Tropicals & Tender Perennials: Stuff to grow them in..., 1 by AlohaHoya

AlohaHoya wrote:
When I am asked about my growing medium it is a tough answer...because it changes often. I live in a very humid environment....and more and more I am watering less and less.

1. Perlite in the bottom of the pot. - A great concept for me, but I found that the perlite compacts into a semi-cement like mass which allows water to pass, but not really a happy environment for roots. Now I put perlite in the bottom of the pot WITH Hydroton or chunks of Orchid Bark....

2. Spagnum Moss/Peat Moss for water retention. I have found Orchid Bark mulch (Whitney Farms) is great!!!! It has a range of
'powder' to chunks and does not dry out as fast as spagnum.

3. Even with my new mix, I water less. This is what my mix looks like....tmorrow I 'll post picture of the components...gotta go nightnight!!