Source for Diatomite and other mediums in Europe - Orchid Board

Jeff9 · #1 08-30-2010, 05:27 PM

Anyone know a source of Diatomite, Primeagra and other various semi hydro mediums in the European Union that will ship to other EU countries?

Because i can only buy lava rock here (shit) and average quality LECA from some random brand.

Thanks

RosieC · #2 08-31-2010, 10:17 AM

I get one here in the UK but it's not a specific brand, just Lecca from a local store and they only ship in UK or Ireland. Postage can be really expensive on heavy stuff like this which is why I use a store I can actually visit.

Sorry I can't help. This will bump your question anyway.

tucker85 · #3 08-31-2010, 10:24 AM

I thought Hydroton was manufactured in Germany. I would think that it would be available in Europe.

RosieC · #4 08-31-2010, 10:49 AM

Actually now you say it I think the shop I got mine from have it in their catalog as 'Hydroton' although the bags are unbranded.

If that is made in Germany then it should be available from other distributers in Europe.

tucker85 · #5 08-31-2010, 05:33 PM

there's a Hydroponics.EU site that carries Hydrokorrels. I believe those are the same as Hydorton.

Jeff9 · #6 08-31-2010, 07:00 PM

Well i can get the normal leca balls easily in my area, but i believe Ray showed some tests on his site where there was diffrence in wicking capabilities.

Also looking to try Diatomite, anyone know a source for this?

Thanks so far guys

kavanaru · #7 08-31-2010, 07:23 PM

there are many diffrent brands of LECA in Europe, including The Netherlands. Many of them are EXCELLENT quality for S/H.. just go to garden centers (e.g. Obi) and check the brands they have... you will need to try some differents to see which one you feel more comfortable with... personally, I like some of the Luwasa products a lot!! (Luwsa has different kinds of LECA!) - I prefer those which are quite irregular and not perfectly round... You find them also in The Netherlands (actually, I think Luwasa is a dutch brand - but not very sure about it now). As you said about Ray's tests.. .it's a matter of getting different ones you find and check... you need to do your own homework here

Diatomite is a bit different. I haver seen it offered for plants, but you can get it at the drug stores... it is very expensive! Then, you need to contact Hydroponic shops (and in the Netherlands you have many many of them!) or contact different Orchids Nurseries and ask whether they have what you are looking for. Most orchids Nurseries in Europe do not have their complete catalogue online, but mainly what can be easily sold this way.. just send e-mails and ask...

nenella · #8 08-31-2010, 07:38 PM

Also looking to try Diatomite, anyone know a source for this?

Sorry can't help on this one.
but as far as 'terracotta pellets' (what I call them in laymans terms)are concerned . I have tried Rays
and yes they work 'better' because of the uneven shapes of it I believe.. but I have also found one at 'jardiland' a national garden centre in France who sometimes stock a form made in Spain which after Rays 'prime agra', is the best alternative I have found locally for now..
Hope you get to find a Eu supplier.. would be helpful to know where in the Eu you are?

DelawareJim · #9 09-01-2010, 09:00 AM

Ray will ship PrimeAgra outside the US but I can only imagine what shipping to Europe would cost.

Leni produces an irregular shaped LECA called "Blusana" which is much like Luwasa's as Ramon described. It's produced in Germany. I think Luwasa is Swiss. I use it and have been happy with it. It takes some additional flushing though as the shape tends to hold more fertiliser salts. It also tends to float a little when you fill the s/h pot too quickly until the plant puts out enough roots to help lock everything in.

Leni hydroKultur

Hydroton should be quite common over there and I use it as well. It requires more fertilising than PrimeAgra and floats more than the Blusana.

I found the best way to find LECA sources is to search "Hydroculture" or "Hydrokultur". Which from what I recall, is still quite popular in Europe.

Also as Ramon mentioned, check with Dutch sites. When I was touring some hydroponic greenhouses in the Netherlands two years ago, a lot were using LECA as their growing medium becaus they have more control over the growing conditions. So, I would also check greenhouse supply sites.

Cheers.
Jim