the plant is recovering). I really love lava rock but I've also read negative reports of its use. If you do very well with another medium, I would assume it might benefit your plants to continue what works for you. Hopefully others will chime in with advice. Good luck!
Leafmite
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[Kmac]

Thanks all. Since I have repotted a LOT of plants lately, and am sick of it, I think I will try watering the lava rock one a bit more often as suggested and see if that helps. If not, bark it is.

The Stalite intrigues me, as somehow it's processing means it is supposed to drain well, but retain adequate water for the plant. The plant in it sure looks good, but if anyone else has comments about Stalite, I'd be interested in your experiences.

[Vmax]

Kathi,
Can you post a picture of the Stalite? I don't know if I have encountered it before

[rich63]

Kathy, The vendor that I have been seeing almost every week lately. They grow all of their Cattleya and a few other type of orchids in some type of rock. I was told that there is only two vendors in Florida who use this rock that is from some where TN? That is why I'm always repotting my new plants. They know how to deal with type of meduim. It dose make repotting very easy. Soak for 10-15 Mins. and the rock dosen't stick to the roots like the bark. They do mix in a little bit of coconut chips and pearlite within the mix depending on the plant? I did include a couple of photos of the rock that they are using. This isn't lava rock, it is to heavy. I use to sell lava rock for ground cover, years ago. Good luck on finding the type of medium you are looking for. Take Care, Rich

[Kmac]

Rich--yes, that looks like the media this vendor uses, and I bet it is the same one! So, you repot out of this mixture into bark, I take it?

[Brutal_Dreamer]

Our vandas grow in lava rock, Kathi. I also have some living Spanish Moss draped over the baskets of lava rock to hold moisture a bit longer. I put lava rock into most of my mixes because of the how light it is and how it allows air to the roots of the plants.

Cheers,
BD

[panam]

Great idea with the Spanish Moss, Bruce. I'm always looking for ways to hold moisture, and I have some moss just sitting there looking pretty...sort of... I'll have it contribute from now on!