Question about semi-hydroponic method and lecca(sic) balls

[eager2learn]

If I want to switch fertilizers do I have to use new lecca balls?

---------- Post added at 12:40 AM ---------- Previous post was at 12:40 AM ----------

[Ray]

Originally Posted by eager2learn

If I want to switch fertilizers do I have to use new lecca balls?

No.

Typical of videos posted on the internet, there are some good parts and bad in that one.

There is no need to spray a disinfectant on a plant when transplanting it. Doing so accomplishes nothing, any may be harmful to the plant.

Don't add fertilizer to your LECA soak, and don't water the plant in with any. The LECA should be soaked in plain water or water into which a growth stimulant has been added. Salts in the environment can discourage root growth. Wait until you see new roots emerging before adding fertilizer to the watering regimen.

(What was with that soak/rinse/resoak process??? What a waste of time.)

I also suggest against using a container without drainage holes to set the depth of the reservoir. One of the benefits of S/H culture is that watering, if done right, flushes the medium at every watering. The "fill and tilt" method is 1) difficult, and 2) encourages just "topping up" the reservoir rather than doing a thorough flushing, which accelerates the buildup of fertilizer salts.

[tasha]

Isnt the person on the video cutting healthy roots??

So you suggest a container with holes to drain the water instead of tipping it over every time?

[estación seca]

There is an entire semi-hydroponic growing forum here on Orchid Board. There is a lot of basic information there. From the left yellow menu select Forums, then scroll down.

[homa]

Originally Posted by Ray

No.

Typical of videos posted on the internet, there are some good parts and bad in that one.

There is no need to spray a disinfectant on a plant when transplanting it. Doing so accomplishes nothing, any may be harmful to the plant.

Don't add fertilizer to your LECA soak, and don't water the plant in with any. The LECA should be soaked in plain water or water into which a growth stimulant has been added. Salts in the environment can discourage root growth. Wait until you see new roots emerging before adding fertilizer to the watering regimen.

(What was with that soak/rinse/resoak process??? What a waste of time.)

I also suggest against using a container without drainage holes to set the depth of the reservoir. One of the benefits of S/H culture is that watering, if done right, flushes the medium at every watering. The "fill and tilt" method is 1) difficult, and 2) encourages just "topping up" the reservoir rather than doing a thorough flushing, which accelerates the buildup of fertilizer salts.

make sure after repot don't water for 2 to 3 day. than start water it . I just report my phal 10 day ago and is my new root grow WP_20180616_002 — Postimage.org

[Ray]

Originally Posted by tasha

So you suggest a container with holes to drain the water instead of tipping it over every time?

Yes. Either that or a regular flower pot sitting in a relatively deep tray. In not cases, you have a reservoir, but can easily flood the pot at every watering.