LAVA ROCK: Potting Medium

Culture Orchid Doctor

by Robert M. [Bert] Hamilton (Compiler)

Originally published in The Orchid Doctor in 1980 and 1988

Posted by Sys Admin almost 8 years ago.

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Used in Hawaii, also in California; success reported for various genera, especially with cymbidiums and using coarse lava rock and coarse bark mixed; lasts five years; do not use conventional leaching but water heavily; both black and red volcanic rock used; can be mixed with gravel, crushed rock, pebbles or chopped polystyrene packing materials. OA78-198
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Lava Rock Comments
LAVA: As Potting Medium Occurs in many varieties differing in structure and constitution; has many ideal growing characteristics; pumice is one variety; its advantages; refer to C72-70+ 0
LAVA ROCK: Also Called Scoria Red lava rock can be obtained in the western States from commercial-industrial roofers and from plant nurseries. A83-951 0
LAVA ROCK: A Review of Culture After Two Years Trial Red lava rock in clay pots was still ideal for a general collection of cattleyas; phalaenopsis, in plastic pots; vandas in one-inch size rock also in plastic, the same for dendrobiums, equitant oncids in small clay pots, plus many other genera; 20-20-20 fertilizer on seedlings was served year round and on the general collection from April to June; a feed of 5-15-5 was given June to August and January to March; a bloom booster was given in October to December or even into February in cooler areas. A83-950 0
LAVA ROCK: As a Substitute for Bark Red lava has distinctive characteristics, for comments, comparisons, criticism which point up mostly its advantages, such as re-usability for many applications and because it does not assimilate nitrogen it is appropriate for many genera, cattleyas and dendrobiums especially. A80-1384 0
LAVA ROCK: As Potting Medium Growth in this is satisfactory providing it is not allowed to get too dry and if it is periodically flushed to get rid of the salt build-up. A80-1141It lasts almost forever, resists rot, is cost-effective, drains well, has no problems associated with it, can wait for repotting until third or fourth year; is popular in Hawaii. A86-495 0
LAVA ROCK: In Cymbidium Mixes It is too porous alone and in a high humidity situation it would retain too much water. OA82-6 0

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