Some of these problems supposedly with perlite retaining water, seem to me to be more of a pumice characteristic. All perlite is, is heat expanded pumice but it releases its moisture very readily. That is why I include it in both epiphytic and terrestrial mixes for outdoor grown orchids in Florida. Particle size may be an issue too. For epiphytes we only use large perlite ("Sponge Rok) with medium for terrestrials. Under my conditions it always improves drainage rather than the reverse
Andy Easton
_______________________________________________ the OrchidGuide Digest (OGD) [email protected] http://orchidguide.com/mailman/listinfo/orchids_orchidguide.com
