Stalite for S/H -The Experiment

[articuno75]

Talked about and discussed it, now I'm putting it into an experiment.

I have a couple of Oncidiums that are just not performing the way I want them and I figure S/H is the way to go for these little guys.

Stalite is a little heavier than Hydroton, yet porous. Grey in color. It looks like lava rock to me. This stuff carries a neutral pH balace so it's a safe all around medium to use.

I have made up three pots. The first pot is Mtssa. Dark Star 'Darth Vader' in 100% Stalite. The second one is my Vuyl. Fall In Love 'Lovely Lady'. I have it in 100% Hydroton. The last one is my Burr. Dee Luce 'Everglades. This one is in a 50/50 mix of both.

What I did notice when I watered was that the 50/50 mix didn't "disturb". I might like this as a combo mix later on. I kept the Hydroton from popping out of the pot as much. A big plus for me. I already have another Mtssa. in Hydroton S/H and when I water it and flush, the pellets then become a pain. Stalite doesn't do this.

[patticake]

I'll be watching your progress on this one. I've yet to try S/H, but have been tempted. Where did you get the Stalite from? I don't think I've seen it advertised. Good luck!

[tizzycat]

Good luck Jenny.

[articuno75]

I had a little amount when I bought my Paph. Ho Chi Minh. I was told about then from the grower as they use it in their blends of mediums. Well the mix was too soggy for my conditions and when I repotted, I separated the Stalite and kept it for future use. I've been trying to hunt the stuff down ever since. Well I've been able to find it. the link is PermaTill Volebloc, Vole Control, Loosens compacted Soil, Soil Conditioner, Green Roof and to find more information about the process and how it's manufactured is Stalite Lightweight Aggregate

I've also been able to find bags of it when I do a google shopping search. You can get this a True Value. Make sure that they have it in stock. Mine doesn't carry it, unfortunately.