Easiest way to compare the chart and tube- put the tube in front of the chart color, starting with the darkest, and move to the lightest strip until the strip on the chart disappears behind the water in the tube. It works better with thinner tubes like what you would get with an aquarium pH sample kit, but that's the way its supposed to be read, that's why the color sample on the paper is as wide as the tube. Also makes it easier to figure out if you're in between 2 colors. Love the videos! I'm converting most of my houseplants to leca right now, so this is super helpful
Hi pete, Great videos. Would love if you can make a video about how you are running your business and what kinda turnovers someone can expect running a similar business. Many thanks
Once again loving the semi-hydro. I do my setups with cedar mulch as opposed to leca but usually the way I do it doesnt matter too much if there's a gap in the substrate as what you really want is aeration. Ive been really enjoying the semi-hydro personally for my plants and hope you do as well!
I'll also say, I second the people saying not to burry the roots so deep. I usually leave about an inch between where the roots sit and where the water reservoir reaches to avoid root rot. As the roots grow they'll slowly creep into the water, but they'll be water-roots so they'll be acclimated to being in water directly. Just a tip :)
Hey mate, thanks. Yeah, I've moved them a third up and dropped the water level a third. I've seen quite a few people bringing the water level up 1/3 to 1/2 the level of the root ball and they seem to do well, but will try it house people are suggesting here and see how it goes.
It funny hearing you mention K-mart. Went bankrupt and no longer here, but cool it’s still around. Grew up with that store. You did get made fun of if you wore their “Trax” tennis shoes. Lol. Tracking the semi hydro, appreciate the learning. Comment section very helpful.
I've always rinsed leca outside or in a bucket because I heard the clay residue can clog up your plumbing but I'm not totally positive if that is true? I'm a worry wort so I don't chance it! 🤷♀️🤞
I have a Syngonium that was grown in aquarium gravel, in a plastic cup for almost 3 years before showing any decline. It's in LECA now, doing fine, but I almost preferred the gravel having a bit of weight to it, to better support the main stem. LECA might be the tiniest bit too-lightweight. 😝 Though I'm sure the roots appreciate having more oxygen.
@@petevsplants7516 No, this was just regular gravel, not an 'aquasoil'... CaribSea ...'Blue Ridge' (??) I do have Stratum in one of my aquariums, but I would feel hesitant to use it outside of the aquarium. It easily lowers pH, which might be a good thing, but I feel it could possibly burn sensitive roots. Also fairly easy to crumble/breakdown, which could cause further complications in soil compaction. That being said, I've seen several people talking about using it in semihydro applications. I think more time is needed to see if it's truly successful.
You buried them too deep!!!! You're supposed to fill half of your container with leca, place your plant, fill it up and only water one third of the container. So that means the roots sit ABOVE the water reservoir line.
Air layering??? Isnt that what's happening in the pole?? I dont get it😅 The only reason I have poles is so my plants have roots for the chop n prop once it's out grown it🤷♀️ it's a guarantee plant?🧐
Yeah, that's what happens in the poles or at least is meant to. I'm just air layering these to propagate into at least 4 plants before I pole them up haha
I’m sitting here shouting at the screen….. Noooooooo your gonna kill the plants! The roots sit above the water not in it 😱😱😱. I’m sure you will change it all once you read your comments though. 😉
Thanks for the wonderful feedback, everyone. I've moved them a third up and dropped the water level a third. Will let you know how it goes.
Easiest way to compare the chart and tube- put the tube in front of the chart color, starting with the darkest, and move to the lightest strip until the strip on the chart disappears behind the water in the tube. It works better with thinner tubes like what you would get with an aquarium pH sample kit, but that's the way its supposed to be read, that's why the color sample on the paper is as wide as the tube. Also makes it easier to figure out if you're in between 2 colors. Love the videos! I'm converting most of my houseplants to leca right now, so this is super helpful
Hi pete,
Great videos. Would love if you can make a video about how you are running your business and what kinda turnovers someone can expect running a similar business.
Many thanks
Hey Rosstino, I'll see what I can do in the future. Definitely keen to cover the topic. Just think I need some more experience hehe.
❤amazing plants nice buy I love philodendron with white and green variegation
Cheers, Carmen!
Once again loving the semi-hydro. I do my setups with cedar mulch as opposed to leca but usually the way I do it doesnt matter too much if there's a gap in the substrate as what you really want is aeration.
Ive been really enjoying the semi-hydro personally for my plants and hope you do as well!
I'll also say, I second the people saying not to burry the roots so deep. I usually leave about an inch between where the roots sit and where the water reservoir reaches to avoid root rot. As the roots grow they'll slowly creep into the water, but they'll be water-roots so they'll be acclimated to being in water directly. Just a tip :)
Hey mate, thanks. Yeah, I've moved them a third up and dropped the water level a third. I've seen quite a few people bringing the water level up 1/3 to 1/2 the level of the root ball and they seem to do well, but will try it house people are suggesting here and see how it goes.
