FAQ
Answers to frequently asked questions
On the FAQ page you will find detailed explanations to frequently asked questions about LECHUZA. If your question is not answered here, please ask us directly using the
contact form or by sending an e-mail to
info@lechuza.com.
About LECHUZA planters
Can LECHUZA be used outdoors? 
LECHUZA planters equipped with overflow and drain plug are excellently suited for use outdoors - just remove the red drain plug. When using a column planter outdoors, also remove the plug in the liner, using a coin to unscrew it. Excess water can then run off from the planter after heavy rainfall, thus preventing your plant from becoming waterlogged.
We recommend that LECHUZA planters without overflow and drain plug are only used indoors, since excess rainwater cannot run off.
Can LECHUZA planters with overflow and drain plug also be used indoors?
No problem - LECHUZA planters with overflow and drain plug can also be used indoors. Keep the red drain plug firmly in place when using indoors. With the column planters two red drain plugs must remain in place (1 x in the liner and 1 x in the bottom of the planter). Use a coin to tighten the drain plug firmly. The drain plug has a reliable sealing ring and so prevents water leaking from the reservoir.
Are LECHUZA planters frost and UV resistant?
Frost resistance: LECHUZA can handle the elements, whether snow, ice or frost. But remember - your plants should also be frost resistant!
UV resistance: High quality paint with ceramic and metallic look will retain its appearance for years.
Are LECHUZA planters shatterproof?
The sturdy plastic does not break even if the planter takes a fall. When used outdoors we recommend that the column planters are additionally weighted down with large pebbles or rocks, for example, to give it more stability. Place pebbles or rocks in the planter after fitting the support tubes, but before putting the liner in place.
How do I best clean LECHUZA planters?
LECHUZA planters should be cleaned with a soft cloth and a mild household detergent. The high-quality coating of the planters is similar to automotive paint, so abrasive cleaning products or utensils should not be used on the planter surfaces.
What are the LECHUZA planters made of?
LECHUZA planters are made of polypropylene (PP). The premium planters are coated with high-quality ceramic and metallic effect finishes. MINI- and MAXI-CUBI, DELTA 15 as well as the CARARO and the DELTA frame are made from acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS).
For which planters are wheeled coasters or rollers available?
The LECHUZA-coaster is available for CLASSICO and QUADRO models starting from size 43 and above. It almost disappears under the planter and its 5 stable rollers make it easy to move up to 395 lb. For CARARO there are also rollers available. Install the two sturdy rollers on the bottom of the planter before planting and your CARARO can be moved back and forth with ease.
About the LECHUZA sub-irrigation set
Is the LECHUZA sub-irrigation system the same as hydroculture?
No, because the LECHUZA sub-irrigation system is designed for the irrigation of all plants which grow in soil. You therefore don't need expensive plants propagated especially for hydroculture, but can choose your favorites from the wide range of conventional plants available. Simply plant them as described in the instructions included in the sub-irrigation set using good quality potting soil, or alternatively in LECHUZA-PON plant substrate.
The LECHUZA sub-irrigation set and the accompanying water level indicator are not suitable for use with hydroculture.
About the LECHUZA-PON plant substrate
What is LECHUZA-PON?
LECHUZA-PON is the plant substrate from LECHUZA for house and pot plants. It is the ideal alternative to conventional potting soil - particularly in combination with the LECHUZA sub-irrigation set. LECHUZA-PON stores added nutrients which are then released to the plants as they need them. It can also retain up to 40% of its volume in water while at the same time maintaining the optimum air pore volume. LECHUZA-PON supports aeration of the roots whilst providing optimum dosage of water to the plants.
What is LECHUZA-PON composed of? Does LECHUZA-PON contain fertilizers?
LECHUZA-PON plant substrate is made up of pumice, zeolites, lava and fertilizer. The following fertilizer declaration is applicable to the fertilizer: 1 liter LECHUZA-PON contains 3g slow-release fertilizer 15-9-9+3. NPK fertilizer, coated, contains magnesium and trace nutrients effective for 6-12 months. At the end of this period fertilize the plants as usual using commercial liquid fertilizer in the water.
What is LECHUZA-PON plant substrate used for?
The mineral-based LECHUZA-PON with optimum planting properties is the ideal alternative to conventional potting soil - particularly in combination with the LECHUZA sub-irrigation set.
In addition, when you plant your plants in soil, LECHUZA-PON forms a drainage layer between the water reservoir of the LECHUZA sub-irrigation set and the soil layer. The amount of LECHUZA-PON required for the drainage layer is included in the sub-irrigation set.
How do I repot my plants in LECHUZA-PON plant substrate?
Repotting your plants in LECHUZA-PON plant substrate is really simple: remove your plant from the soil, loosen the rootball carefully and free it from large clumps of soil. After fitting the sub-irrigation set into your LECHUZA planter, place a finger's width of LECHUZA-PON to act as drainage. Now add your plant and fill the planter with LECHUZA-PON. Lightly shake and pack down the plant substrate, adding more LECHUZA-PON if necessary.
Is additional LECHUZA-PON necessary for the LECHUZA sub-irrigation set?
Sufficient LECHUZA-PON is already included in the LECHUZA sub-irrigation set to allow for a drainage layer between the water reservoir and the soil layer in your planter. Additional LECHUZA-PON is only needed when you repot your plants and change the soil. Place a fresh finger's width of LECHUZA-PON on the separator of the sub-irrigation set. Then plant in soil as usual. Alternatively you can also plant your plants entirely in LECHUZA-PON. A 6l pack of LECHUZA-PON is available from LECHUZA for this purpose.
About planting and plant care with LECHUZA
Should the column planters be completely filled with soil?
A liner is available from LECHUZA for the column-shaped planters, so that it is not necessary to plant the entire planter. This is equipped with practical diappearing grips. The liner also enables you to conveniently change your planting.
What is the growing-in phase?
During the first 3 months after you have planted your plant in a LECHUZA planter with its sub-irrigation set, you should water the plant from above onto the soil. After about 3 months the roots of your plant have grown far enough into the moist area that they can look after themselves independently with water from the reservoir. You can then water your plants conveniently via the water supply shaft.
What is the dry phase?
After the growing-in phase fill the water reservoir to "max." for the first time, using the water supply shaft. LECHUZA now provides optimum care for your plants. No further watering is necessary for the time being! If after a few days or weeks the water level indicator reads "min." - don't water straight away. This is the start of the "dry phase" for the plant - the length of the dry phase is about 1 week for planters in sizes 21 to 43, and about 2 weeks for planters in sizes 50 to 70. After each dry phase, refill the water reservoir to "max." using the water supply shaft.
Note however that each type of plant has its own specific requirements and the dry phase can vary. For specific questions use the
contact form or send us an e-mail to
info@lechuza.com.
How do I fertilize plants in LECHUZA?
To fertilize plants growing in LECHUZA add commercial liquid fertilizer to the water every second watering, following the instructions on the fertilizer package. The fertilizer is better distributed when the plant soil is occasionally moistened from above with plain water.
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