Pots for s/h

[Psyched]

I am very interested in S/H but being new to this technique (I live in tropical country where 99.99% growers use media, like charcoal, moss or none at all for vanda), I have several questions in the pots used for S/H:

1. Do you puncture holes on the plastic pot like 40% from base of the pot or no holes at all?

2. Since LECA is hard to find in my country, can I substitute it with zeolit and clay brick fractures mix? What is the recommended mix?

I appreciate for your help!

[Buds!]

Hi,
Welcome to the OB!
1. Here is the link to Ray's ultimate s/h site:
All about Semi-Hydroponics
Usually the holes are punched approx 1.5 x diameter from the top of the pot- you want the reservoir to be about 1.5 inches.

2. I am not sure what you can use as a LECA substitute. Someone else may be able to help you on that one.

Cheers!

[Psyched]

Thanks for the link, Buds!

Hope to learn much with the info from the link and apply it to my phal.

[Ray]

The holes are typically 3- to 4 cm above the bottom of the pot, and I usually have two of them about 6mm in diameter, right next to each other.

Any inert medium will work, but the choice will affect absorption/release characteristics and wicking ability, so be prepared to adjust your watering regimen accordingly.

[taipan]

psyched
Just in case you dont know another name for LECA is "Hydroton" which is an expanded clay ball.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by taipan

Just in case you dont know another name for LECA is "Hydroton" which is an expanded clay ball.

Hydroton is just another brand of LECA, as are PrimeAgra, Aliflor, Hydro-Roks, and many others. They are not created equal, so you may find differences in their absorption, release, a/r hysteresis, capillarity, in-pot stability, etc.