LECA as a medium

[rcb]

Hi, I'm considering using LECA as my potting medium (not S/H) for some of my orchids, mainly the Catt alliance. I just transferred a plant into it, I have two of these, and will check how it grows compared to the one left in my standard bark mix.

What I wanted to ask was is there anything different that would be recommended with the different media? Anything I should look out for? Other than the different rate of drying out, I will keep an eye on that.

If the one does well, come spring, and as plants needed repotted, I would slowly start moving them over.

Opinions?

[katrina]

Hey Renee! I have been switching all my catts over to the clay pellets and/or cork chips and I LOVE IT!! Been growing in these mediums about a year now...most are switched. The only difference I've noticed is...as you noted...in the drying time. Oh, and w/the inert medium...as you've probably guessed...you don't have to worry about break down of the medium.

I know Brooke grows many of her catts in this medium....and she's been doing it a lot longer than I so hopefully she'll see this and can add her thoughts/experience.

[rcb]

Katrina - thanks, the inert medium is what the attraction is as you know lol. It's more humid where I live now, and I'm not happy with the way the bark based is drying out.

Also, since they are outside most of the year, I've noticed more bugs in the pots down here, like beetles, and pill bugs and stuff, and I'm also hoping there will be less of them with the LECA. I REALLY don't like bugs - completely freak me out.

I also don't like to repot so if I can stretch them out another year until they completely grow out of the pot, that would be a bonus as well. It seemed last spring they all needed repotted, and it took me weeks.

[Olive Cook]

once again, I'm not sure what LECA is....
I'm still very new to all of this, I'm sure there are places online I can look to learn more, however I'm not entirely sure where, lol

[psyc1210]

Lightly expanded clay aggregate is what LECA stands for. I use Aliflor for ALL of my potted orchids, and they seem to be doing really well. I love it

[psyc1210]

BTW, I buy mine from repotme.com

[FLBob]

I've growing in aliflor for years. I'd seen several commercial growers using it for their catts and figured if it worked for them it would probably work for me.

The advantage I see is that aliflor doesn't break down like organic mixes will. So I can often go 3+ years between repots. And the reason to repot has more to do with the plant taking over the container.

One of the other advantages is that in the heat of the summer and afternoon rains the catts seem to deal with the daily watering better.

I've played around with additions to the aliflor. I was adding charcoal, sponge rock, and very large pieces of bark. In my latest mix I've eliminated the sponge rock and bark, and added bits of large coconut chips.

When I do need to repot the aliflor can be cleaned, (I heat it an oven to sterilize it) and reused.

[Undergrounder]

You will have to think about fertilisation a bit more though, as the medium itself isn't giving you any extra ferts, like bark will. Fertilise moderately at every watering, and if you use RO water, use a complete fertiliser that gives you a full compliment of micro-nutrients.

And feel free to water as often as you like!

[exasperatus2002]

I'm in the process of switching over myself. I've got 7 of my Catts in Leca now. Will wait for active root growth before attempting the rest. Two important things with s/h culture is a good balanced fertilizer and your water. If you have hard water you'll probably want to use distilled or r/o water. Hard water has alot of minerals in it that when it dries leaves a crust on your leca.

[rcb]

undergrounder, my main fertilizer is Dynamite - release pellets, I add these when the plant starts growing, and then supplement when I remember with 7 - 9 -5 and/or epsom salts

do you think the pellets will still work?

exasperatus - I won't be doing S/H just using the LECA as the medium. Unfortunately RO water is not an option for me right now, and I have way to many to buy distilled, so I will watch for salt build up, but I think my water here is pretty good, I'm not having much salt build up on the plants potted in lava rock. Another thing is the main watering is actually rain for most of the year, so that should help as well.

Bob - while I'm not quite as humid/hot as you are, you explained why I want to try this switch as well pretty good.

[FLBob]

Renee I also use the dynamite 13-13-13 with minors in my pots. I will use a foliar spray of dyna gro, weekly in the summer when things are actively growing and less often in the cooler months. Sounds like you have a similar program.

[dtje2000]

Renee, when I visited a large greenhouse in Homestead, I noted they use a leca/shredded tree fern (is that the technical name?) combination, heavy on the leca. To echo Bob, the dense summer rains are hell on bark- keeps them too wet, that nasty white mold grows on them, and the rate of decay is accelerated. I have to wonder if I would have lost fewer plants to that darned black rot fungus stuff if I had those plants in something that dried out more quickly...

