PrimeAgra LECA - where can I buy???

[Zoren]

, again. I'm trying to find out where I can buy PrimeAgra LECA, I looked in First Ray's retail store and it seems Ray doesn't sell it any more. I'm not happy with the LECA I bought (it doesn't seem to wick well--poor capillary action). The brand I purchased is Gold Label Hyrdrokorrel. I would appreciate if some one could help me find PrimeAgra or give me some suggestions as to how I could help the LECA I have wick better. I was thinking tjhat I could break up some of the LECA (with a hammer) so as to create more uneven surfaces, maybe the air spaces would be less and the capillary action might be better. What ever I do I would still like to buy some PrimeAgra, so, any help would be welcomed to fine the PrimeAgra. I will be looking out for member suggestions...--Zoren

[fishmom]

I've been successful with Hydroton LECA.

[Ray]

PrimeAgra was the name I resold ATAMI Hydro-Rokz under. For the longest time, they even printed that on the package for me.

I have been unable to find a retailer of the Atami product since I discontinued doing so.

However, I seriously doubt that you have a "defective" brand of LECA; more likely your growing conditions (too hot and/or too dry and/or too much air flow) are simply allowing the evaporation rate to outstrip the wicking rate, and changing LECA probably won't change that.

[rbarata]

I agree with Ray. Personally I really don't pay attention to the type of LECA I use (if you ask me the brand name I'm using right now I couldn't tell you).
If I had such a problem like yours probably I'd end up adjusting any other component in the medium and/or changing my environmental conditions.

[Zoren]

!!! Well first I want to thank every one that responded to my question 'PrimeAgra.............etc.'
I looked at my growing area and noticed a few ..No not a few but... ALL THE PROBLEMS MENTIONED (the capitals isn't my anger at any of you), the anger is at myself (I guess we all need good direction in our lives). I new Ray would probably mention some of the problems, he got all of them.

"However, more likely your growing conditions (too hot and/or too dry and/or too much air flow) are simply allowing the evaporation rate to outstrip the wicking rate, and changing LECA probably won't change that."

I made adjustments: I had 4 Fans running; 1-Ceiling and 3 window---I turned off 2 windows and slowed down the third , I'm leaving the ceiling fan alone. My Florida Room is only about 90 sq. feet---I am going to keep the A/C off until the room reaches 85 to 88 digress F to keep the humidity high (the room is always around 60 to over 90 percent--at least in the summer)--As for the temperature "It's Florida...." I will turn on the A/C and once it has cooled the room down I will turn it off. I run the A/C from 11PM to when I wake up around 5AM. I'm also trying an experiment with the containers I'm growing in, I re-drilled the holes at about 2" instead of 1"-1 1/4", to allow for the my particular problems. I will keep all informed as to the success/or failure of these changes. Again I would like to thank all of you for your comments, especially rabata and a heads up to Ray...Zoren..

[Gil]

I placed a large healthy Phal in S/H about 2 months ago in Hydroton LECA and followed Ray's directions to a tee and the phal is doing terrific. It's summer home, like all my orchids, is outdoors with tree shade. I do water it frequently, every 2 to 3 days depending on temperature, humidity and rainfall.

[WaterWitchin]

I also agree with Ray and rbarata. I've grown in S/H at least seven or eight years, and my main qualification for LECA at this point is it's clean upon purchase, i.e., not a lot of nastiness that must be flushed out before using.

With my culture and environment, especially winter, I also use a higher drilled hole for the reservoir. In winter, I can't seem to keep my humidity level consistently above 35% or so. Or remember to check water levels as frequently (because they're in my basement, under lights -- outta sight, outta mind).

Lately I've been using HydroCrunch. Mostly because I get it for a good price, delivered, and it's super clean. Some don't like it because it's very floaty. I've found that's one of the things I like best about it, from a flushing standpoint. Unless, of course, I space out when watering and overflow the container and LECA goes rolling out.