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Potting medium for Florida?
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Posted by embee4488 9/N. Jax,FL. (My Page) on Wed, Oct 28, 09 at 16:02
| I am reading everything I can get my hands on regarding potting mixes for my Florida climate (zone 9, very humid, a few cold days in winter). I am growing my orchids inside in a SE facing window. Temperature is "human friendly". I am primarily growing Cattleyas at this beginning point.
What should I use when I repot? The plants I bought locally seem to be potted in some sort of rock-like substance, orange/brown looking and fairly loose. I am assuming that is the type of medium I need?
Any info will be of great value to me, and I thank you in advance.
Mary |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Potting medium for Florida?
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It is called Lava Rock. Temperature is human friendly is a description that applies to Phalaenopsis culture rather than Cattleyas.
Have a look at the picture over on the gallery in the thread Strathfield plaza show. Most of the spring flowering Laeliinae Hybrids there have been subjected to a bit of a winter. When i say winter it is a joke sort of winter by Northern USA Standards, but a cooling down none the less. You have to find out how most of the locals in 9/N Jax florida grow their orchids. Inside might not be the place there. |
RE: Potting medium for Florida?
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| Thanks, Arthur... By human friendly, I mean 71 in the summer, and 68 in the winter. If need be, I can open a window in the area of the house where I am keeping them, in order to make it even cooler. I have been so focused on potting mixes that I haven't really read much about temps. I will do that now. Many thanks
Mary |
RE: Potting medium for Florida?
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| I'm in Tampa and have just started switching all mine over to lava rock from Home Depot and Hydroton from orchid supplier. The lava rock is rocky and rough and stone size while the hydroton is round, smooth and all the same size. I'm putting the hydroton down first, then smaller rocks, then the plant, then the big rocks. I like that it doesn't degrade like bark, and the weight holds the plant steady. But the cost of the Hydroton was getting too high and the kittens kept flipping pieces out and then batting them all over the house like marbles. I caretake my father and was concerned he'd hit one and go flying. So that's when I started putting them on the bottom and the big rocks that don't roll on top. Seems to be working so far.
Lori |
RE: Potting medium for Florida?
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I grow in Tampa as well
Catts and relatives - in treefern mix, with added rocks or lava rocks
Phals, oncidiums and relatives - in pure sphag in clay pots
Cymbidiums - in coconut husk mix
Also, lots of mounts and some plants in pure lava rock (some phal type dendrobiums) I have not used back for years
Olya |
RE: Potting medium for Florida?
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| Great info! Many thanks, especially my neighbors in Tampa. I am also looking for a Florida supplier for the rocks and general supplies I cannot find at Lowe's or Home Depot. Mary |
RE: Potting medium for Florida?
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- Posted by lellie z9 Anna Maria Island (My Page) on
Fri, Oct 30, 09 at 2:19
I do what Olya does...LOL
I live very near Miss Olya and given the fact that her Orchids are gorgeous (!!!), I tend to take alot of advice from her.
I've seen a marked difference in my collection.
(Thanks Olya) I purchase 'supplies' from 2 companies but I'm certain others can add to this list. Tropical Plant Products.com rePotme.com |
RE: Potting medium for Florida?
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Hi
I use "Bushel stop" for supplies except for formed tree fern. This I use on large Catts trying to grow as large as possible.
The above has 3 kinds of lava rock the black the red and four different sizes. I still use LF sphag for mini growers and seedlings
The main reason I buy there, outside so many choices, is price,
Since you're growing indoors in air not sure these would be good choices.??? gary |
RE: Potting medium for Florida?
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| I am eventually going to grow them outdoors. I'm waiting on the economy to turn around before I invest that much. In the meantime, I have been taking them outside during the morning and late afternoon. I have several that I am keeping in the kitchen in a SSE facing window. They get lots of filtered light and I open windows so they get plenty of air movement. Below is a picture of the two I have that are blooming, BLC. Sanyung Ruby 'Kuang Lung' and BLC. Mem Tiang. Again, thanks for the info! |
Here is a link that might be useful: First Bloomers
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