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Rock Wool

Has anyone used this stuff? A local hydroponics specialist gave me some to experiment with and I don’t know if there is anything I should look out for. I am planning on using it as a sphagnum substitute for growing D. anglica and rotundifolia, among other things.
Any words of wisdom will be greatly appreciated.

-Forbes
 
I know it's used for rooting Nepenthes cuttings, but I've never heard of planting Drosera in it...

SF
 
It's not acidic, so it isn't an all-purpose substitute for sphagnum, but i do mix a bit of it in my nep mixes. I was given a bag for free....
 
Forbes,

Dodec is currently experimenting with the use of rockwool for germinating Utricularia seed. I think this would make for an interesting experiment and I hope to obtain some and try the same Drosera seed. Even if unsuitable as a long term growing medium, the seedlings live off their endosperm and I think the sterility of the medium might offer good results. There would certainly be less issues with algae, byrophyte and fungus contamination. There are many promising possibilities. Lets keep track of this!

Another application I think would be possible is in the cultivation of some of the more sensitive pygmy species. I know growers who cultivate some in pure silica. The plants do not grow as large as with other additives, but they do grow. I'm not sure of the chemical composition of rock wool....do you happen to know?

I don't know if acidity is an absolute requirement for Drosera species, but the addition of some tannic acid might compensate. Also, it might be possible to use this material in conjunction with Sphagnum in a 50/50 mix! This would produce a really clean and aniseptic medium, depending on the chemical composition of the rockwool.

Throw in a little very dilute foliar fertilizing (30-100 PPM) and use some redwood or cedar mulch as a sump and who knows what could happen!

Between you and Dodec I am all hepped up to try this medium! Now why didn't I think of this?!!
 
<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Several times over the last couple of decades I've tried rockwool for CP media in various ways. My inspiration came from the great success I had using it as orchid media.

Unfortunately, for me, it never lived up to its promise. I look forward to hearing how it works for those of you on this thread. More poignantly, how you get it to work.</span>
 
<span style='font-size:14pt;line-height:100%'>Living, dead or either?</span>
 
I think live moss would be my approach, but I will try various additives.
 
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