SamInLondon Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 (edited) The recent thread about peat and the future threat to supplies has got me thinking more about rockwool, especially as an ingredient in a mix for neps. I just wondered whether anyone could give any tips on how to use it - pros and cons, and any good suppliers? I've seen 1" cubes for sale, but are smaller sizes available? Edited August 4, 2009 by SamInLondon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobile Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 (edited) That was probably my post you was reading. I have a VFT growing exclusively in rockwool cubes, see HERE. Rockwool is available in 1cm square cubes, I got mine from here: http://www.growell.co.uk/p/1664/Cellmax-Growing-Cubes.html. I also use them in my orchid mix with bark, perlite etc. Rockwool is inert, particularly where nutrients are concerned so plants will receive no nutrition from them. See HERE for more details on rockwool. Edited August 4, 2009 by mobile Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyoliver Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 That was probably my post you was reading. I have a VFT growing exclusively in rockwool cubes, see HERE. Rockwool is available in 1cm square cubes, I got mine from here: http://www.growell.co.uk/p/1664/Cellmax-Growing-Cubes.html. I also use them in my orchid mix with bark, perlite etc. Rockwool is inert, particularly where nutrients are concerned so plants will receive no nutrition from them. See HERE for more details on rockwool. You've prob already answered this but would you use this instead of peat? Can you only use it in a hydro system? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobile Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 You've prob already answered this but would you use this instead of peat? Can you only use it in a hydro system? My hydroponic VFT does not have any peat and the plant is growing well, considering the dull summer we are having. I have a small Cephalotus potted in it, with the pot just sitting in a tray of water. It's too early to say if it is doing well but it has put out new juvenile pitchers since being transplanted. I've only just started to use it on CPs and I don't want to start repotting plants this time of year, but next year I want to try adding it to some mixes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyoliver Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 Sounds good. I like the idea of not having to use a hydro system as they are not cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amori Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 I've seen it used in larger containers with Neps, where Sphagnum can get far too heavy and compacted, and rotting. The other great thing about rockwool is that it has enough rigidity to maintain its shape while pressurised by the weight of other soil ingredients, keeping the mix aerated while providing ample moisture. I plan on acquiring a small (20L) bag of Cellmax to try with crushed lava rock and a smaller proportion of Sphagnum as a medium for Neps and Helis. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mobile Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 Sounds good. I like the idea of not having to use a hydro system as they are not cheap. A home-made DWC (bubbler) hydroponics system is cheap to make. It's basically a plastic bucket (tub) with lid, airpump, mesh (aquatic) pot and some air-line. There's plenty of articles on the internet on how to make one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyoliver Posted August 4, 2009 Report Share Posted August 4, 2009 So is this the way things are going then? Can all CPs be grown in this way, do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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