LECA?

[Lene Th.]

Originally Posted by Mothra79

How do you fertilize with this method? Do you still fertilize three out of four waterings?

I actually fertilize every second watering, but i belive this is individual. As i live in Norway, theres only a few fertilizers avilable, and i use a lot of natural fertilizer, sutch as water after boiling potatos and rice.

[VickiC]

Wow...I've never heard of that: "water after boiling potatoes and rice". That's gr8...does it work well for you? I water weakly weekly (or is it the other way around lol) with 20-14-13. I wonder if that is ok, cuz I'm so new at this...I'm not sure. Do you know?
Vicki

Originally Posted by Lene Th.

I actually fertilize every second watering, but i belive this is individual. As i live in Norway, theres only a few fertilizers avilable, and i use a lot of natural fertilizer, sutch as water after boiling potatos and rice.

[Mothra79]

So, since you don't actually water the medium in this case, but add water to the reservoir at the bottom, do you just add fertilizer to this reservoir when it's time to fertilize?

[quiltergal]

You actually are watering the medium. What I do is plug the drain holds and fill the pot up. I let it soak for a bit and then let it all drain out. I do this twice. It flushes out the funky water in the reservoir and also gets rid of any accumulating salts. Then I water with 125ppm N, MSU fertilizer. I have a couple of plants that need a mid week water. Then I flush once and water with plain water only because I'm usually late for work and running out the door! Otherwise I would take the time to use fert.

[Mothra79]

I see, that makes sense. Does this medium also work with orchids with fine roots?

[peggypugsmom]

As a newcomer to orchids, just 2 months ago...I have not heard of such a thing as PrimeAgra...or this method of watering. Sheridan's pix are gorgeous!.. As someone who has always had indoor plants, watering becomes a part of life...an important part, that as an orchid lover is hard to put such limits on...over-watering and under-watering..seems to be part of the orchid learning process...this new method looks very simple...I will have to check it out for sure. ..and I too wondered about fertilizing if using this method. Thanks to Sheridan for the lovely examples..Eileen

[peggypugsmom]

Sheridan...are you using plastic deli-type containers? Eileen

[Ranchnanny]

Hi There, yes I am using deli containers (trying to keep costs down) I get them at any grocery outlet or resturant supply house. I then measure 1 inch from the bottom then drill two holes in them. They are clear so you can see where the water is in the reservior. They come in different sizes those in the are 32 oz. size and I have others that are smaller for younger orchids. There are different names for this medium PrimeAgra being one the other is Hydroton which I found locally at a Hydroponic gardening supply store.

What I love about the s/h medium is the ease of watering once a week or less. You will be amazed at the results. Some of my Phals. rebelled a bit but they have come around. Some rescued Phals that were so droopy and had very soft leafs are now growing well and have hardened up.

Try it you will like it Thanks everyone for the kind words.

Sheridan

[peggypugsmom]

I intend to find the nearest hydroponic supply store this week. I love your pix & the deli containers...great idea..thanks for much..love it...Eileen

[elona]

Originally Posted by Ray

LECA need not be limited to semi-hydroculture, although that is where it "shines".

Some add it to their "regular" mix as a water-holding additive that won't compress. Some (me, for one) use it as a replacement for regular mix in some cases, as it is airy and will never decompose.

How have you used LECA as a regular mix. I mean which orchids did you pot using lECA? Just wondering.