Thanks for the help. I'm mixing in some perlite and charcoal and puting the
pots on a humidity tray. I tend to mist when I walk by and my problem with
watering is to keep from over watering so it shouldn't be a problem.

As for Pele, I think this lava comes from the northwest US

Shell


"Rob Halgren" wrote in message
...
Shell wrote:

1. Do paphs and phrags do well in lava? (thought I'd ask first before
just
changing since these are my most expensive plants)



You mean the red, more than a little hot, molten rock that flows out
of volcanoes? I doubt it... *grin* Actually, you can grow paphs and
phrags in anything, as long as you water them enough. I'd probably mix
in some more water absorbant materials into my lava rock. If you want
to be completely inorganic, go to the hydroponics store and pick up some
rock wool. There are two types, water absorbent and the other kind...
Mix in maybe 25%, and things will be a lot easier.

2. Will a bulbo do ok in lava?



Most of those like to be a little on the wet side as well.

3. How about phals in lava?



Probably your best bet of the three kinds. Phals are pretty
adaptable.

4. Is there anything that shouldn't go into lava rock?


Somebody here tried the experiment of growing orchids in broken
glass (Aaron or Ray?). Doesn't matter what you use, as long as you can
meet the watering and feeding requirements. It is usually far easier to
change the mix to suit the plant than to change the environment to suit
the mix.

You know, Pele gets pretty upset when you take her rocks... I don't
know if I'd risk messing with a volcano goddess.

Rob

--
Rob's Rules: http://www.msu.edu/~halgren
1) There is always room for one more orchid
2) There is always room for two more orchids
2a. See rule 1
3) When one has insufficient credit to purchase
more orchids, obtain more credit