🌿 HOW TO GROW ORCHIDS IN LECA + GLASS: Ultimate Guide to Boost Blooms + Care Questions Answered!

The Ultimate Guide to Growing Thriving Orchids in LECA and Glass: Air, Light, Water, Nutrients and Roots!
Are your orchids struggling in traditional potting mixes? Do you want to witness the magic of healthy roots and vibrant blooms? Welcome to the world of LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) and glass jar orchid cultivation!
In this comprehensive guide, we'll dive deep into the science behind why this innovative method is revolutionizing orchid care. LECA provides superior aeration, drainage, and root visibility, while clear glass jars allow for photosynthesis in the roots - a game-changer for indoor orchid growers.
Why LECA and Glass Jars Are a Perfect Match:
Aeration: LECA's porous structure prevents root rot, a common orchid killer.
Drainage: Excess water drains away easily, keeping roots happy and healthy.
Root Visibility: Easily monitor root health and adjust watering schedules.
Photosynthesis: Clear glass jars allow light to reach the roots, boosting overall plant vigor.
Modern Aesthetic: Create a stylish display showcasing your orchids' unique beauty.
Step-by-Step LECA and Glass Jar Transfer:
Orchid Preparation: Gently remove your orchid from its existing pot, carefully untangling the roots.
Root Cleaning: Rinse away old potting mix and trim any dead or damaged roots.
Soaking (Optional): If your orchid is dehydrated, soak the roots in water for a few minutes.
Jar Selection: Choose a clear glass jar that allows the roots to fit comfortably with some room for growth.
LECA Preparation: Rinse LECA thoroughly to remove dust and ensure proper drainage.
Planting: Place a layer of LECA at the bottom of the jar. Position the orchid so the base of the stem is just above the LECA level. Fill the jar with LECA, gently surrounding the roots.
Watering: Water thoroughly until excess drains from the bottom. Allow LECA to dry out slightly between waterings.
Ongoing Orchid Care in LECA and Glass:
Fertilizing: Use a balanced, diluted orchid fertilizer every other week during the growing season.
Light: Provide high, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch the roots.
Temperature: Maintain temperatures between 60-80°F (15-27°C) for most Phalaenopsis orchids.
Humidity: Orchids thrive in higher humidity. Consider using a humidifier or placing the jar on a pebble tray with water.
Troubleshooting and Tips:
Root Rot: If you see mushy, brown roots, it's a sign of overwatering. Trim affected roots and adjust your watering schedule.
Algae Growth: If algae appear on the inside of the jar, scrub it with a brush and reduce light exposure.
Repotting: Repot your orchid every 1-2 years as the LECA breaks down or the plant outgrows its container.
Additional Tips for Success:
Varieties: Phalaenopsis orchids are a great choice for beginners due to their adaptability.
Experiment: Observe your orchid's response and adjust care accordingly. Every plant is unique!
😀🪴SUBSCRIBE HERE - / letsgrowgardendesign
YOU CAN ALSO FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM:
www.instagram....
ABOUT ME:
Hi! I’m Michael, Landscape Architect and Environmentalist. We provide free professional gardening / landscape design advice for those who live here in South Florida and well as helpful videos on caring for house plants. This channel was created to share with you the garden enthusiast what I learned all these years in a fun and informative way.
DISCLAIMER: This video is purely my opinion. Always do your own due diligence. LET’S GROW ! Affiliates, staff and owner not responsible for any action or advice taken on any topic, use at your own risk. Information provided should not be regarded as factual information. Fair Use: any images/video are for parody, news commenting and/or critique only.

[@georgweyand88]

I like the yellow ones with a red center. My remaining orchid is in a orchid mix (pine bark etc.) I bought an orchid fertilizer (blue crystals) and dissolve some crystals in water and transfer the light blue water in a spray bottle and spray the orchid roots that are above the orchid mix two to three times a week just to wet them down. That way, only little water trickles down in the pine bark mix. So far the Phalaenopsis is doing fine.

[@LETSGROWGARDENDESIGN]

Thats great Georg! Glad to hear your Phal is doing good😀🪴

[@georgweyand88]

Thanks for this awesome video! Hopefully I won't kill any more Phalaenopsis using your methods.

[@shawnajones8149]

Can you show us how to fertilize them, next after you have them in the glass vase

[@madelaine3209]

Great video, very informative. I gave up on orchids grown in soil,but now I will try Leca and believe I will have success following your instructions . I am going to transfer my Hoya to Leca as well as I presume the Hoya behind you are in leca. Thank you for ALL your videos!!!!I like the vibrant colors, the yellow or solid red.

[@LETSGROWGARDENDESIGN]

Hi! You are most welcome and yes, most of our Hoya Tricolors are in Leca and lovin't it. 😀🪴

[@nanettealsop]

This is a great video/tutorial from you guys and it's the best I've seen on this subject. It's been very informative for me and I'm off to try this. Thank you so much 😍😍

[@LETSGROWGARDENDESIGN]

Glad it was helpful! Hope your orchids flourish! 😀🪴

[@NinjaOrchids]

Oooohh! Nice!! I grow the majority of my orchids in leca but recently did this for someone else's orchids who brought me a container with no drainage. I used lava rock instead of leca because I dont know if the owner knows about evaporative cooling of the leca etcetc. They look beautiful though! 😍

[@LETSGROWGARDENDESIGN]

Thank you! Cheers!😀🪴