I *love* that idea, Jane. I'm wondering about putting it in a sealable plastic bag though - why doesn't it explode? Just doesn't make enough steam for that?

It may be interesting to try boiling for de-salting CHC, but I won't be the one. The soak/drain/soak/drain/soak/drain routine has worked for me so far. Don't want to tempt the fates.

Speaking of CHC, I recently moved a cattleya from bark into a dampened (medium) chc mix. Just gave it a few days of semi-shade and that's it. It didn't even blink! New roots galore. I am thrilled.

I know, "John, get a life."