Rockwool

[Tobi]

Has anyone or does anyone know anybody that has used rockwool as a
growing medium? Rockwool is an inert substrate of mineral fibers manufactured
by melting pure mineral slag at 1400 C. It is then centrifuged to form fibers
when cool. The granulated rockwool is mixed with styrofoam granules in
equal proportions. Because of its water retention and aeration properites,
it makes it an ideal medium for basically all epiphytic plants. It supposively
will not deteriorate with time and is chemically free and clean and is thus
inert to fungi and bacteria. The mix can be reused, so you only need to pot
on thus saving time and money for new media. Together with its high degree
of porosity and water and air holding capacity it promotes healthy root growth.
It is supposively pest free as well.

[arleneg]

I would also like to know if anyone has used rockwool. I've been contemplating with buying a small amount to try, but would like to know if anyone has any input, positive or negative, on this media.

[19419n]

rock wool has not become a popular phal medium primarily due to its poor visual appeal at the retail sales end. rock wool is particularly well suited to growing a top layer of slimy blue-green algae.rock wool is normally offered in two classes, one highly water absorbent and the other largely water repellent. different people claim personal success using it as a primary medium with a top dressing of a more attractive medium. it would be tempting to use rock wool for its moisture retaining qualities as a minor component of a medium. the wool like quality of the substance, however and its predilection to clump frustrates most growers attempts to mechanically mix rock wool into diverse media

[jay]

When I switched my paph to semi-hydro there was some rockwool hiding around the roots. It was just a small piece with bark on the bottom and top of the pot. Wasn't there for more than a day in my care so I can't really comment to its use. I was very moist but still a little spongy when I removed it. Not sure how long it was there though.


jay

[jerrymeola]

I used to use rock wool with aquatic plants.

Used for orchids they will hold a lot of water and frequency of watering. It could work for Phals Paph and Ph rags as they like constant moisture.

Jay the small square you found is a common medium used in Hawaii for growing seedlings in plug trays. I usually retain mine and move it from plug stage to its first pot with the Rock wool attached. It seems to break down over the next year.