I'm convinced you will do great with the leca.

[rcb]

bob - yep exactly and BTW I really like Edgar there lol I had a run in one time with one of Edgars friends on Anna Maria Island one time. Was pretty funny.

dt - keep your fingers crossed for me. Yes I'm hoping this will do what I want, I also have some b'bulb divisions that are growing pretty well, I may give them a try too. Just need to get some more LECA. But probably will wait till after Xmas - shipping of that stuff is a fortune. Or I will stock up at the first spring show that comes along within a 4 hour drive of me.

[dtje2000]

Pbulbs as in the Oncidium alliance? I've had a helluva time with those getting that black rot fungus goo, too... but until you just mentioned it I would not have thought to switch those... geez...hit me over the head with a brick. Crossing fingers for both of us!

[E-Jag]

Leca is a Godsend. No more repotting everything because it broke down/decayed. I transferred nearly everything to Hydroton this year. Nearly impossible to overwater, looks good, allows plenty of air around the roots. I have a few in wooden baskets. I soak them for about 20 minutes every other day - I'm afraid just pouring water through isn't enough. I hope the baskets don't rot. I know a lot of people here grow in these wooden baskets - do they last quite a while even when constantly drenched? Bottom line - I see no downside to leca. SOOOOO much better than bark.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by rcb

Katrina -

I also don't like to repot so if I can stretch them out another year until they completely grow out of the pot, that would be a bonus as well. It seemed last spring they all needed repotted, and it took me weeks.

I love repotting...I have things pretty much spread out throughout the year so it's not so overwhelming. However, I don't think the plants appreciate it all that much so my goal...not to have to repot until the plant has clearly consumed the pot and there is no choice. And, when I do repot...I anticipate much less root damage because I'm not having to pick off old, broken down medium.

Good point Undergrounder...I forgot about that...nothing organic to hold the fert so it does run through and out quicker.

BTW -- I get my clay pellets at a local hydro store...do you have anything like that near you Renee? Super cheap! I don't think I paid more than $10 for each of my 10lb bags I've bought. It's an off brand...'Roxs' or something like that...but looks exactly the same as some of other more well known name brands.

[rcb]

Katrina, I kind of live almost in the middle of nowhere. There is one hydroponics store about 30 min from me, but when I had called them they said they don't carry any type of LECA at all.

I did do some internet searches today, and found a hydroponics site that has 50 l for about $60 including shipping much cheaper than repotme. 50 l should hold me for a while at least a year I hope.

[davetheorchidaddict]

Since it does not break down like Spag I prefer using LECA in baskets but not on mounts. I have found that cocoanut fiber helps protect the roots and gives more to grab on to when the roots develope. It also reduces the evaporation rate from the roots.

[syndywindy]

All my catt's are in hydroton with the exception of a couple and I am thrilled with the results. So much new growth and roots. Some need watering a bit more than the others and I use MSU fert once a month for them. It's easy to see when the resevoir needs filling and you can always see the moisture throughout the pot and know your plant is getting its moisture. The only downside is if you should knock it over accidently, or they are outside and a good wind knocks them over, what a royal pain you know where to pick up all those clay balls!

[Brooke]

I've been using Prime Agra for over two years now and love it The only downside I have found so far is you cannot stake a spike I've learned to push and pull with wire to seperate crowded blooms. Bonsai training is paying off in orchids

Brooke

[katrina]

Originally Posted by rcb

Katrina, I kind of live almost in the middle of nowhere. There is one hydroponics store about 30 min from me, but when I had called them they said they don't carry any type of LECA at all.

I did do some internet searches today, and found a hydroponics site that has 50 l for about $60 including shipping much cheaper than repotme. 50 l should hold me for a while at least a year I hope.

Bummer it's the only one and bummer they don't carry any. You know...being no more than 5-15 minutes from just about any type of store I could want or need is one thing I'll miss when we eventually move out in the middle of no where. Of course, that convenience is the ONLY thing I'll miss about living in the hub-bub of the city.

[ueberwinden]

JoBeth,

How much does it cost you for your LECA? I was just wondering because I sell hydroponic systems and suppiles in my online store and I wasn't aware hydroton was used so widely for orchids. I also have coco coir which I'm thinking would also work well.

