Thinking of using LECA

[mofms1]

I have bought a bag of LECA and am thinking of using it as a medium for my paph's. I have read some stuff about it, but I am not sure if it would be a good switch or not. On one hand, I've read that it can be very good for orchids that prefer a little more moisture, but I've also read that it's better for orchids that prefer to dry out a little bit in between. I'm really confused and not sure which is accurate so now I'm just scared to do anything.

[Subrosa]

Let me confuse you a bit more! It's fine for both......read up on semi-hydroponic culture. It will eliminate much of your confusion.
Semi-Hydroponics™ >> First Rays LLC

[Orchidking]

hi mofm,
it can all be a bit confusing and what we say in a forum post can sometimes make things even more confusing even if meant well so reading up on these things is essential.

One thing you need to realize is that people live in very different climates and the media they use can help keep things moister or drier. Sometimes too moist, sometimes too dry. It's hard to find the right balance and even harder as climates change throughout the year.

One of the main reasons I like to create their own enclosed environment I can control instead of having a too dry environment which needs a very damp medium to keep the orchid hydrated which in turn can cause root rot.

To give you an understanding of the characteristics of clay pebbles have a look at this chart:


It shows that clay pebbles (hytdroton) can't hold much water compared to rockwool on the other end of the chart which holds the most water. This can be beneficial for growers who want a media that dries out fast. If you can water daily clay pebbles can be a good choice as their airyness prevents root rot. If you cannot water daily then clay pebbles are a risky choice unless they are wicking up water to help keep them moist if used on their own.

Otherwise they are great to add to mixes for aeration. I find every media has their advantages and disadvantages and usually mixing a bunch together in a ratio that suits you is ultimately the best mix

PS: Ray's website is 30 years outdated and needs more explaining about roots not sitting in water. Very unclear to a beginner grower looking at that

[Roberta]

Originally Posted by Orchidking

PS: Ray's website is 30 years outdated and needs more explaining about roots not sitting in water. Very unclear to a beginner grower looking at that

Valid principles do not become outdated. The concepts are still valid (the goal is "humid air" around the roots, and this technique does provide that). I suggest searching the Semi-Hydro forum to see what other people have experienced with growing specific genera in semi-hydro. (And don't discount experience... orchids grow... and even die... slowly. Most people will also give details about their own conditions so that you can compare with yours and distill out the part of the information that applies to you) Many of the regular contributors to the Board have had excellent experience with the technique. And they also contribute info about their failures. Don't go with "general information" from the web... look at the results and discussions of successful growers, of whom there are many on the Board (and Ray is still quite active here, more experience with the technique than anybody and quite willing to discuss the details)

[Ray]

Originally Posted by Orchidking

PS: Ray's website is 30 years outdated and needs more explaining about roots not sitting in water. Very unclear to a beginner grower looking at that

I suspect it would be unclear for someone who didn't read my website thoroughly.

Please look at step 4 of "Repotting into S/H from Traditional Media".

Thank you for being an ass. If you see a need for improvement, you may feel free to contact me directly with suggestions. I am very open-minded about such things.

[Subrosa]

Originally Posted by Orchidking

hi mofm,
it can all be a bit confusing and what we say in a forum post can sometimes make things even more confusing even if meant well so reading up on these things is essential.

One thing you need to realize is that people live in very different climates and the media they use can help keep things moister or drier. Sometimes too moist, sometimes too dry. It's hard to find the right balance and even harder as climates change throughout the year.

One of the main reasons I like to create their own enclosed environment I can control instead of having a too dry environment which needs a very damp medium to keep the orchid hydrated which in turn can cause root rot.

To give you an understanding of the characteristics of clay pebbles have a look at this chart:


It shows that clay pebbles (hytdroton) can't hold much water compared to rockwool on the other end of the chart which holds the most water. This can be beneficial for growers who want a media that dries out fast. If you can water daily clay pebbles can be a good choice as their airyness prevents root rot. If you cannot water daily then clay pebbles are a risky choice unless they are wicking up water to help keep them moist if used on their own.

