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Rockwool media

This is in response to the inquiry made about using Rockwool:

Rockwool is a fantastic rooting media.  In fact it all I use for everything.
It is initially sterile, has a low cation exchange capacity and has
excellent aeration properties (about 20% air even when fully saturated with
water).  Its great for household use too...nothing to spill all over the
floor.

Rockwool is found at all hydroponic stores and is reletively inexpensive.
***Do not use rockwool that is found at the hardware store.  It is not the
same in structure to horticultural grade rockwool.***
  
For smaller cuttings the 1 inch cubes are ideal.  Once the cuttings have
rooted, the plant can be transplanted into any regular soil or peat based
media.

TIP#1: Rockwool is 100% inert and so supplies no nutrients.  Be sure to use
a complete fertilizer with micronutrients when watering (these can also be
found at the hydroponic store)

TIP#2: Rockwool is initially alkaline so it is best to soak the cubes over
night in a mild (1/4 strength) nutrient solution before using to lower the
pH. (if your water supply is inherently acidic just soak in water overnight)

Hope that answers your questions.  Feel free to ask me anything else.

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Brad Estergaard
University of British Columbia
Vancouver, BC, Canada
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