Michael

[ueberwinden]

Originally Posted by E-Jag

Leca is a Godsend. No more repotting everything because it broke down/decayed. I transferred nearly everything to Hydroton this year. Nearly impossible to overwater, looks good, allows plenty of air around the roots. I have a few in wooden baskets. I soak them for about 20 minutes every other day - I'm afraid just pouring water through isn't enough. I hope the baskets don't rot. I know a lot of people here grow in these wooden baskets - do they last quite a while even when constantly drenched? Bottom line - I see no downside to leca. SOOOOO much better than bark.

You should try plastic hydroponic net pots and baskets, they won't rot and the have some that fit over a 5 gallon bucket that you could pour a gallon of fert through it and reuse the fert again if you would like. I sell them online or your local grow shop should have them.

Michael

[katrina]

Originally Posted by ueberwinden

You should try plastic hydroponic net pots and baskets, they won't rot and the have some that fit over a 5 gallon bucket that you could pour a gallon of fert through it and reuse the fert again if you would like. I sell them online or your local grow shop should have them.

Michael

Net baskets are the BEST!! I use them for a big share of my plants. Good stuff!

Although...I wouldn't share fert water btwn the 'chids...too fearful of passing along viruses.

[ueberwinden]

Kat,

Thanks for pointing that out I should have stated that clearly. My thoughts were to pour it through and catch it in the bucket and reuse it on the same orchid instead of going to waste. The system I am thinking about useing is a GH water garden which uses an air pump and cycles the solution instead of it going to waste. I used it to grow a Brugmansia with very impressive results. Right now it isn't being used, so I might get it cleaned up and into use.

Michael

[rcb]

ueber - yes I use net pots for many other types of plants, but I would be worried that using LECA and net pots would dry too fast. although who knows it may be just right.

Another type of net pot is the baskets for pond plants, they are shallower and available at the big box stores. I just picked up a 10 in one for one of my Gongoras that needs repotted.

[katrina]

I've never heard of the pond baskets...I'll have to search those out. Thanks for that tid-bit Renee!

[ueberwinden]

They are used for water lillies and other aquatic plants

Michael

[psyc1210]

Originally Posted by ueberwinden

JoBeth,

How much does it cost you for your LECA? I was just wondering because I sell hydroponic systems and suppiles in my online store and I wasn't aware hydroton was used so widely for orchids. I also have coco coir which I'm thinking would also work well.

Michael

When I order I usually get the big bag that is 8 quarts for about $19. I am so close to repotme that I just do local pickup

[exasperatus2002]

I got mine @ a show from creative hydroponics. You can also try Jerry Meola he's a Moderator here & sells Leca as well @ a fair price.

[maria1971]

Hi there. I actually grow all my catts, laelias and potted vandas (well those that fit in Air Cone pots) in 100% hydroton. If it's not mounted, 99.99% of my collection is in this medium.

I use that with Air Cone pots. Frankly, the plants have taken off to such a degree that I'm still surprised. Watering is easy--just water until the pot is soaked and I don't water again if I see the pot has condensation. It's fantastic and I love it.

[Rivka]

i have everything in Hydroton that i buy locally for $40 for 50pound bag, that was enough for about 40 plants in 32oz containers maybe more.

the store i go to in person also sales online
HYDROTON 50 LITER 8-16mm (30/PALLET) [714120] - $39.95 : Indoor Garden, Tacoma, Kent and Edmonds

no idea how bad shipping would be


one of the things i love most about LECA is that i can clearly watch the roots , i have learned so much about my plants since i have been using it

[lung]

Hi Renee

I am new to orchids, but have working with bonsai for many years. The best medium for bonsai is japanees Akadama. I'll think its a good medium for orchids as well. (If you dont know Akadama, look at the link)
Akadama - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

lung

[rcb]

Thank you all Y'all have convinced me. Like I mentioned I did put one plant into it already and actually I have a few seedlings from a compot and flask in it as well.

The seedlings from the compot I had put a couple in the LECA and a couple in small bark, and the ones in the LECA are much further along.

