I switched to hrdroton a year ago. Most are growing in straight hydroton (no s/h) and they LOVE it--Catts, phals, paphs, dens, oncds, cyms. I used bark before, but I grow outdoors in South Florida and within a year I'd be repotting. Hope this helps!
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I am in the Caribbean where the climate is somewhat like that in Florida (most of the year).
I grow several species of Orchids and had to make the decision many years ago to discontinue the use of wood chips or sphagunm. I am now using Aliflor and charcoal with broken crock in the bottom of the pots for all orchids. For the species with very fine roots, i.e. Oncidium, there is a fine grade of Aliflor which I use for these.
I am using plastic pots.
This works well for me , Hope this is of some help with making your choice.
Angela.
I switched to hrdroton a year ago. Most are growing in straight hydroton (no s/h) and they LOVE it--Catts, phals, paphs, dens, oncds, cyms. I used bark before, but I grow outdoors in South Florida and within a year I'd be repotting. Hope this helps!
I went ahead and got some hydroton but at $25 a bag I am definitely going to one of the gravel/rock yards this weekend. I went with the hydroton because they were out of everything else It does look pretty.
Hi Pat; I am tending more towards rock, lava rock, etc. even though I have to water more in most instances. I am in a dryer area than you (high desert) and I still feel this way. This hobby of ours can get a little confusing at times so I empathize with what your trying to do. AL