It funny hearing you mention K-mart. Went bankrupt and no longer here, but cool it’s still around. Grew up with that store. You did get made fun of if you wore their “Trax” tennis shoes. Lol.
Tracking the semi hydro, appreciate the learning. Comment section very helpful.
Haha crazy. And yeah, I've appreciated the feedback here for sure.
I've always rinsed leca outside or in a bucket because I heard the clay residue can clog up your plumbing but I'm not totally positive if that is true? I'm a worry wort so I don't chance it! 🤷♀️🤞
Probably good advice that I'll follow from now on.
@@petevsplants7516 I'm no expert but...I do manage the office of a plumbing company 😉
Haha, don't tell them about me...!
@@petevsplants7516 your secret is safe with me!
@@joannanovara815 hehe
You buried them pretty deep, aren't you afraid all the roots are submerged now?
And love that there aren't any clips 😉
Thanks, mate. I've moved them a third up and dropped the water level a third.
I love to hear you slipping some Portuguese exclamations, it's helping me learn(cuz I'm stuck in Duolingo monotony!)
Hehe get onto Brazilian Podclass if you haven't already. That was the next step for me. It's a free podcast.
@@petevsplants7516 is Brazilian Portuguese much different than that spoken in Portugal?
It's mutually intelligible, but there are some differences in grammar and vocab (and accent obviously).
If you shine a light through the solution you can more accurately see the color of the pH. Love your videos!
Great suggestion, Caleb. I'll have to invest in a small torch or something! And thanks so much!
@@petevsplants7516 of course! Much love from Tennessee!
I have a Syngonium that was grown in aquarium gravel, in a plastic cup for almost 3 years before showing any decline.
It's in LECA now, doing fine, but I almost preferred the gravel having a bit of weight to it, to better support the main stem.
LECA might be the tiniest bit too-lightweight. 😝 Though I'm sure the roots appreciate having more oxygen.
Is this the stuff called 'Stratum'? I need to give that a go I think.
@@petevsplants7516 No, this was just regular gravel, not an 'aquasoil'... CaribSea ...'Blue Ridge' (??)
I do have Stratum in one of my aquariums, but I would feel hesitant to use it outside of the aquarium. It easily lowers pH, which might be a good thing, but I feel it could possibly burn sensitive roots. Also fairly easy to crumble/breakdown, which could cause further complications in soil compaction.
That being said, I've seen several people talking about using it in semihydro applications.
I think more time is needed to see if it's truly successful.
Care tips next please ❤
Hey, mate. Which plants would you like care tips for?
they are a bit pricey but i have a blue labs ph pen and ppm meter.
Ah nice. I think I have the ph pen but not the ppm meter. Might have to invest at some point.
Hi for Portugal 🇵🇹
You buried them too deep!!!! You're supposed to fill half of your container with leca, place your plant, fill it up and only water one third of the container. So that means the roots sit ABOVE the water reservoir line.
Cheers, Deven! I really appreciate the feedback. I've moved them a third up and dropped the water level a third.
Air layering??? Isnt that what's happening in the pole?? I dont get it😅
The only reason I have poles is so my plants have roots for the chop n prop once it's out grown it🤷♀️ it's a guarantee plant?🧐
Yeah, that's what happens in the poles or at least is meant to. I'm just air layering these to propagate into at least 4 plants before I pole them up haha
Love your videos. You should check out the leca queen. She has some big beautiful plan I love watching her videos as well
Yeah, I've been following her for a while now :D probably need to listen more closely to her advice though.
Pete NO NOT THE CHOPSTICK! You're supposed to let the roots sit ABOVE the water reservoir. By pushing it down like that you risk getting root rot 😳😳😳
Hehe all good Deven, I was pushing the leca down, not the roots :D but I've taken your advice as per the previous comment :D
What’s the reason for speaking Portuguese?
Hey mate, my wife's from Brazil and we're trying to raise our kids to be bilingual, so speak Portuguese at home with them.
I’m sitting here shouting at the screen….. Noooooooo your gonna kill the plants! The roots sit above the water not in it 😱😱😱. I’m sure you will change it all once you read your comments though. 😉
Haha I have. Thanks for the feedback Kathy! :D I've moved them a third up and dropped the water level a third.
Sorry Leca is old news
Hehe indeed...
Why? Many people are using leca and pon. Pon works well for Hoya. Leca is great for 😅anthurium. Every substrate has its place.
I got to chime in here. Why is leca old news? What is current news? I am curious.
Was waiting for you to appear hehe
@@petevsplants7516 I had to right! Could not pass this up!