FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. Why would a commercial greenhouse grower use OASIS® Grower Products instead of another type of propagation medium to germinate or root vegetative cuttings?


OASIS® Growing Mediums are rigid, open celled, water absorbing foams specifically designed for optimal callus and rapid root development. Outstanding performance is due, in part, to the unique cell structure, which closely resembles the cellular structure of the plant itself. The media is consistent, with a low cation exchange capacity that allows for rapid nutrient availability without danger of salt accumulation. When a grower receives OASIS foam media it is free of pathogens, providing an environment that reduces disease and insect problems.

For thirty years OASIS Grower Products has been the leader of sterile propagation growing media. The product is a non-toxic thermoset phenolic resin, specifically engineered for an optimum balance of air and water resulting in faster root growth. Faster root growth translates into faster crop turnover, which reduces bottom line expenses for the grower.

OASIS Grower Products has an unwavering commitment to successfully helping today's growers. We stand behind the OASIS brand name with a 100% product performance guarantee.


2. What is the basic difference between the OASIS® HORTICUBE®, ROOTCUBE®, and WEDGE® growing medias?


OASIS Horticubes are primarily used for seed propagation and hydroponic production. This product is designed to drain off excess water from the base of the seed or cutting, while still providing proper balance of water and air for good root development. This product is often used for quickly germinating lettuce, onion, herbs, and tomato seeds.

OASIS Rootcubes are a general-purpose growing medium for the propagation of vegetative cuttings. Rootcubes are engineered to hold more water than Horticubes, while still draining well to encourage the development of vigorous root systems. Crops most commonly propagated from unrooted cuttings in Rootcubes are poinsettias, geraniums, hibiscus, New Guinea impatiens, fuchsia, foliage, perennials, and woody ornamentals.

The OASIS foam for the Wedge product line is identical to the Rootcube products. The primary difference between the two products is the shape. The wedge tapers in shape from top to bottom. This unique shape aids in directing root development downward for rapid-root development. This results in greater crop turnover and overall productivity for the grower. In transplanting, the Wedge product minimizes the need for dibbling.


3. What is the "Universal Hole" that is featured in all WEDGE products?


The unique "Universal Hole" design provides easy insertion into the foam to the proper depths for almost all plants, while firmly gripping the cutting after insertion.


4. How often do I fertilize when using OASIS Growing Medium foam?


There is a light nutrient charge (1-1-1) in the Rootcube and Wedge products to supply it with nourishment until root initiation. This light nutrient charge can last from six to nine days. Fertilization beyond this point is based on the specific crop and crop recommendations. This can vary significantly among different crop types.


5. What is the "light nutrient charge" incorporated into the OASIS media?


A fertilizer combination of 1-1-1 serves as the plant starter. This 1-1-1 combination consists of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium. A special additive is also used to enhance cation exchange to improve the efficiency of the fertilizer application.


6. When can a grower expect seeds to germinate after planting in OASIS media?


Generally speaking, it will depend upon the seed and its genus species. For example, lettuce will germinate in as little as seven days. Onions may take ten days, and tomatoes 7 - 14 days.


7. How long does it take to root a vegetative cutting in OASIS media?


Root development depends a lot upon the plant type and season of year it is being propagated. Poinsettias, for example, can take 18-21 days, while geraniums and impatiens will root in 12-21 days.


8. What is OASIS Grower foam's shelf life?


It is recommended that shelf life for OASIS foam not exceed 12 months, as the wetting agent included in the product which enables it to wet up quickly will no longer be as effective. The actual foam product and its rooting performance is actually still very good after this time frame. Should you have some OASIS foam product on hand which is over a year old, apply some SOAX® wetting agent when watering it in to assist in initial wetting.


9. Why should a commercial greenhouse grower use SOAX® Wetting Agent?


Use of wetting agents, such as SOAX, increases the available "feeding" sites for plant roots by creating a uniform moisture profile throughout the root zone. SOAX wetting agent prevents water masses from forming, allowing for more consistent air-to-water ratios, which in turn yields healthy and vigorous plant growth. SOAX wetting agent reduces labor costs by eliminating the need for spot watering. When irrigated, water is evenly dispersed and nutrients are used efficiently throughout the entire root zone. SOAX liquid formulation can be incorporated into mix medias and/or used in constant feed programs throughout the crop production cycle. SOAX granular formulation will assist commercial growers who prepare their own growing material in a continuous mixing line or batch style mixer to overcome the resistance to initial wetting of materials, such as peat moss.


10. Where can I purchase OASIS® Grower Products?


OASIS Grower Products are available through industry greenhouse distributors, on both national and regional levels. Contact our Grower Customer Service department at 1-800-321-8286 for companies in your area.


11. How can I obtain a sample of your products for trial evaluation?


Samples are available to growers simply by calling our Grower Customer Service department at 1-800-321-8286, or any OASIS Distributor.