Any benefit to sorting LECA sizes?

[nicc]

I'm prepping some Hydroton to test a switch to semi-hydro and wondering if I should divide the smaller and larger pieces.

Would small orchids with finer roots benefit from being potted with smaller sized LECA pebbles?
Leaving the larger pebbles for thicker roots allowing more room for them to grow between.

[Ray]

In ~35 years of growing in S/H, I see no real benefit to separating the particles.

I originally thought the same about variations in root size, but it never seemed to matter to the plants.

Back in the day I stocked coarse (10-16 mm) and fine (4-8 mm), but 95% of the sales was the coarse grade, with only folks growing tiny pleurothallids using the fine material.

Most LECA brands these days are 8-16 mm, which seems to work really well.

[nicc]

Do you pick out broken pieces or ones where the inside is more exposed? I assume the less exterior surface the less it wicks.

[Subrosa]

The smaller grade is still available due to its use in water filtration. You'll have to use the link in their website to a distributor, they don't deal direct:
RK2 Systems - Clay Pellet Media

[Ray]

Originally Posted by nicc

Do you pick out broken pieces or ones where the inside is more exposed? I assume the less exterior surface the less it wicks.

I think the difference between “as-is” and “cleaned up” LECA is insignificant and not worth the time or effort.

[WaterWitchin]

Just ran across this thread. First thing that comes to mind... if one has desire to sort through leca, they have too much time on their hands.