s/h media but not s/h growing

[E-Jag]

Do many of you folks use, say, Hydroton or Aliflor in place of bark as a growing media even though you aren't growing semihydroponically? Seems like using this stuff in clear plastic pots or wooden baskets (with, maybe, a coffee filter liner) would work better for the plant and the grower than bark. I am in need of bark, or something, right now and may try this out but I know some of you are already using the s/h stuff. Looking for your take. TIA.

[mehitabel]

I haven't done it myself, but have received wonderful plants from vendors (encyclias and catts) growing in clay pots filled with hydroton. Roots were terrific.

[NancyG]

I use shprag just around the roots in center and then surround with hydroton in clay pots and plastic pots. Both are working well.

[janet_a]

i mix leca into the bark with the paphs; my baby den stratiotes is in a mix of leca and lava rock (getting repotted this weekend into more lava rock--i'll just pot on and leave the old leca where it is); i've seen some plants at Al's that are potted in straight leca in clay pots, but he has an automatic spray system so watering isn't an issue. if you live somewhere where it's very humid year round, i'd think potting in leca would work very well.

[Brooke]

I use it for all of my catts now and will eventually switch all of them to Prime Agra in clay pots.

Hopefully JoBeth will see this and show you her orchids - I think she grows everything in hydroton.

Brooke

[E-Jag]

It stays fairly humid around Tampa, especially during our summer rainy season. I wonder how s/h media would affect a watering schedule? My guess is, not much. It wicks moisture while bark retains it for a little while. I appreciate the input!