So you found a sticky substance on one of your Orchid’s leaves, the spike or even around a new Orchid bud.  Should you panic?  No, at least not at first.   If what you find is what I think it might be, this sticky substance is referred to as “Orchid Nectar”, “Orchid Honey” and even “Honey Dew” in the Orchid community and is very common and completely harmless.  Those who have tasted it describe it as very sweet.

​Better-Gro Phalaenopsis Mix by Sun Bulb was the first Orchid potting mix I ever purchased when I realized I might be addicted to Orchids.  I’m sure if you’re reading this, you’ll totally understand what I’m talking about.

​The only thing I knew about using bark as an Orchid media is that it needs to soak prior to using.  The bag itself was so pretty, and the reviews were pretty decent too.  I didn’t know anything else about Orchids at that time, nor did I realize there was anything else on the market that could be used to pot Orchids.  WOW was I wrong!   But that’s not what this article is about.

Many people, myself included, want to reuse their LECA and want to know how best to clean them.   So, can LECA be boiled?

The simple answer is yes, you can safely boil LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate).  LECA is considered inorganic potting media, just like lava rock, perlite (also known as sponge rock), pumice, rock wool, hydroton, Growstone, stones & pebbles and several other types of media, and can be boiled safely.  Doesn't it look like I'm cooking black beans?  😜