I'm in the UK & Thank you Michael, these video's are really helpful. We had one Orchid of our own & a couple from my Wife's Parents, who have sadly passed. All of ours are in bark at the moment, the pots are nice but we will definitely be moving to Glass & Leca beads, they look beautiful.
Thank you for another informative and quick video. I will definitely boil my remaining lecca and change the ones in the pot in my next flushing. Thank you again for including alot of detail and step by step instruction.
Diana from Australia you have enlightened me and thrilled me on this blistering cold winters day in COVID lockdown. Love my orchids but I can now up there love and attention with your well informed information. Thank you Michael will tune in every day a highlight of my day indeed. Stay safe wear your mask.
Hey Michael, yeah I find boiling the leca the most efficient way to clean and sanitize it too. If you add some calcium nitrate or some Epsom salts to the water, it helps leech out the bad stuff from the leca even faster! ;)
Thank you OrchidudeBcn! What concentration do you use of epsom salt to do that? I've been reading up on that and have gotten some really varied answers.
Michael's Orchids mabey a silly question but could I soak the beads in kelp mix to store some nutrients inside the clay. ? I'm terrible at science and Mabey it would totally chance the structure of the kelp mix or burn the roots but your epsom salts to leach out bad stuff... made me thing if replacing that with good stuff. sorry for the over simplification 🙈
I don't think it would be necessary! When you water, the solution will remain in the reservoir and wick up through the Leca beads, effectively "soaking" the beads until the system is flushed. Don't apologize, it's a good question!
Michael's Orchids wow that was the quickest reply ever 😊 thanks for answering. ps I asked my husband to make holes in glass vases for my semi hydro project. and he said after our holiday he will see if they have diamond drill-bits at his workplace (he is a welder and metal worker ) I Sertainly hope so since they cost a fortune here in Holland. but can't wait to have what resembles your setup. you and your husband have the most amazingly beautiful home and have great sense of decorating and style. thanks for the inspiration 👍👌
Hi Michael, Thank you for your bideos.I subscribed to you even though I just have 1 Phal orchids that was given to me as a gift.It was flowering when I received it but flowers died.Saw a YT video that said to cut off flower limbs,so I did.My orchid is still not doing well.I plan on putting it in the Leca beeds as you suggest,but I live in Utah & it is very dry here.1)How often should I water it in the leca medium 2) How often should I fertilize it? Thank you for your reply & informational videos!
Would like to give this a try! Have a woman in our Orchid Society that grows semi-hydro, but never have had the chance to ask her - her orchids are always beautiful when she brings one in! Did just get some Lecas & plastic pots & am thinking of trying one of my encyclias that is in serious need of a re-pot.. also thinking of one of my bulbos - I like Bill Thoms' 'wetter longer' approach, and this may be good without the stuff that tends to form on top of the sphagum... Thanks for a great video!
Hi Renee! I think SH is a fabulous option for you, but I'd encourage you to pick up a clearance orchid (you can usually find a few Clearance Phals at Home Depot or Lowes) and go through the conversion process. It will give you a great idea of what to expect!
That was what I was thinking, too! I call them 'Shelf of Death' plants - have a couple of $0.25 African Violets from Lowes that have been non-stop bloomimg..
thank you this was very informative as a matter of fact I really enjoyed it thank you Michael I am new to your Channel and I will be keeping in touch I am about to order some lack of beads and lucky you are able to make holes in glass tried it broke them not doing it again😞😄👵
Hi, Michael. Thanks for the great video. What is the name of the product you referred to for cleaning the inside of the glass planter? Thanks for responding. EM
Hi Michael thanks for this video. But I do have a question I want to report my orchids in Leca but can I also put them in de orchid plastic container with wholes around them?
Hi Terry! Where did you buy your Leica beads? Is there different grades of it or does it matter? Thank you for your help 😊 I’m getting ready to set system up. Im also new 🙃
This video is SOOO HELPFUL! Two questions. Should I say bye bye to my pasta pot and strainer once I use them for this as far as reusing for my own food goes ( Feel like I should?) AND does it stink up the house while your boiling?
This was perfect for my question of whether it is a good idea to boil/pressure cook my clay pellets which have stem rot fungus. Looks like that will solve the source of my problem (plant died).
Hi Michael! Why do you feel it is necessary to boil the beads first? Also I bought a water purifying container and have been watering my plants in leca beads and the ph has been 6.6.
