Leca from Ikea a bad idea?
 

I am interested in trying my hand at s/h.
Does anyone have any good or bad experiences with using the Leca from Ikea? :)

I'm curious. Why do you think the Leca from Ikea would be different than from other sources?

Simply because I have never used it before and didn't know if there are different levels of quality. Just trying to do my research before I subject my orchids to an experiment :biggrin:

I can't think of a reason why they could be a problem.

Fired clay balls - not much to get wrong there. You might ask Ikea where they are made, and whether they are chemically tested (for things like heavy metals). The folks at the store probably won't know - headquarters (website) might know.

Ikea? Has LECA?

You probably have to assemble it yourself, but the directions are pretty good.

I was unaware that they carried LECA, so haven't evaluated it, but the comments that suggest that LECA is LECA is LECA are really quite off-base.
Each brand has its own set of properties that can affect how well it wicks, how rapidly it builds up mineral and waste products, how stable it is in the pot, etc.
I suggest that you buy some and try it.

I remember... There's a thread in these forums about someone complaining about IKEA's leca. Maybe last week, or two weeks ago.

Ray used to carry PrimeAgra pellets, really good wicking properties. I compared it side by side in same-size water glasses with a brand I found locally (Mother Earth Hydroton) and the results were identical. You might check your local hydroponics supply store.

I've used the Ikea leca and it's great. The size is rather uniform, although, there are some bigger and smaller ones.