new orchids in LECA

[jamesgang]

I have recently purchased some pretty nice plants from a grower in PR---very nice sizes for the $$$$ too.
My issue with these plants/ this grower is that they are in a mix of charcoal and LECA. I have the hardest time trying to test this medium for water content-really disturbs the roots---I know it drys really fast but maybe too fast. Most of these plants are Brassia of one type or another ...2 have just started new growths so I think I'd like to keep them in this medium untill I can get a lot more growth going but I am looking for some insight and experience JD