Reptile Bedding Coco Chips

[Algyros]

I've had some excellent advice from fellow geeks (thanks, Mehitabel) about using Coco husks (especially for Phals), but, given the cost of shipping the large husks from orchid media suppliers, I was wondering about the advisability of using the Coco husks sold in pet stores as reptile bedding. They're not as big as the large size Mehitabel recommends, so I thought of mixing in some Leca to make sure that the medium remains airy. Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated.

[rcb]

I use it. Rinse it well. It usually takes me about a week of changing out the water every day, until the water runs clear.

It is rarely even sized pieces. Everything from fiber to really large chucks, like bigger than my thumb. The huge pieces I just throw out, as there aren't too many of them.

I do have to say I don't use it with Phals, but my other water liking orchids.

[krpot]

I just got some from a pet store. I rinsed it many many times. Hopefully it was enough. I heard it has high salt content.

[sunshine]

Don't forget to use some perlite with coco chip bark for drainage. I use the medium coco chip bark and perlite for my phals and catts.

[orchidea]

Check some local Hydroponic stores. They usually have coco chips and many other things for making your own mix.....
It's much cheeper to buy locally, I agree.

[orchids4me]

A hydroponics store I go to for coco chips sells it pre mixed with medium perlite my Cyms love it. Its reasonable priced 5.00 for 5 gal.

[Algyros]

Thanks for the Hydroponics store tip. I visited several local hydroponics stores' websites and it looks like I might well be able to get Coco husks there.

I also saw something called Grodan Growool. Does anyone have any experience with that as an orchid medium?

[zaeem]

Coco chips in little cubes washed of coloration and insects are good for smaller plants,mixed with charcoal.

[Brooke]

Algyros the wool "chunk" is a very very dense material which holds water for a very long time.

Google rockwool - it should describe it for you.

Brooke

[Stitz]

Originally Posted by rcb

I use it. Rinse it well. It usually takes me about a week of changing out the water every day, until the water runs clear.

I use coconut products. Rinse ? I go high-tech. I toss a quantity into a wire basket in the back of my pick-up truck. It's ready for use after ~ six months exposure to the weather!

--Stitz--

[rcb]

Stitz - well that would definitely do the job lol

Since I don't have a truck, I'll just have to stick with my old fashioned way