Otherwise they are great to add to mixes for aeration. I find every media has their advantages and disadvantages and usually mixing a bunch together in a ratio that suits you is ultimately the best mix

PS: Ray's website is 30 years outdated and needs more explaining about roots not sitting in water. Very unclear to a beginner grower looking at that

There's nothing wrong with roots sitting in the water if they grow into it themselves. If while repotting to transition the plant you place it at a level where the old roots are submerged they will almost certainly rot in short order. But since it's very likely that most of the existing roots are going to die off and rot anyway, what's the problem? Proper timing of the transition minimizes the risk of losing the plant during the almost inevitable die off of existing roots.

[mofms1]

So if I'm using terra cotta pots (filling it with 1/3 LECA then the plant and backfilling with LECA) will filling the saucer with water (with or without LECA in the saucer), be enough for the LECA to wick up water for a Paph? Or would it be better to place it in a small bowl with a bit more water?

[Ray]

In a "standard" S/H pot (1-quart deli container), the two holes in the sidewall are typically about 1.5" from the bottom, making the reservoir about 20%-25% the depth of the LECA column, so that can be your guide. Also be aware that if the top of the pot is a considerably larger diameter than the submerged base, evaporation will overcome the wicking more easily, not allowing the liquid to reach the top, which is ideal.

Be aware that using a terra cotta pot for S/H culture will mean the the root system with be considerably cooler than room temperature, due to evaporative cooling from the open, airy medium and through the pot wall. If your nighttime temperatures are reduced to save energy, that might make the plant just too cold.

Granted, that's much more of a concern for a hot-grower like a phalaenopsis, but forewarned is forearmed.

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by mofms1

So if I'm using terra cotta pots (filling it with 1/3 LECA then the plant and backfilling with LECA) will filling the saucer with water (with or without LECA in the saucer), be enough for the LECA to wick up water for a Paph? Or would it be better to place it in a small bowl with a bit more water?

I totally agree with Ray on thinking about your temperatures when using a terra cotta pot. A few suggestions to consider, since you're just starting out:

• Make sure you rinse well, then soak your LECA for at least 24 hours prior to repotting.
• If you use a saucer or small bowl as your reservoir, make sure it's able to be filled up at least to a 1-2" level of water.
• When you water, you need to take each plant and hold it over "something" like a sink, a larger bucket, etc, and flush it well each time you water.
• Dump any water in saucer or bowl, then fill with fresh water. Otherwise you get mineral buildup.

In the long run, it's much easier to use the method where you have a no-hole bottom pot (like a deli container, tall tupperware, etc) and put two holes on the side of the pot. That way the reservoir is contained, and doesn't evaporate as quickly as it will in an open saucer or bowl. It's also easier to water.

---------- Post added at 09:04 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:45 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Orchidking

hi mofm,
it can all be a bit confusing and what we say in a forum post can sometimes make things even more confusing even if meant well so reading up on these things is essential.

One thing you need to realize is that people live in very different climates and the media they use can help keep things moister or drier. Sometimes too moist, sometimes too dry. It's hard to find the right balance and even harder as climates change throughout the year.

One of the main reasons I like to create their own enclosed environment I can control instead of having a too dry environment which needs a very damp medium to keep the orchid hydrated which in turn can cause root rot.

To give you an understanding of the characteristics of clay pebbles have a look at this chart:


It shows that clay pebbles (hytdroton) can't hold much water compared to rockwool on the other end of the chart which holds the most water. This can be beneficial for growers who want a media that dries out fast. If you can water daily clay pebbles can be a good choice as their airyness prevents root rot. If you cannot water daily then clay pebbles are a risky choice unless they are wicking up water to help keep them moist if used on their own.

Otherwise they are great to add to mixes for aeration. I find every media has their advantages and disadvantages and usually mixing a bunch together in a ratio that suits you is ultimately the best mix

PS: Ray's website is 30 years outdated and needs more explaining about roots not sitting in water. Very unclear to a beginner grower looking at that

Agreed that there's sure a lot of confusion at times, both on this forum and anywhere else one chooses to look on the web. Thanks for helping contribute to that confusion.

Your "chart" is for comparison of using oxygen pots in a hydroponic setting, and air vs water remaining in a drained pot for growing terrestrial plants, and specifically to tout the benefits of parboiled rice hulls. Great job muddying the water even more than it already is.

[DirtyCoconuts]

what the hell is a parboiled rice hull???? sounds delicious