What benefit is there to adding LECA to a bark mix?

[K-Sci]

Originally Posted by estación seca

I'm guessing because it doesn't break down, and the bark does, it lets them stretch repotting intervals. I no longer use bark. I repot almost everything into straight LECA. I'm still working, and there are times I can't get to repotting when a plant in bark needs it.

Hey e.s., how does not having to repot compare with having to water more frequently? That's my perception with LECA, anyway.


-Keith

---------- Post added at 02:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:53 PM ----------

Originally Posted by rbarata

I use LECA is almost all my mixes to increase aeration. There's some water wicking effect that under my conditions it's neglectable as it dries too fast.
For rupicolous, I use only LECA with a sphagnum layer at the bottom. Under these conditions I water everyday in summer and every two days in winter.

This is definitely an interesting idea. With the sphagnum on the bottom, it will be easy for it to become saturated. The end result would seem to be a sort of semi-semi hydroponics.

-Keith