Easy way to pot hydroponic rocks

[jerrymeola]

Potting with any potting medium is a trial for a beginner and hydroponics is no different. Getting the medium to fillin the empty spaces and cover the roots without damage is an art.

Many brands of hydroponic rock are light and float. AliFlor that I use is one such.

It is easy to repot by first soaking the orchid so the roots are soft and pliable. Then pour the rocks over the roots into the pot.

Now when the pot is mostly filled lower the pot into a bucket of water until the pellats begin to float. By gently holding the orchid at the base and wiggling the plant the rocks will fill in all the air space and settle around the roots. You can then gently move the orchid around in the pot to center rasie or ower.

It is a great way to reposition plants that have become loose in the pot without completely removing it.

[Normkp]

I just came across this great post by Jerry. What a useful and interesting approach. I particularly like the part about repositioning the plant at the time of repot or later if it gets knocked about and out of position.

[patticake]

Old post, but great advice!

Jerry for posting it, and Norm for finding it!

[FLaCo]

Neat idea.

[Jerry Delaney]

Hats off to Jerry and Norm. This could not have come at a more opportune time. I had just decided to try some orchids in S/H and after 30 some years of potting/repotting in many different mixes I thought, no problem. Well, I seldom pick up anything these days without dropping it at least 3 times and/or spilling it! It didn't take long to determine that have at least 3 left thumbs on each hand and soon had little clay marbles rolling everywhere! I tried Jerry's suggestion this PM and it works great. Thanks much for the save Jerry and thank you Norm for reposting it.

[LLW]

This is one of the reasons I love semi hydro! I use just this method to repot! It is so easy to do without damaging the roots. Lashelle