You use different pots to ensure that if a water mold fungus, or root rot sets in not all of your cuttings will die. I've started ROS in pots before and they are pretty easy to do. Since I'm a basic and simple person I use this method: Coarse builders sand (not play box sand), Siran Wrap, bamboo stakes and Clay pots. If you tend to overwater (and I do) this helps lessen the chances of root rot. You don't need a tall cutting, so you can use a normal sized clay pot, say 8 inches or so. Use the Bambo stakes (cut to size) inserted in the sand to hold the Siran Wrap up and away from the cuttings. You space your cuttings not only for air circulation but also so that there will be space between the roots when you remove the cuttings from the sand. In an 8 inch clay pot you will probably use 2 cuttings per pot. When a month or so has passed (or if you see new growth) it's simple to gently slide a large spoon or something like that down into the sand and lift up the cutting to see how the roots are developing. Return back to pot if you aren't satisfied. If you are move to a pot that has very well drained potting mix in it (add additional sand or perlite if necessary). Good luck

I apologize for bringing up an older topic, but I was looking for a source of coarser perlite (other than the orchid supply co.). Here is the MSDS for Schundler: http://www.schundler.com/msdsperl.htm While it's not "deadly," meaning that you won't keel over from exposure, it's also not healthy to breathe in that grit. You'll notice that the MSDS recommends a dust mask and eye protection. There are a number of lung diseases caused by breathing various types of dust. The rescue workers at Ground Zero suffered permanent lung damage which is believed to be caused by the dust exposure. It just makes sense to me to take the simple precaution of wearing a mask when working with dusty, gritty perlite. Diana in PA

I use a mixture of peat moss, pearlite and screened garden soil rich in organic matter, composted and rotted leaves for seedings. worm castings are also good. But for established plants, good balancedgarden soil is sufficient. organic matter (compost, plant cellulose, manures) works better than pearlite and the are in aboundance. With some small seeds, I have heard that it would be better to sterlize the potting soil, chemically or just baking it (in oven , by fire outside ). perlite peat moss mixture good for growing small seeds, as the seed can push easily through it and the roots also can penetrate with ease. It also holds moisture and nutrient . to me , it is just an infancy type of care for plant not for establishe plants. I think that the best way to grow things is to look at the nature and mimic it the best you can.

Companies alter various practices according to public pressure all the time. Of course they don't care, until we do. But they're not mind readers. They only know about people's concerns if they are informed about them. People are talking about labels included on some plants recently, informing that plants have been treated with neonicotinoids, a response to public pressure. Pic found on google: http://s23.photobucket.com/user/mesangeai/media/Plant%20Problems/neonicotinoids%20warning_zps8wowbkwb.jpg.html In response to public pressure, milk no longer has BGH in it. Chipotlé, Taco Bell & Pizza Hut recently announced they will only use non-GMO ingredients, for the same reason. I don't understand why an attempt to inform has been met with such resistance, especially here.