Silica Stone, any experience?

[goldenrose]

Yesterday I was in a hydro store for the first time. Sitting next to the Hydroton, they had what was called Silica Stone. Has anyone tried it? Is it as good for orchids as the label indicates?
I tried a search & have come up with nothing. Thanks Rose

 

[kentuckiense]

Is that the same thing as diatomite?

 

[goldenrose]

I did a search on this site & came up with nothing, but after kentuckiense's question & having more time I did a web search. Seems Dyna-Gro Dyna Rok, diatomite is pretty much the same thing, so I'm guessing AussieGold falls into the same category? Would still be interesting to hear peoples opinion on their experience with it.

 

[SlipperFan]

I am a diatomite fan.

Aussie Gold has diatomite in it, but it also has coco-fiber and other things, as I understand it.

 

[Marco]

if its diatomite i use a bit of it as well.

 

[Hien]

Yesterday I was in a hydro store for the first time. Sitting next to the Hydroton, they had what was called Silica Stone. Has anyone tried it? Is it as good for orchids as the label indicates?
I tried a search & have come up with nothing. Thanks Rose

I believe that Zach is right.
I read somewhere that it is the same exact thing as Diatomite. only the naming by different company (in this case Dyna-grow)

 

[NYEric]

Never heard of silica stone! Diatomite however is a good thing!

 

[Heather]

Pretty sure they're the same thing. I use diatomite in my mix.

 

[myxodex]

I use it in mix with bark and sphag, and as top dressing. I like it because it wets very easily after drying and helps to disperse water nicely when watering.

 

[Hien]

I use it in mix with bark and sphag, and as top dressing. I like it because it wets very easily after drying and helps to disperse water nicely when watering.

Don't you love it that they sizzle when you pour water on them!

 

[NYEric]

Yeah, why does it do that?

 

[Renegayde]

Don't you love it that they sizzle when you pour water on them!

LOL thats one of the things I think is so kewl about my Aussie Gold is watering and hearing that sizzling sound knowing its absorbing water for the roots