Hydroton,medium grade

[sunshine]

This is my first time using this. This is what I use now for medium

Lowes Better Gro Special Orchid Mix (bark, perlite and charcoal) also a phal mix of the same with some chopped spag. Also use coco bark chips with perlite (sponge rock).

What amount would use with these mediums? If used alone what chids do good with it and how often do you need to water?

Any info on hydroton would be helpful

[Olive Cook]

I use the same mix for my Phals, I water once a week. I soak the pot for 30 mins or so in the sink, until the mix smells "woodsy" I check the mix though, and if it seems to get too dry before watering time comes again I'll mist the top.
hope that helps

[Rivka]

im not sure what you are asking about the hydroton?

[sunshine]

Basically what I'm asking is how do you use hydroton, how much do you use if you mix with other medium and how often do you have to water.

I'm getting braver in my old age and starting to experiment with different mediums

[Brooke]

If you are looking to add it to your bark media, that would be your choice of percentage. In bark it would help hold moisture longer.

If you are looking to use it as a straight potting media, it will need more frequent watering than the bark mixture. If you know how often your bark/chc media dries out, multiply this two or three times for more frequent watering particularly for indoor winter growing.

Brooke

[sunshine]

Originally Posted by Brooke

If you are looking to add it to your bark media, that would be your choice of percentage. In bark it would help hold moisture longer.

If you are looking to use it as a straight potting media, it will need more frequent watering than the bark mixture. If you know how often your bark/chc media dries out, multiply this two or three times for more frequent watering particularly for indoor winter growing.

Brooke

Thanks Brooke. That is what I wanted to do was mix it with the bark mix and coco chop bark I am using now. Sometimes by the time I get home my chids are a little dry. So I hope this will help. Wonder which chids would like it best.

Do I need to soak hydroton before I use it

[Brooke]

A thorough rinsing and soak is recommended.

Good luck - Brooke

[maria1971]

I use it as a straight medium for catt alliance, and I water every day during the summer time and about every 3 days during the winter. You need to soak it and rinse very well until the water is clear.


Good luck.

[NicC]

Originally Posted by Brooke

A thorough rinsing and soak is recommended.

Good luck - Brooke

I want to emphasize this. There are a lot of bad things that comes along with LECA from the processing. The material needs to be soaked several (I do at least 3) times and then rinsed carefully. I have seen roots turn away from this stuff if it is not really clean.
Nick