With winter and the holidays coming, I will probably start a slow change over come Feb, and hopefully I'll be able to get enough at the shows, but the cheap hydroponics site does seem to be reasonable if I get too impatient and want to start before the shows start in the spring. What's the odds on that happening?? lol

[exasperatus2002]

If you need any inexpensive pots for s/h...I'm using the bottoms of juice bottles from juicy juice for example. I have a toddler so we go thru a bottle a week. Its a heavier plastic so its not flimsy. Its clear so you can see if you need to water or not.I also like being able to watch all the root growth & be able to keep an eye out for root rot easier. When it comes time to repot, I can just split it down the side & move everything to a new pot.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by lung

Hi Renee

I am new to orchids, but have working with bonsai for many years. The best medium for bonsai is japanees Akadama. I'll think its a good medium for orchids as well. (If you dont know Akadama, look at the link)
Akadama - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

lung

I looked at your link and I don't know...given that some growers claim it can break down into smaller particles and inhibit drainage...it might not be a good choice for orchids....at least not on it's own. ?? Just MHO, but I'd be leery of it.

[Rivka]

there are many great clear containers if you want to go that route, i go to my local Cash and Carry and get restaurant deli containers and drinks containers depending on what shape i am looking for. i also nest them inside nice glass vases.

[Rivka]

Originally Posted by lung

Hi Renee

I am new to orchids, but have working with bonsai for many years. The best medium for bonsai is japanees Akadama. I'll think its a good medium for orchids as well. (If you dont know Akadama, look at the link)
Akadama - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

lung

i would be worried about using this for orchids, it is rough and could cut into the roots. it would also pack tighter since it is irregularly shaped.
the round shape of most hydro LECA addresses both these issues

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Brooke

I've been using Prime Agra for over two years now and love it The only downside I have found so far is you cannot stake a spike I've learned to push and pull with wire to seperate crowded blooms. Bonsai training is paying off in orchids

Brooke

Brooke:

1) Use coated wire stakes. They can be jammed down into the pot of LECA just fine - if perhaps, with more effort.

2) Another alternative is to bend wire stakes to clip to the pot sidewall, rather than poking down into the medium.

[Brooke]

Easy for you to say Ray - I've tried. Eventually I run into a piece of Prime Agra I can't wiggle the wire around. After my catts have been potted a couple of years, between the roots grabbing and holding the pellets, I can't insert the wire deep enough to be able to move the spike.

It is easy to wire pbulbs closer or farther apart by making a U shaped end on one wire, running the wire the distance I want and making another U shaped end around the other pbulb. You want the U shape tight enough to hold the pbulb but not tight enough to strangle it. It is also very unobtrusive.

Brooke

[Rivka]

my tip for staking is put the stake in when the container is full of water, that way the balls all move easy. it works great, i was driving myself nuts till i figured that one out.
hold the stake just where you want it till all the water drains out and it will stay there. (i usually make sure to hold them in the right place whenever i let the water drain for the final time so that it is good till the next watering)

[Brooke]

Rivka I don't grow my catts in s/h, I grow in clay pots with Prime Agra as the media. I think you will find after a couple of years the LECA will not move when you water, the roots bind with the media.

Brooke

[11Orchid126]

Katrina, go to the store and check for yourself if they carry the expanded clay pellets. I've found that some sales people who don't know what the product is that you're asking about will just say they don't carry it. I was in the Home Depot and asked a salesperson if they carried hydrated lime and he said no. I walked over three more aisles and found it.

[rcb]

Since the holidays are now over, I'm starting the repotting process. As I wait for the typical orchid LECA, Kortney had posted in a different thread about a brand you can find at pet stores. I found two bags at the local pet store and have started. - Thanks Kortney!

I had also mentioned how much I dislike repotting, here's why. And this one is just a seedling in 2 in (5 cm) pot. It took me a couple hours to get most of the bark out without breaking the roots. But as quite a few of my Catt alliance types are putting out new roots, well it's time to start. And since it's so cold outside, I had to do this inside.

[Brooke]

Renee I just repotted a C. labiata that had been in Prime Agra for only two years and I was amazed. I had to break the pot, the roots were everywhere, zero dead roots. The PA and roots were one tight ball - very few individual pieces fell off. All I had to do was up pot it and fill in the edges with more Prime Agra around it.

I will never put a catt in bark again and can't wait to get my remaining catts out of bark on their next repot.

