New to semi-hydro - my experience so far

[Ray]

Two comments:

For phalaenopsis, I recommend a much broader, and likely shallower pot. Do not be afraid of "overpotting" with S/H culture; the LECA spreads the moisture far more evenly, so there's no "soppy center". Plus, aerial roots will tend to enter the pot that way, making it more stable.

The root-tip death is due to desiccation. LECA is VERY absorbent, so if a root tip comes in contact with a dry pellet, they will extract the moisture from it. A shallower pot, more frequent watering, or even better, raising the humidity in the growing area, can alleviate that.