Clay pebbles

[The Duchess]

Hi guys! I know here are many orchids growers from, all the word, who tested many brands of clay pebbles on S/H. In your experience you tested clay pebbles who are not good for growing orchids in S/H? I ask that because, orchids have very sensitive roots in comparison to other plants and maybe salts or other components from clay pebbles can affect the roots.. What you think? Or maybe what other problems you discover, with different brands of clay pebbles.

From what I understand, clay pebbles most have the size between 8-16 mm, but I can use and pebbles who are not perfect round?
Thank you!

[Ray]

All LECA has manufacturing residues in the pellets. The thing to do is give them a thorough soak before use. My standard treatment is:

• Rinse thoroughly to remove dust.
• Soak for at least 24 hours in a large volume of water, adding 2 tbsp/gal calcium nitrate and/or Epsom Salt to that to accelerate the extraction.
• Drain, refill with plain water to which I've added KelpMax root growth stimulant.
• Soak overnight before use.

At a bare minimum do the first two.

I try to avoid using round pellets if I can, as they move too easily in the pot, making plant stability a challenge.