Brooke

[E-Jag]

Do catts like to be pot/rootbound as, say, dens? I'm considering putting a catt in a basket (with Hydroton) which is too big for it. Not sure whether this will negatively affect it's next blooming cycle. It's in a 4" pot - and is rootbound - and I may put it in a 6" basket which is 5 1/2" tall. I've not read anything about whether they care about pot size. It would probably be years before I repotted it. As usual, TIA.

[rcb]

E-jag, I don't think they need to be rootbound, but I don't think most Dens do either. But they don't like the stale wetness that comes from being overpotted, but I have no idea how that would interact with LECA as the potting media in the basket.

what I'm doing is going up 1 - 2 sizes. So ones in a 2 inch will go into either a 3 inch or 4 inch depending on how robust the roots are.

[E-Jag]

Renee, thanks, that seems reasonable. I've read to allow them about 2 years growth when repotting, so we should be about right. May be overthinking this, too. We're talking about a couple of inches.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by katrina

BTW -- I get my clay pellets at a local hydro store...do you have anything like that near you Renee? Super cheap! I don't think I paid more than $10 for each of my 10lb bags I've bought. It's an off brand...'Roxs' or something like that...but looks exactly the same as some of other more well known name brands.

You can't tell a book by its cover, Kat!

Each brand of LECA has its own set of properties - wicking ability, absorption, release, surface texture, and porosity form and distribution. Depending upon your specific growing conditions, some or all of those might play a role in how successful you are.

For the folks in Florida, with the warmth, humidity, general buoyant atmosphere, and the occasional good, hard rain, the mere inert nature of the medium is the primary benefit. For me up here in PA, wicking is a major factor, as the evaporation rate is greater, and I really like the fact that some brands release everything they absorb better than others, as that leads to less long-term mineral buildup.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by Ray

You can't tell a book by its cover, Kat!

Each brand of LECA has its own set of properties - wicking ability, absorption, release, surface texture, and porosity form and distribution. Depending upon your specific growing conditions, some or all of those might play a role in how successful you are.

For the folks in Florida, with the warmth, humidity, general buoyant atmosphere, and the occasional good, hard rain, the mere inert nature of the medium is the primary benefit. For me up here in PA, wicking is a major factor, as the evaporation rate is greater, and I really like the fact that some brands release everything they absorb better than others, as that leads to less long-term mineral buildup.

I was unaware that there was any difference other than price. How would I recognize whether or not mine might be prone to mineral build-up? Is there anything I should look for specifically?

I didn't have the name exactly right...just went and grabbed my bag...it's out of Holland. Atami B'cuzz Roxx "Grow Rokz". Do you know anything about this brand?

[rcb]

Yeah! my 47 lbs (21kgs) of LECA arrived last night, so I'm ready for the overhaul.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by katrina

I was unaware that there was any difference other than price. How would I recognize whether or not mine might be prone to mineral build-up? Is there anything I should look for specifically?

There really isn't a good way to reliably tell - from looking - about the absorption/release characteristics, but if you look at a broken piece, those with very fine, uniform porosity tend to be better than those with coarse pores.

Come to the COOS meeting on the 21st - as part of my presentation, I go into more detail.

[katrina]

Originally Posted by Ray

There really isn't a good way to reliably tell - from looking - about the absorption/release characteristics, but if you look at a broken piece, those with very fine, uniform porosity tend to be better than those with coarse pores.

Come to the COOS meeting on the 21st - as part of my presentation, I go into more detail.

I'll have to check a broken piece of what I have. Thanks!

As for the 21st...I'll be there.

[Schlyne]

Originally Posted by E-Jag

Do catts like to be pot/rootbound as, say, dens? I'm considering putting a catt in a basket (with Hydroton) which is too big for it. Not sure whether this will negatively affect it's next blooming cycle. It's in a 4" pot - and is rootbound - and I may put it in a 6" basket which is 5 1/2" tall. I've not read anything about whether they care about pot size. It would probably be years before I repotted it. As usual, TIA.

I don't think so with my catts, but I haven't tried to switch any of them over to LECA yet. I've repotted most of them, and all of those are putting out new pbulbs like crazy right now.

[rcb]

Well I'm about 25% done moving them over to the LECA. I also decided that I'm moving my potted Dens over to it as well. If they are the type that need to be grown a little wetter, I'm moving them to actual S/H.

Also have seen that the Catts that were either in bud, or about to start spiking seem to have no effect on the buds at all.

