What S/H media do you use successfully?

[Rivka]

i was just wondering what type or brand of media is used with the most success around here. please just put down what you use and like.

if you have something you really like about one type or have used many types so you can compare, please comment.

[Plucky Purcell]

All I've tried is hydroton, but it's working for me!

[Fishmom]

Ditto what Plucky Purcell said. This was what was available at the hydroponic store in my area, so that's what I started with, and it seems to wick effectively.

[tangers40]

ditto here as well. have only tried hydroton since that's what's available here, but i'm impressed so far.

[Rivka]

yeah i started to wonder ever since i was reading First Rays hydro site and he has this big comparison of types and his brand, of course his is the best (and it may be i don't know), but since he does not compare them to some other widely used types (like Hydroton) i wondered if it was cause they was just as good and he wanted his to look better, or because they were the same thing as others that he includes and bad for the same reason.

i like Hydroton if only for the round shape, i think it makes things look modern and arty in clear display quality containers. but i can understand why more irregular ones could be better at some things

for those of you that use a more uniform round type, do you have issues with the pieces staying put o the orchid staying well seated?

[articuno75]

I use the hydroton and seating is an issue. But can't complain with results. I just pop it back down and give it a good scolding and tell 'em to stay put.

Now I also use stalite. It's heavier and seats the orchids better. I haven't had a problem it at all. A couple of my Paphs are in this.

[patticake]

I've been using Hydroton, and so far so good! It's only been about a month, though....

[Rivka]

it interesting to me that every place that compares various types, never seems to have both Hydroton and PrimeAgra so you never get to see them side by side, i find that odd since they seem like the two big types

[jay]

I have used both Hydroton and PrimeAgra. I quit using PrimAgra after one year. I was more pleased with the results with Hydroton. Both had good wicking ability, but the PrimeAgra had more salt build up for me. Maybe it wasn't rinsed enough, but I did the same rinse with the Hydroton without a problem.

[Rivka]

anyone have big thoughts on the various available sizes of Hydrton?

[E-Jag]

Didn't know it came in different sizes. Interesting. Just bought a bag this past weekend. Is it sort of like bark - different sizes for different types of orchids?

[awhoward]

medium sized hydroton or primeagra is usually recommended. Fine hydroton is reserved for very small plants and seedlings. Although most of the time medium size works for those plants too.

Andrew

[Rivka]

well repot me offers it in small and medium, but most places just have one and it is usually described as coming in range in size from 8mm to 16mm (5/16" - 5/8").

i did check on the manufactures german site and it does seem to suggest that they purposely make different sizes. but the site is a bit unclear since it is not really for the end consumer.

anyway i have just been thinking 3 things about it all

1- that it might be better that we use something that is uniform in size, this would allow more air space than if we have a mixed size that can settle in together tighter.

2- that for those smaller and finer rooted orchids that the smaller ones might be better

3- that maybe we should sort 'childs based on how dry they like to get, would larger size balls and larger airspace provide that drying a bit better, while smaller size that is packed in a bit tighter keep those orchids that don't ever like to really dry out happier?

anyway i just got a 50liter/lb bag today and did sift it thru a 1/2" (12mm) mesh. about 1/3 of the balls were larger and got set aside. how i will use them is yet to be seen. i have them soaking overnight after a multistage rinsing.

[Ray]

Each medium has its own set of properties -

• wicking capability
• absorption capacity
• absorption/release hysteresis (i.e., does it release all of what it absorbed?)
• particle size
• particle size uniformity
• particle shape
• porosity
• pore size distribution
• permeability of walls between pores
• surface texture

But as the medium alone does not determine whether it "works", one needs to experiment and see what works for you and your conditions and watering habits.

PrimeAgra is the only LECA that is manufactured specifically for hydroculture, rather than being remarketed from other applications, so its properties are probably the best in overall combination. That however, does not mean that you will see a difference, short term, in your environment.

The simple fact is that an orchid can be grown in almost anything (or absolutely nothing), if you manage the overall culture properly.

[E-Jag]

This would seem a good place to ask a question regarding hydroton without derailing the original post. I am in the process of converting all or most of my orchids from bark to hydroton - but not s/h; simply hydroton in pots or baskets. In the past, I have soaked all of my orchids for an hour or two, every two or three days. The question: With hydroton, will I likely have to water more often or less? I'm assuming I can still soak them. TIA for any advice you may have.

[Rivka]

Originally Posted by Ray

Each medium has its own set of properties -

But as the medium alone does not determine whether it "works", one needs to experiment and see what works for you and your conditions and watering habits.

very good bottom line advice for us all to remember, thanks Ray. Your website is a wealth of info, everyone should read early and often. part of what i was looking to get at with this poll was what a amazing array of things we have our chids growing in.

question, was there a reason that you did not include Hydroton in your side by side studies? that research is by far the most thorough on the net, wished i could see how one of the most common products stacked up.

[Rivka]

Originally Posted by E-Jag

This would seem a good place to ask a question regarding hydroton without derailing the original post. I am in the process of converting all or most of my orchids from bark to hydroton - but not s/h; simply hydroton in pots or baskets. In the past, I have soaked all of my orchids for an hour or two, every two or three days. The question: With hydroton, will I likely have to water more often or less? I'm assuming I can still soak them. TIA for any advice you may have.

that is actually a big question, and there is a ton of threads about S/H and LECA watering needs and habits, i suggest you read them and then ask away if you find your question has not been answered, most have at least once.


good luck

[Rivka]

ray, what is your thoughts about different size LECA? either using different sizes for different types of roots or water needs or the difference between using a media that varies in size vs one that is way more uniform?

[Rivka]

well i potted most of my collection into Hydroton, i ended up sifting my large bag i bought, thru a 1/2" metal mesh screen. it gave me two sizes and i used the smaller for most and the larger just for those that had really large roots. I'm not sure if it matters at all what size i used or if the choices i made were based on any facts or just my strange hunches.