{"product_id":"sponge-rock-perlite","title":"Orchid Nerd Sponge Rock (Perlite)","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSuper coarse perlite, also known as sponge rock, for orchid potting mixes that need extra drainage and airflow.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOrchid Nerd Sponge Rock is horticultural-grade perlite in a super coarse particle size. It's lightweight and porous, adding air space to a mix while holding a small amount of moisture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eChoose a 1-cubic-foot box for routine home repotting or a 2-cubic-foot box for larger collections, frequent repotting, and greenhouse use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Orchid Growers Use Sponge Rock\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSponge rock is commonly blended into fir bark or other orchid potting mixes to add drainage and air space. Because it's a mineral material rather than an organic one, it doesn't break down the way bark or moss eventually does, so it helps a mix stay open longer.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Highlights\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuper Coarse Grade:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coarse particles that support drainage and airflow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003epH range of 6.5 to 7.5\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMineral material\u003c\/strong\u003e that does not decompose like organic potting media\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwo sizes:\u003c\/strong\u003e Available in 1-cubic-foot and 2-cubic-foot boxes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eProduct Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGrade:\u003c\/strong\u003e Super Coarse\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH Range:\u003c\/strong\u003e 6.5 to 7.5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMoisture Content:\u003c\/strong\u003e Less than 0.5%\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eChoose the Right Size\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRecommended For\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1 Cubic Foot Box\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHome growers, smaller collections, and routine repotting projects\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 Cubic Foot Box\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLarger collections, frequent repotting, orchid societies, and greenhouse use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eBest For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrchids that need extra drainage or prefer drier root conditions\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBlending into bark-based potting mixes to improve airflow\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCustom mix builders who want to control their own ratios\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHobbyists, collectors, orchid societies, and professional growers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSponge rock is normally blended with bark or other orchid potting materials. The amount used depends on the orchid, pot, growing environment, and watering routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eIs sponge rock the same thing as perlite?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSponge rock is a coarse horticultural grade of perlite commonly used in orchid potting mixes. They are the same base material, but particle size can vary between products.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use sponge rock by itself?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSponge rock is normally blended with bark or other orchid potting materials rather than used on its own. The right ratio depends on the orchid, pot, growing environment, and watering routine.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich size should I order?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 1-cubic-foot box is a practical choice for smaller collections and regular home repotting. The 2-cubic-foot box is better suited to larger collections, frequent repotting, orchid societies, and greenhouse use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes sponge rock break down over time?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo. It's a mineral material, so unlike bark it doesn't decompose over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRecommended Pairings\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.waldor.com\/products\/medium-fir-bark\"\u003eOrchid Nerd Medium Fir Bark\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.waldor.com\/products\/potting-stick\"\u003eOrchid Nerd Potting Stick\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003chr\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eSelected With Growing Experience\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWaldor Orchids has been growing orchids since 1925. Orchid Nerd supplies are selected with the practical needs of orchid growers, collectors, orchid societies, and greenhouses in mind.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Orchid Nerd","offers":[{"title":"1 Cubic Foot Box","offer_id":48383959105774,"sku":"Sponge 1 cubic foot-1","price":26.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 Cubic Foot Box","offer_id":48383959138542,"sku":"Sponge 1 cubic foot-2","price":52.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0265\/7609\/products\/orchid-nerd-sponge-rock.webp?v=1745685537","url":"https:\/\/www.waldor.com\/products\/sponge-rock-perlite","provider":"Waldor Orchids ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}