Hi Jane,

Stalite is a new one to me. However, Pine Ridge Orchids in Homestead, FL pots their Phals - and maybe other orchids, in what I believe is a shale mix native to their location. Owner Terry Glancy has said it's ideal for them.

They're selling their business and land, in case you're interested in their clearance sale.

WhiteCat8

Here is a link that might be useful: Pine Ridge Orchids

Thanks, WC. I bought a few bags recently but before potting, I was looking for reviews. A number of growers are using it especially for Catts. It looks like shale, flagstone, but is light and porous looking.

Before I use it I thought I'd check. Guess no one is using it.

Jane

Jane
Sounds interesting ! i mostly use crushed lava but is very heavy so usually fill half with styrofoam . Is it expensive??
have had much better luck this way than the usual materials. Everything rots in florida lol. I tried some suggestions I got from "epipyte tree" made from various palm fronds which seem to be working well So far?? lol gary

Gary, I paid $22.00 for three bags this size:
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Its light and has holes in it, sort of like concrete/lava type.
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Its about 7 something a bag. I notice some of the larger growers are using it. I'm going to use it for catts and dends in pots.

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I looked it up and it's 'expanded slate' from N. Carolina. Its used for conditioning soil in large areas in office parks, etc. It is also used for water filtration so it appears it is pH neutral and non toxic.

Jane

Here is a link that might be useful: more info

Hi
The light weight would sure be an advantage . Is considerably more expensive than lava . Have been busy putting in some paths in my garden area
Only took 30 years to get started lol Will check it out have been considerably downsizing my plants but will always have some in pots lol Thanks for the info gary

I save and scrounge the Styrofoam used for packing electronics, it has to be cut or broken into smaller pieces but it works great, plus it's FREE-- and free is good! sally

Sounds similar to Perlite which is widely used here in mixes with bark.

Stalite is not perlite. It is a stone and heavier. Its more like lava rock with holes and crevices. Stryofoam is very light and blows around. I do use it in larger pots to fill in the lower part of the pot. Not attractive and, as I said, will blow all over.

I'm trying to find something other than bark which can take the humidity and downpours found here.

Gary, I agree it is expensive. Would not use it for large pots unless I fill half the pot with Stryofoam!

Jane

I know that it is not the same, but if you look up Dr. google you will find that it has similar origins.
In the tropics here, collectors use Basalt chunks. I use lava rock mix for my Tolumnia collection and am tending to use more basket pots for my cattleyas.