LECA? - Orchid Board

VickiC · #1 07-17-2008, 10:03 PM

Hi!
This it the 2nd time I have tried to post this thread, but after submitting it, it seemed not to have posted the first time. I'm gonna type it somewhat as I did in my other try, but if I'm mistaken that the first one didn't post correctly, please overlook my ignorance. lol As I have been reading your postings in the past, I would read comments concerning LECA. I didn't know what it was, but I was hoping that I would figure it out myself rather than let you (once again) see my Orchid culture "lack of knowledge lol). Anyway, I was surfing sites concerning Orchids earlier tonight and ran across a site speaking of PrimeAgra. I noticed that often there was a referral made to First Ray's Orchids (are you here?? lol) I read a bit further, but ran out of "seaching time". Now that I have time to look into it more, I have decided rather than do that to get brave and ask you to please tell me your feelings about it as opposed to using the traditional Orchid mix (Fir bark, charcoal, perlite, etc....and also opposed to Spaghnum (sp?) Also, I would appreciate it if someone would let me know a good source here online to purchase it, as I know there's nowhere to buy it locally.
Thanks,
Vicki

cyberbrat · #2 07-17-2008, 10:16 PM

Hi Vicki,

I am an orchid newbie and was wondering about the semi hydrophonics also...a little lower down on the main forum page you will see a S/H forums. I bought LECA for a terrarium from a local hydrophonic store in town. Check that forum out regarding the specific details of the media...from what I gather the S/H allows more air for roots but I better not venture into waters too deep. There are experts here that can give you much better advice and explanation! Good luck!

VickiC · #3 07-17-2008, 10:43 PM

Thank you so much....I didn't realize that the info was there. Apparently, I didn't look around enuff. lol
Thanks again,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by cyberbrat

Hi Vicki,

I am an orchid newbie and was wondering about the semi hydrophonics also...a little lower down on the main forum page you will see a S/H forums. I bought LECA for a terrarium from a local hydrophonic store in town. Check that forum out regarding the specific details of the media...from what I gather the S/H allows more air for roots but I better not venture into waters too deep. There are experts here that can give you much better advice and explanation! Good luck!

cyberbrat · #4 07-18-2008, 12:00 AM

No problem! I did the exact same thing!

quiltergal · #5 07-18-2008, 01:30 AM

LECA is the abbreviation for Light Expanded Clay Aggregate. They are the little clay balls you see in lots of our pictures. There are several brand names, Hydroton, Alifor, and PrimeAgra are a few. I'm using PrimeAgra and the Semi Hydro growing method on 2 phals and 2 oncs. All are doing well. It's just a different method of growing. The LECA can be reused once sterilized. It's nice to not have to continually buy new medium. If you are a chronic overwaterer this might be a good way to grow for you. I like it because I can always see at a glance if it's time to water.

Ranchnanny · #6 07-18-2008, 02:08 AM

Vicki and Cyberbrat Hello, I am pretty much new to orchids having been at it for about 4 years and still learning. My orchids were potted in reg. bark medium and it was a trial and error time for me. When to water how much to water are they to wet to dry yikes

So after being on the OB and poking around I learned of the S/H medium. I got my first kit from Ray's First Orchids 2 pots, medium, fertilizer and KLN. I haven't looked back since. I can't believe my orchids have adjusted so well to the s/h medium. They are growing roots, leaves, flower spikes and babies. All my orchids are in s/h medium.

Check out some of the

Sheridan

Ray · #7 07-18-2008, 07:02 AM

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.

VickiC · #8 07-18-2008, 07:50 AM

Thank you very much. This sounds great.....I plan to learn more about it and probably will repot some of my plants in it. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned "chronic overwaterer". I am definitely that (or "underwater"...I have figured that one out). Although I understand that overwatering is bad (and I have unfortunately learned it first hand), I hate to see what seems to me the lil fellas thirsting...although I know after learning a lil more about Orchids that they're not)...I can't get past that "can't bear to not water" feeling. I'm glad to know that this method helps someone be more aware of watering-time. That really makes me crazy trying to figure this out (usually "site-unseen" in clay pots, although some of my plants are potted in plastic). You say "you can always see at a glance if it's time to rewater". By that, are you referring to the plastic pot...or the way the LECA looks?
Thanks again,
Vicki

Quote:

Originally Posted by quiltergal

LECA is the abbreviation for Light Expanded Clay Aggregate. They are the little clay balls you see in lots of our pictures. There are several brand names, Hydroton, Alifor, and PrimeAgra are a few. I'm using PrimeAgra and the Semi Hydro growing method on 2 phals and 2 oncs. All are doing well. It's just a different method of growing. The LECA can be reused once sterilized. It's nice to not have to continually buy new medium. If you are a chronic overwaterer this might be a good way to grow for you. I like it because I can always see at a glance if it's time to water.

Lene Th. · #9 07-18-2008, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VickiC

You say "you can always see at a glance if it's time to rewater". By that, are you referring to the plastic pot...or the way the LECA looks?
Thanks again,
Vicki

With S/H culture, there is a reservoir on the bottom that should always be filled with water. Becorse of the leca, the moist is drawn up to the top, leaving the pot moist but not wet. And becourse of the lecas construction, there wil alsow be air in between them, alowing the roots to breathe.
When the water-reservoir is beginning to empty, its time to water again *s* Simply as that.
And if you water more, this wont be as bad as with for instance bark, since the water only runs trhu and will do no damage whatsoever...

I reallt like this kind of growing, beeing a hevily waterer...

Mothra79 · #10 07-18-2008, 05:24 PM

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