Properly Cleaning Growing Media: Semi-Hydroponics

A quick overview of how I soak, clean and sanitize my semi-hydroponic growing media.

[diminett]

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.

[jamieb]

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.

[omegoa]

Michael your videos are clear, informative, and helpful. I may yet be able to keep some orchids alive. Thanks for the great videos.

[OrchidudeBcn]

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! ;)

[perebrine]

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.

[erinmcgrath]

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

[WynsWorld]

please list the items that you use and the links on where I can buy them.

[svetajanda]

Hi Michael, I just want to say thank you. Thank you. :)

[reneejolley]

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!

[rorygk]

Would love to know what solution you are spraying to sanitize!?!?!

[linhluu]

Can you make a Video how to drill a hole with glass container and what kind of machine of drilling where to buy it. Thank

[pibblesnbits]

What is your secret to drilling the holes in the the glass!!!! So cool!

[iamthealphacat]

Do you use a separate pot for your sanitizing Leca or is it safe to use it again after washing it for prepping stuff like….food?

[TheZoedawn]

Thank you Michael, I enjoyed 👍🏾 I have 9 Orchids all n bark, 4 r sick🧐 should I use beads ?? They r Paphiopedelum .

[joycepetersen]

Just purchased my Leca beads, can't wait to make the transition.

[annevickers]

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.

[etwrecipe]

most clear explanation 👍 thank you so much you'll save a lots of my plants🥰

[KrisLikesThis]

It's a simple procedure that can easily be missed or even done incorrectly. You fill a void here! Thanks!

[marinat.]

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!

[terryklemesrud]

This was really helpful...I bought some Leca beads and now I know how to sterilize them! Thanks!!