Mixing LECA and Bark?

[spinrah]

Hi all,

I have my phals planted in a bark/perlite/charcoal mix right now and have noticed that I get a sort of "layering" effect where the bottoms of my pots remain wet but the middle and top dry out quickly. I'm wondering what you all think about adding LECA to the bottom of the pot and also mixing it with the bark throughout the rest such that the middle/top of the pot is about 75% bark and 25% LECA. My idea here is that the LECA would retain slightly more moisture throughout the pot but since my orchids are accustomed to bark I don't want to switch to full LECA. I just want something that will retain a little more moisture throughout (I water about twice a week currently). I thought about doing sphagnum moss but my experience of it in my environment (Pacific Northwest) is that it gets more soggy than I'd like, especially since I like to do more frequent waterings. I'm thinking the LECA might give me a better moisture balance and keep the environment around the roots airy.

We have lots of cool moisture in the air, but inside my house the winter temperature is about 70 F and the humidity level is between 40-50 since my furnace is running (I do use a humidifier if it gets below 50).

Thanks for any advice.. this website has been such a great source of info for me!