I started a few cuttings today in a different type of medium than I normally use. I placed the cuttings in Gran-I-Grit which is insoluble crushed granite after rinsing it well. Nothing else was added to the grit. Unable to locate the larger sized perlite, and after reading some postings about the placement of rocks upon stems as an aid to rooting, I thought what the heck, it's worth a try.
A chemical analysis of the grit can be viewed at this link:
http://www.jefo.ca/fiches_anglais/poultry_granite.html
Has anyone else tried to root cuttings of hoyas or other plants in grit?
Trying something new for rooting
Shirley...how interesting!!!! Never tried it...but I may try sand next!!! Please do a pictoral history...or at least...keep notes!!!
Carol
Shirley,
I never thought of that. I usually root in 2/3 perlite and 1/3 cactus and succulent mix(which is a 50/50 soil blend itself). I have read where some people use poultry grit as an additive to thier mixes. I might have to head to the local feed store and try a bag.
Robin
I think I've heard of orchid growers using crushed granite before. One of the benefits is that it doesn't break down quickly (like, for years), so plants can stay in it for a very long time without repotting.
Carol, I've used sand for rooting begonias, preferring the medium to coarse grade. I've never tried rooting hoyas in it, but plan on experimenting with it, too.
Robin, I have used grit in my mix for cacti & succulents for years. It increases the porosity and doesn't break down like perlite. I pay $6.50 per 50-lb. bag at the feed mill for it. I also use it as a top dressing for pots.
Mark, being an igneous rock, it will take a while to break down. I can see the benefits of using it for growing orchids.
Wow, Shirley, I never would have thought to use grit. I don't think that I have ever heard of grit really...The wonderful ideas that people come up with.
Mark, your comment about granite taking a long time to break down, like never, brought to mind "half - life" studies that I did when I was in school and taking geology. Needless to say, I did not do well, since I only felt the need to attend lab once, but apparently something stuck!! HA! I still don't think that I ever took a more boring class.
S