And all the root tips seem to really like it also.

After I'm all done, I'll have two main mediums, the LECA and CHC for the chids that need to be wetter, like the Gongoras, Catasetums.

I'm also going to wait on the couple Coels I have, they were repotted last year, so they can last a while still. And the plants in lava rock will stay there also. But eventually I will be barkless!

A major difference I have noticed, is last year when I was repotting, I used the common orchid bark available in the big box stores for the first time. I used to pick up bark at orchid nurseries. Well after only a year, I've never seen bark so degraded and so many bad roots. They would definitely have needed repotted anyways. While the plants in "seedling bark" bought from a nursery still looked good after two years in it.

[rcb]

Update after a few more months:

I have run out of my 50L of Hydroton, and I'm still not done. Yesterday I had to go and order 50L more.

Now you see why I dread repotting, and is one of my motivations to using Leca.

On the good side, the plants that have been transferred already are doing great, putting out new roots that are taking well to the Leca.

[rcb]

I thought I'd give another update. After a summer season here, I'm never going back to bark. Ever!

I had to recently repot two plants that were a couple of the ones I first switched over to because they had grown so well, they were over the pot already.. I was nervous, because we'd been getting so much rain that they don't quite dry out inbetween watering.

Well apparently my Catts don't care if they dry out in the Leca. The roots were amazing!

The only problems, and they are minor, was when a pot falls over, I have these little balls all over the place. But I just send my youngest out with a cup to pick them up periodically.

And second problem was I ended up with what was probably Calcium definiciency. With the main watering being rain this summer, and using the regular fertilizer I have now, they were getting Calcium issues. It took me a while to figure out what was going on. The fertilizer I use does not have calcium in it.

Took care of that, now when I'm fertilizing after a few days of rain, I add CaNO3 to my fertilizer. If we have a dry spell, and I'm using the hose to water them, I don't. Not very scientific, but it seems to be working.

Also, I do have fertilize more often.

[Brooke]

Aren't the roots fantastic? I am slowly making the change over. I will be very happy to be done with most of my bark babies.

Brooke

[katrina]

Yep....love leca as a potting medium for my catts! I also really like lava rock and cork chunks...depending on what I'm potting.

Repots are a breeze! Just soak to loosen roots from the sides of the pot...break the pot...plop into a bigger pot...fill in the sides. Gooooood stuff!

The only downside I can see...and it's not a big downside...staking a pot full of leca is a nightmare. Especially when the roots really cement everything together. But, that's why they make those stakes/rings that clip to the sides of pots.

[hera]

Originally Posted by Undergrounder

You will have to think about fertilisation a bit more though, as the medium itself isn't giving you any extra ferts, like bark will. Fertilise moderately at every watering, and if you use RO water, use a complete fertiliser that gives you a full compliment of micro-nutrients.

And feel free to water as often as you like!

I agree, you will have to consider fertilizing at every watering, but I would do it at a lower rate. Also, watch for mineral build up. I would flush with plain water about once a month, then water as usual. Biggest drawback is having to watch closely for dehydration in windy outdoor conditions. I like it for indoor where I can control the environment more closely. Remeber the cooling effect of clay as well. I wouldn't suggest it for hot loving plants. Overall, experiment with it. Some plants love it, some don't. Dryer catts and encyclia types should be at home in it. Good luck.

[rcb]

Hera - yes I'm not putting my moisture loving plants in it. I'm using CHC or coir for them, depending on the size of the pot.

As for the fertilizing, after 6 months or so, no build up at all, but again that's probably due to the rains. I was surprised to see no build up by now.

For winter time, when watering will be more by the hose, not rains, I may have to be a little more careful, but I tend to not fertilize much in winter anyways. At least for these kinds.

I'm one of those people that fertilize when they are growing, and don't when they are not, and I don't have many year round growers.

[rcb]

Brooke, I'm glad I didn't do it slowly. As I think I mentioned somewhere above, the bark I had used the year before was just bad. BAD BAD. Even though it was large pieces, they were degraded.

So even though the majority of them had been in their pots only one year, after I saw the condition of the first few, I went ahead and did most of them. I do have to admit, there are a few I haven't gotten to, I will do them soon as well.

Kat - yep the repotting was the easiest I've ever done. As for staking, I don't, so that's not a problem for me lol but I can see how it could be.

