As epiphytes, orchids do not like potting soil, require little fertilizer and cannot tolerate waterlogging. With the Lechuza system you offer the demanding plants ideal conditions. We explain here how to properly plant and care for an orchid in Lechuza.
How to plant and care for orchids in Lechuza?
To plant orchids in Lechuza you need the complete set including plant pot, plant insert, irrigation system and PON substrate. Clear the orchid of old substrate, place it on the PON in the insert and cover the roots. Regular watering, fertilizing as needed and daily spraying of the leaves ensure optimal care.
How to skillfully pot orchids in Lechuza
The Lechuza system comes as an all-in-one set that makes your gardening life easier. In addition to the decorative plant pot, you will receive a plant insert and a sub-irrigation system with a water level indicator and filler neck. The set includes PON (€32.00 at Amazon), an inorganic substrate consisting of zeolites, lava granules, pumice and long-term fertilizer. How to plant an orchid professionally:
- Unpot the orchid and remove all pieces of bark and soil residue
- Pour a layer of PON on the separation floor above the water reservoir
- Place the substrate-free orchid on top and spread out the aerial roots
- Put the remaining PON on the roots until they are completely covered
When planting at a depth, please make sure that the root collar is about a finger's width below the edge of the container.
How to care for orchids in Lechuza
In the first few weeks, pour the soft water directly onto the substrate until the roots have reached the water reservoir. Then fill the water through the nozzle up to half the height. If the water level then drops, the roots have reached the water. Now fill the water reservoir to the maximum. Once the minimum has been reached after a few weeks, a dry phase of 4 to 8 days follows because PON stores plenty of water.
Fresh PON contains 6 months' worth of nutrients. Once these have been used up, administer the special Lechuza fertilizer. The beads coated with organic resin are administered directly into the water reservoir with a measuring spoon in order to gradually release the nutrients to the roots. Due to the special nature of fertilizer and substrate, overdosing cannot occur.
Tip
Regardless of whether you care for your orchids in a bark substrate, hydroponics or lechuza, the daily shower must not be missed. Spray the leaves regularly to simulate the warm, humid climate in the rainforest. Please only use decalcified tap water or filtered rainwater at room temperature.
