Anyone use LECA for their phalaenopsis medium? I'm looking for a decent leca brand, not expensive. I'm considering switching to using an equal mix of leca and sphagnum moss for mine. my orchids stay too wet for too long I'm thinking and I'm having root rot problems.
Can't help you on choice of LECA. I use NZ sphag mixed with pea-sized hort. charcoal. Works pretty well.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AprilShowers
Anyone use LECA for their phalaenopsis medium? I'm looking for a decent leca brand, not expensive. I'm considering switching to using an equal mix of leca and sphagnum moss for mine. my orchids stay too wet for too long I'm thinking and I'm having root rot problems.
Can't help you on choice of LECA. I use NZ sphag mixed with pea-sized hort. charcoal. Works pretty well.
Phals need air at the roots and warm to hot temperatures. If you're having root rot issues your medium doesn't have enough air or the temperatures are too low.
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I am using small lava rock with my three Phals and they seem to really like it. I water quite often and the rock dries quickly, providing extra humidity. The plastic pot has holes all over. I do grow the Phals in the warmest room (around 70'F in the winter) and they will go outside once the night temperatures are consistently in the high sixties.
Leca with sphagnum won't solve your problem. Mix Leca with bark and a small portion of coco chips or perlite.
I don't know your conditions but this mix is a good standard for Phals.