Question About Semi Hydro substrate.

[Khayael]

I was at a pet store, just looking around when I saw the reptiles isle and started wondering if they had anything that could be suitable to grow orchids when I can't find what I need at the big box store.
I found they have 100% fir bark and also coconut chips. But what really caught my attention was a product call "Hydroballs" Expanded Clay Terrarium Substrate.
2.5lb for 10 buks.
I didn't buy it but I decided to look it up online.
I was reading on a forum about reptiles, that one of the subscribers is using it to grow different kind of plants including orchids. He says it works excellent for semi hydro...!
Has anybody here used this kind of substrate for the orchids? or any of the other ones they have at the pet stores?
I was also looking for perlite. I understand reptiles can use it during egg incubation, but they didn't have it.
Thank you all!

[paphioboy]

There are two types (or perhaps more) of expanded clay pellets. One is primeagra and the other is hydroton. Google these names for more info. Both can be used to plant orchids.

[tucker85]

I'm not sure if Hydroballs is the same product as Hydroton, but I use Hydroton for all my cattleyas. It's worked well for me. It's commonly found in hydroponic stores where they use it to grow all kinds of plants (including some illegal ones).

[Khayael]

Well, I just found out there's some places where I can buy hydroton here in Oklahoma... A little far away, but the price is cheaper than the pets store's. Now I hope their prices are for retail! lol
thanks guys!

[opaline]

They have become increasingly popular and widely used Gabriel and there are fewer negative feedbacks as opposed to a greater number of success stories. many growers use them where all else has failed and some rave about the hydrton etc for deflasking and raising seedlings. For future purposes also browse pond/aquarium/ watergarden/feature related shops, you will be suprised at the amount of versatile options, improvising and choice around. Reptile supplies/vendors also use large grade and small grade orchid bark as substrate, so take advantage of offers and promotions. Driftwood, bark and cork come in versatile range and also compressed/ dehydrated brick shaped shpagnum moss or coir and for 1 litre water added you result in having a final total of 7-8 litres. All of this ofcourse may come in useful at a later date and save money.