I have been seeing quite bit of this semi hydro culture for orchids but I doubt it will work for me because I grow outdoors here in Florida and have too many different plant species I grow. I'm also way too clumsy for all that glass, but none the less I still think it's interesting so I subscribed. Thanks for sharing & happy growing Cheers from Florida!
Hi Todd! I just subscribed to yours as well, beautiful plants! I wonder if it might work for you in Florida, although the outdoor component would be new to me. I am always trying to raise my ambient humidity (Denver is SO dry), so you may fare well!
Michael's Orchids Cool, and thanks! Yeah my cousin in Denver and her mom in Colorado Springs always complain how dry it is there, I love Colorado but far too cold for moi. And humidy here is not a problem the winters are drier so for some orchids thats a boon. Happy growing!
Hi Michael, I recently got a C.leopoldiii ceorulea that as you know does not like to be reported. I am considering moving it from bark to LECA, to ease the future reporting. Let me know your thoughts about it and recommendations. What can I expect from the plant as it adapts to LECA?
First of all, I think you are fantastic! I am a little confused about the pros and cons of semihydro (sp). If you have to boil the beads to clean them, how is that any different than changing the medium every couple of years? I have learned so much from you, and I so appreciate your knowledge.
There are upsides and downsides with any system and no medium is perfect. I decided I will try semihydro just for fun, but fear algae and mold issues beyond my control ... we will see. :) That being said, my orchids totally thrive in bark, especially if I change it frequently, so no decay occurs.
Leca is reusable and does not decompose. So if it is cleaned it is for purposes of removing bacteria, pests, debris, excess fertilizer buildup, etc in case you want to reuse it for another plant, for example.
Hi Michael - wish I had seen your video before I transplanted my orchids from Seramis to Lyca beads. I did soak them but never boiled. Question please let me know why you use glass containers rather than plastic clear ones - I melted my own holes and previously I had them in clay pots but had to water constantly.. Am going to be gone for 3 weeks and don't have a clue how my orchids are going to survive here in southern AZ Love your videos and just found this by mistake - to my great benefit of course!!! THANKS
Thanks, just one question, I thought I had read that it is best to use wet leca when repotting, but it seems you do it with dry clean leca. Have you ant thoughts on this?
Hi Judith! I used to pot using wet leca beads, but I didn't not notice a difference in terms of plant yield. Now I pot using pre-cleaned dry leca, then immediately flush the system with water before I fertilize and provide nutrients solution. What I like about doing it that way is that flushing the system with water allows the leca beads to settle around the plant perfectly!
I'm using the beads for a stage for growing mushrooms meaning I'm not going to use it as much as I see you do so how do I store the beads until I need them again?
Leca beads? What do you call those pots with drainage on the side? You sprayed it with what solution after you washed it? I’ve obviously picked up the advanced course. Where’s the beginning?
Hi Michael. Your leca beads don't look anything like mine. Yours seem to be about the same size and they have uniform color. The ones I ordered look very different, and I am rather unhappy with them. Would you be so kind as to post the brand or the company where you buy yours? Also, Please feel free to share any advice concerning this. Thanks so much. I'm really enjoying your videos!
Omg I have been using them and did not know they needed anything more than the soak in cool water I give them. Now I know so will try to do it from now on that way.
sure looked like tap water he filled the pot put it on the stove and boiled it to a 'full rolling boil' then he talked for about 2 or 3 more minutes appeared to let them cool in that pot ...seems like boiling eggs (except a hard rolling boil) .....probably only 5 mins then cool down nothing no germs could survive that :D ..that is my guess
I bought some leca beads and they're not completely round (some more pieces than ball shaped)will these work just as well? Also, how long do you boil them for? I boiled mine for 20 minutes is that long enough?
Hi Lillian! That should be fine; it isn't as imperative for them to be equally round as much as it is for them to be roughly the same size. I usually do 15 minutes, so I think you're good!
