LECA ? How is this used? - Orchid Board

Queenslander · #1 10-04-2010, 07:03 PM

I have read so much on this substance being used in the USA as a potting medium. What are the benefits of LECA compared with bark, perlite, charcoal as a potting mix.
Is it used hydrophonically for orchids? Or just the same way as other potting mix.

Zoi2 · #2 10-04-2010, 08:37 PM

The benefit I find most attractive is that it does not rot and can be reused. It can be used hydroponically, in semi hydro (the way I grow) or as a traditional growing medium in a regular pot. I am very pleased with it. I also don't have those pesky fungus gnats flying around either.
Joann

tucker85 · #3 10-05-2010, 08:29 AM

I use Hydroton (LECA) for all my Cattleyas and most of my other orchids also. I don't use the s/h method I just use the Hydroton like any other growing medium. I often use it alone but occasionally mix in charcoal and/or tree fern fiber. It drains very quickly and allows good air circulation around the roots. It holds some moisture for a short amount of time just like an unglazed clay pot does. It's a little heavier than other medium so it anchors the orchids in the pot a little better and gives the pot some wieght so it won't tip over as easily. It doesn't break down so the roots are healthier with less chance of root rot. You don't have the microorganisms eating up the nitrogen like in fir bark. Because it doesn't break down you don't need to repot as often. It's the best medium I've ever used for large root orchids like Cattleyas. Good luck.

Shann · #4 10-05-2010, 10:47 AM

I have some LECA in my collection but I prefer Aliflor or Stalite mixed with charcoal. I cannot grow anything in medium that decomposes because it stays too moist and rots the roots. I have had a major turn around in my orchid growing by switching all of my orchids over to these dryer mixes. I don't use them in s/h either, just as a potting medium. I do have to water often if it doesn't rain though.

HTH

Shann~

RosieC · #5 10-05-2010, 05:23 PM

It can be used alongside the Semi-Hydroponic technique to grow orchids (if you've not seen that before take a looks at Rays site Semi-hydroponics and our S/H area on the forum).

I also use it just as a standard medium growing in the normal way but with Lecca rather than bark or other medium.

The advantage is that it does not break down and generally roots can breath very well because the gaps don't become clogged with breaking down medium. Because it doesn't break down it is great for S/H where everything is kept that much wetter.

I am trying both S/H and just plain lecca at the momment and both are doing really well, although the S/H ones are seeming especially healthy. I'll probably convert the others once they get new root growth (which is needed for conversion to S/H).

Queenslander · #6 10-06-2010, 03:20 AM

Thanks fellow OB members. This site is one of the best. It has been such a big help to me, a newbie on orchids.
You have all been helpful. I just has to ask now, what is "lecca" Rosie?

Annette

Ray · #7 10-06-2010, 10:03 AM

Annette, LECA is the generic term for lightweight expanded clay aggregate. I suspect Rosie just added an extra c by accident.

LECA, for the most part, is manufactured for use as a concrete aggregate, but is marketed to the horticulture industry under a variety of tradenames - Hydroton, Aliflor, Hydoleca, Hydrokorrels, and Hydrokorn to name but a few. Thier properties vary all over the map. There is one brand made specifically for horticulture, PrimeAgra, which has the various properties optimized for the application.