[maria1971]

Repotting with LECA is fantastic. I've grown mine in LECA for about 2 years now and I'll never use anything else for my CATT alliance stuff.

[Stitz]

I purchased a Brassavola nodosa from Norman around Spring, 2009. I immediately potted it into Prime Agra in a plastic Air-Cone pot. There was a LOT of room for root growth.

A couple of days ago, the Air-Cone pot just r-i-p-p-e-d open from the pressure of the root growth!

Time to repot!

--Stitz--

[psyc1210]

I agree, everything I have is in LECA, and it feels much cleaner, I just love it!

[Orchidementia]

I found LECA at OSH a few months back and decided to give it a try. It's early days yet, but so far, the results have been positive. I'm still using my bark mix - I don't think zygos would like LECA, but I'm often wrong - and experimenting with other stuff, too. I've also gone from someone who thought they hated sphag to someone who has learned how to use it, and what a difference that makes!

[orchidaddict789]

I bought a bag of hydroton and I was looking for orchids to repot. Last week, I bought a poor noid paph that was packed in the tightest sphag ever, and I transferred it to S/H. It's my first plant in S/H, and so far, it looks fine.

I bought an angraecum that's in a regular pot with a mixture of LECA and bark. I guess LECA works well when mixed with bark.

I actually really love the look and feel of LECA. I don't have to worry about bark splinters and little pieces getting all over the place. Packing in the pellets between the roots is just...fun (and easy)!

[NancyH]

Hi, a few months ago I posted on this link about my experiment on converting all my Catts, Lc's Blc's, Dends, ect to LECA. I live in Central California and have a greeenhouse. I was experiencing allot of root rot. I was really good about re-potting and using the correct loose mix. Anyway, wow, are my plants happy. All of them are pushing out new growth, no wilting or shrivelling. I have the plants in pure LECA with a bit of spag on top and the pot goes into another clay pot. I do have to water a bit more. I bought a moisture meter that did not work, but I have the hang and the feel of the watering down now. I highly reccomend the LECA. I also planted a Phalie it it as an experiment. So far so good. I learned of the LECA on this website and I am greateful to all who have contributed to to.
Thanks,
Nancy

[Ray]

Originally Posted by orchidaddict789

I bought a bag of hydroton and I was looking for orchids to repot. Last week, I bought a poor noid paph that was packed in the tightest sphag ever, and I transferred it to S/H. It's my first plant in S/H, and so far, it looks fine.

I bought an angraecum that's in a regular pot with a mixture of LECA and bark. I guess LECA works well when mixed with bark.

I actually really love the look and feel of LECA. I don't have to worry about bark splinters and little pieces getting all over the place. Packing in the pellets between the roots is just...fun (and easy)!

Let's be clear that one can use LECA as a medium in "traditional" culture, or in semi-hydroponics, and that - even though it never decomposes - it still accumulates salts and plant wastes, so should be replaced every few years, depending on a number of factors - water quality, fertilizer type, concentration, and frequency of use, evaporation rate, and the particular brand of LECA, due to physical differences between them.

[rcb]

Ray - is there an obvious way to tell? Is it just when you see the salt build-up on the LECA?

And if you have a good rinsing program (natural rain a couple times a week) would that also help flush out plant wastes and absorbed salts.

To give an example, my plants that are in Lava rock which is notorious for collecting salt build up, have none. After a couple years. Yes right after I fertilize, when it dries out, I can see a little bit. Then it rains, and the build-up goes away.

[hera]

Originally Posted by rcb

I'm one of those people that fertilize when they are growing, and don't when they are not, and I don't have many year round growers.

Totally agree with this. I got some good advice from an experienced grower..... fertilize when the root tips are green, don't fertilize when they are not. I've been using clear pots for this reason. So far it has been acurate.

Keep up the good work!!

[Ray]

Renee,

Lava rock is notorious for trapping minerals in the pores and not releasing them. Surface buildup is only part of the problem.

Yes, I rely on visual assessment, as it usually seems to precede and loss of plant vitality.

[NancyH]

Hi Ray and hera, Thanks for the posts. I am new to LECA and this information will really help me in the future. Nancy

[rhogue]

Very Interesting. Is it very Expensive? I might have to look into it if it's not to expensive. Thanks for the info.