LECA (non semi-hydro) media for Cats & Laelias
 

G'day all,

As I'm a grower who always likes to keep an eye out for any potential new media that can perform well, not break down very fast and provide good root oxygenation, I came across LECA (also called hydro clay) earlier this year.

Now I am aware there are growers using this semi-hydroponically, but my intent was to use just straight up as a medium for my Cats and some of my rupiculous laelias.

It's light, porous and not as heavy as scoria, and (although I still do need to test it myself) around neutral pH.

I'm just curious if anyone else here is using it as media straight from the bag (non semi-hydro), and what your results thus far have been?

As I normally grow my Cats and Laelias either in net pots or terracotta for aeration and drainage, I usually top with sphagnum, I am thinking the same would apply here due to the nature of the LECA?

Cheers!

It works well. Go ahead!

Thankyou!

Maybe one main difference between leca and scoria is ...... scoria doesn't roll around all over the place, such as when using the hands to load into a pot during potting (and a few pieces fall out from the hands and onto the floor). And also doesn't roll around everywhere if a pot accidentally topples over. Other than that, I expect good performance from leca.

Cheers SouthPark

Yeah I think due to its very light and porous nature that makes sense! :)

I've had great results with scoria, so I'll be giving LECA a go!

What you’re proposing is very common in Florida for plants grown outdoors, exposed to high humidity, high temperatures, and frequent rains.

You will have success. Leca is a great inorganic media