Hi

most of my orchids are grown mounted but some are in pots . Using a crushed lava rock sold as a ground cover at all the box stores One problem is weight so I use a layer of styrofoam peanuts on the bottom.

It comes in several sizes ,I use the 1/2 / 1 inch size . I find it works as well as the stuff made for orchids called "leca " and costs about a third. Ithink the red is better for this purpose than the black but both work gary

I dont know where you live but Here in Middleburg by Jacksonville we have a place that sells all types of stone and soil. Their lava rock is too big for my orchids but they let me pick through for the 1/2"-1" pieces. Perhaps there is a place like that close to you. Much cheaper than big box stores.

Where do you live? The best place to buy rock for orchids is at the shows. There are vendors who sell it and you save on shipping. Also, you can buy it in small amounts if needed. I'm in Sarasota. The next show in the area will be in Englewood and Tampa.

BTW, I grow most of my dends in medium bark. They grow fine and I've never had problems. You can put some bark in a small wood basket and hang from a tree or just put on a bench. I use rock for many Cattleyas.

Visit the Orchid Forum on this site for more advice. GardenWeb Orchid Forum

Thanks Jane - I am near Melbourne FL. I was looking for a cheaper version - hoping I could use the landscape lava instead. Do you or anyone know when the show will be coming to Melbourne - I have scanned the schedule and have not found it. I hope to find better contacts for supplies, but still wish I could avoid shipping costs - any leads would be appreciated.

Hi I live in Ontario . If anyone know the place to buy lava rock please let me know thanks

All the orchids (mostly cattleyas) that I've planted in landscape lavarock have thrived for me.

I used to buy the lava rock in bags graded for 3-4 $ each bag, HD or Lowes has them..?

I don't know if it would be cheaper or not because I haven't compared the price but I would think it would be fine. I don't think the grill stuff has been treated with anything. It's just lava rock.