I have recently coverted almost all my indoor plants, creepers and orchids to leca and they are doing very well. One has to try out the various media to see what works for you in your environment. Good luck🌻💐🌷
I bought these, they are great! You should have seen my outside vegetable garden. www.amazon.com/Hydroton-Original-Clay-Pebbles-Lightweight/dp/B01KYYZDUS/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Hydroton&qid=1576087136&sr=8-3
Esp if they have been used before, they will be pretty bacteria ridden, more so if your orchid has gone through the transition process where the old roots die and new one specific to water growing grow in. For aesthetic value, you may also want to boil new pebbles so they don’t shed dust into the glass container. However, if you trust your source for leca, you don’t need to do so or if you are using a non-glass container. I do hydroponics to grow organic veggies and I can tell you that if you recycle you’re leca without sterilizing it first your plants will die, esp your seedlings or young plants. Also, the dust clouds up the water and can clog up your water pump, if you have a large hydroponics system.
Just discovered your channel and I am hooked! Where do you get your leca? I tried semi hydro before but couldn't get my leca to wick the water up. Maybe it's the brand I'm using? I purchased mine from Repotme.
Yay! I'm so glad you're enjoying my channel, thank you so much for watching! I purchase my leca pellets at IKEA, believe it or not. They work quite well, but I have heard that there are some other brands like prime agra that are superior.
.....I'm pretty sure I'm an idiot. Over a month ago I jumped into Leca bead use by repotting a dozen of my least favorite phals. in them. Now I learn they.......(beads not orchids) should have been washed and "cooked" first. ...Thank god I have no interest in sky diving! haha. The phals. seem to be ok, though I did put one oncidium(sp) in Leca and it is not happy at all. Thanks for the info. and well done video. Mr. Kelly
That they are. If I could keep the slugs and snails from feasting on them (only the phals. for some reason), I think I would have some gorgeous plants. I was advised to put a pan of beer out at night but I fear that some sort of drunken slug orgy would ensue. I guess that would be ok but what if they start singing!?!? hahaha. Thanks for the replay. I think I may have to binge watch your channel, from what I have seen you have done a nice job.
Mr. Kelly and Michael's Ochards, It sounds like he is keeping them outside? If he would sprinkle salt around the plant pots or the legs they're coming up, the "drunkin" slimy ugly pest would leave the beauties ALONE. Not sure just thinking and sharing plus I may be wrong!!!!!! I am wanting to get started with Orchards. Always thought they were so Beautiful and I didn't know how to care for them. Thank you both,
YES. I bought these, my outside summer garden was fabulous and my orchids are doing great. www.amazon.com/Hydroton-Original-Clay-Pebbles-Lightweight/dp/B01KYYZDUS/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Hydroton&qid=1576087136&sr=8-3
I do have some leca beads but am running low. Mine are various sizes. Yours seem to be of a more similar size, Would you mind sharing where you buy your Leca beads? I'll wait with baited breath........
Thank you so much. I finally did locate them in the IKEA website. Do you recall whether they're called ODLA growing media. They have a 5.285 quart size. I sure don't mind the size for the price. Since you were so quick to respond to this inquiry I hope I might ask another. I love your square (looks like heavy) clear glass pots, also the globe shape pots. They're wonderful! I've already search online for those shapes but no luck yet. I did purchase a box of four tall 16 oz wine glasses and a case of pint size canning jars, but yours are clean and simple. That's it I guess that's enough too, Thank you for being there for us novices. I truly appreciate you. Also you're in Colorado, so it's nice to feel that you might experience some of the same challenges that I do here in Western Massachusetts with our winter cold and summer heat.
Yes, ODLA is precisely the one. I'm actually posting a video on how to select the proper container for each Orchid tomorrow! You may think I'm crazy, but try going to your local thrift store. That's where I've purchase almost every single container I use, and I always manage to find just what I need. I hope that helps!
@Michael's Orchids, I have been a subscriber for a short time (just found you a bit ago), and I am in the process of transferring my orchids from their pots into a semi-hydroponic system. My question regarding this video is about storage: After I have cleaned and sanitized the beads and after they appear dry to the touch, can I lay them flat on a baking sheet and dry them further on a very low heat for a few hours to completely dry them? The deal is, I am ridiculously afraid of bugs, roaches, vermin, etc. and the idea of leaving any opportunity for them to crawl up into my stored beads makes me -well I don't think I could do that and want to place them in a completely sealed container... which yes, humidity from the beads, yada yada. I live in the Mojave Desert (we live about 45 minutes from Gubler Orchids - gublers.com), so things are already fairly dry, but still, people have grass, and other plants where bugs love to hide and it's a constant battle. Help!!!
no way i could clean my 60 bucket set up thus was. maybe one at a time. usually get a tub of warm water and a bottle of h202, nothing beats good ol elbow grease tho
