Brown balls?? - Orchid Board

sapphireeyes27 · #1 08-20-2007, 08:56 PM

I have been browsing the pictures to see what everybody is doing with their orchids, and I keep on seeing orchids potted with what looks like tiny light brown balls. What are these balls? What types of orchids are they good for?

Thanks!

Rachel

quiltergal · #2 08-20-2007, 09:00 PM

Rachel those are LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate) used mostly in hydroponics. Orchid enthusiasts are using them with a method called semi-hydro. See the thread with that title.

cb977 · #3 08-20-2007, 09:02 PM

Hi Rachel

I have the majority of my plants in a type of LECA called Aliflor but I am not doing semi-hydroponics.
I prefer it because it doesn't break down and is much cleaner and easier to deal with.

All the plants love it but I have my Bulbos and Phal species in sphagnum moss...the Cyms are in plain bark.

mother_earth · #4 08-21-2007, 10:53 PM

I plant my catts in the leca with a little spagnum moss mixed in. They really like it because it is quick drying. I use it mixed with a lot of spagnum and a little leca for my phals. I have one phal that I grow semi-hydro in the leca and it's very happy. I like it. Brenda

sapphireeyes27 · #5 08-22-2007, 07:17 PM

That sounds pretty neat! I'll have to try it out sometime. All I have at the moment are five happy phals. If it's not the best for them, I think I'll wait a while before trying it out. I'm a firm believer of getting at least a little good at something before moving on to something else!

Thanks!

Rachel

caseydoll · #6 08-22-2007, 08:44 PM

Rachel, if you want more info on leca and growing orchids in semi/hydro go to Welcome to First Rays Orchids. It's also on the spondors link on the menu. Ray has a ton of great information on there!

I have a couple of my phals growing in s/h and they seem to like it so far.

sschneider · #7 08-22-2007, 11:44 PM

I have just started experimenting with S/H growing. I repotted some Paphs. that were growing poorly in coconut husk. I think my main problem is mineral buildup burning the new roots when I use tap water.I washed the roots off well and potted them in LECA. The clear slotted pots were placed in a large plastic tray and about 3/4 inches of DI water with 1/4 strength fertilizer. I refresh this and back wash each pot once a week. All of the Paphs. are sending out new roots! I'm excited about this method. I got all of my supplies from First Ray Orchids.