What does the name LECHUZA mean?

LECHUZA (pronounced le-choo-za) is Spanish for "owl". Just like the wise and watchful owls, the LECHUZA irrigation system watches over your plants and ensures that they are well looked after all year round.

How environmentally friendly is LECHUZA?

Environmentally-conscious and resource-conserving thinking and acting is an essential component of the long-term development of our company. We take up the challenge and the responsibility not to endanger people or the environment on our way to a successful future. Our environmental policy, implemented by owners, management and employees, provides the basis for this.

LECHUZA planters are made in Germany and are 100% recyclable. With the successful certification according to DIN EN ISO 14001, a cross-industry recognized certificate, we have introduced a joint efficient environmental management system for the brands PLAYMOBIL and LECHUZA, which encompasses all levels of the company, starting with the development, production and distribution of our products. The family business geobra Brandstätter Stiftung & Co. KG is thus committed to improving the environmental impact of our production in order to protect natural resources through concrete goals, to avoid environmental pollution, comply with all applicable legal obligations and, where possible, to strive to exceed them.

Can I use LECHUZA planters both indoors and outdoors?

LECHUZA planters can be used both indoors and outdoors.

Indoors: When used indoors, the red sealing screw in the bottom of the container must be hand-tightened. Please check the tightness of the screw before using it for the first time and tighten if necessary.

Outdoors: Remove the sealing screw on the outside so that excess water can drain off. In the case of column vessels, the screw in the plant insert must also be removed.

We recommend using LECHUZA planters without a drain plug only indoors, as excess water cannot drain off with these containers.

What material are LECHUZA planters made of?

LECHUZA planters are mainly made of polypropylene (PP). The premium containers are additionally painted to a high standard. Also, LECHUZA accessories, the plant inserts including carrying handles and the irrigation system are mostly made of PP.

The lacquered table pots and the lacquered handle frames of the removable plant inserts are made of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). The transparent scale indicator of the water level indicator is made of polycarbonate (PC).

Are LECHUZA planters frost and UV resistant?

The use of high-quality, robust plastics - weather-resistant to UV radiation and frost - ensures that the products are durable.

Are LECHUZA planters shatterproof?

The stable plastic does not break even if the container falls unexpectedly. When used outdoors, we recommend additionally weighing down the column containers in order to give them even more stability. For this purpose, fill the plant container with coarse gravel or stones after installing the support tubes, but before inserting the plant insert.

What is the best way to clean LECHUZA planters?

LECHUZA planters are best cleaned with a soft cloth and mild detergent. The high quality varnish of the planters is comparable to car varnish, which is why you should not use any sharp cleaners or cleaning utensils on the surfaces of the planters.

Can the LECHUZA irrigation system be used for all plants?

In principle, any plant species cultivated in soil is suitable for the LECHUZA Irrigation System.

Is the LECHUZA irrigation system the same as hydroponics?

No, because with the LECHUZA Irrigation System, you can essentially irrigate all terrestrial plants. This means that you do not need more expensive hydroplants grown specifically for hydroponics, but can choose your favourite from the wide range of soil plants available. You then simply plant them in quality potted soil or alternatively in the LECHUZA-PON plant substrate according to the instructions supplied with the irrigation set. The LECHUZA Irrigation Set and the corresponding water level indicator are not suitable for use with hydroponics.

Is it possible to use the irrigation set in the column containers without a plant insert?

To use the irrigation set in the column planters, you will need the plant insert. It is not possible to install the irrigation set directly in the column planter.

What is the watering phase, the dry phase and how do I fertilise best?

Water from above for the first few weeks until the roots reach the water reservoir ("watering phase"). During this time, check the plant soil or the LECHUZA-PON granulate just below the surface for moisture and water when it is dry.

Test: After a few weeks, fill the water reservoir half way with water. If the water level drops in the next few days, the roots have grown into the reservoir. Then fill the water reservoir to "max." and LECHUZA will take care of your plants from now on!

If the water level indicator shows "min." after a few days or weeks, you should not refill immediately, there is still sufficient moisture in the granulate.

Attention: Observe a "dry phase"! It is different for each plant and depends on the following factors: type and variety of the plant, location, humidity and water requirements, temperature and requirements for the plant substrate. We recommend a drying phase of 2-10 days, for plants such as cacti and orchids also longer, but at least 2 weeks.

From now on, you only need one single fertiliser - the LECHUZA fertiliser is optimally adapted to the nutrient supply of all plants, such as green and flowering plants, orchids, citrus plants, herbs, tomatoes, fruit bushes, cacti, etc.. Herbs and fruits supplied with the LECHUZA fertiliser can be consumed without hesitation - the fertilizer is absorbed by the plants without residue. The fertiliser can be added during the entire vegetation period, the duration of effect is approximately 6 months. We recommend a fertilisation in spring and mid/end of August. Over-fertilisation as well as plant burns is not possible! Simply pour the appropriate quantity of fertiliser into the water reservoir of your LECHUZA containers using the enclosed spoon. Add one spoon of fertiliser per litre of water in your plant container.

What is LECHUZA-PON?

LECHUZA-PON is the inorganic plant substrate of LECHUZA for indoor and potted plants.

How do I transfer my hydrophilic plant into LECHUZA-PON?

To switch from the hydro-system to a new substrate is quite stressful for plants, considering the different climate, especially the water balance at the root and the type of plant.

In normal potted soil, it is unlikely that the plant will be able to get used to it. LECHUZA-PON granules will make the transition much easier. First, remove the clay substrate from the hydrophilic plant as thoroughly as possible without damaging the roots. If any damage occurs, cut back defective roots with sharp, clean plant scissors. Place your plant in your LECHUZA container at roughly the same height where it felt comfortable before.

An important tip: cut your plant back up to a quarter. This reduces leaf loss, but unfortunately does not completely prevent it. The pruning helps your plant to get used to the new environment better and faster.

Further recommendation: Water your plant initially only from above on the granules and at short intervals. Water little so that no water accumulates in the reservoir - this cannot absorb your plant yet.

Check your plant regularly for pests and diseases, as many plants are particularly sensitive during the adaptation period. It will take several months for the roots to penetrate into the water reservoir, and then the plant can supply itself. Fill the water reservoir for the first time after 12 weeks. The water level indicator does not have to be full, it is sufficient to first use one third of the reservoir. Now observe whether the red needle sinks in the next days. If this is the case, your plant has grown into the water reservoir. Also observe carefully whether your hydrophilic plant has become completely accustomed. It may still need watering from above on the PON.

What can I do against white mould on my LECHUZA-PON?

In principle, LECHUZA-PON shouldn’t allow for mould to build up on the surface, as it does not consist of organic material - but dead roots or leaves can be a breeding ground for fungi in high humidity and moist substrate surfaces. The frequent occurrence in the autumn and winter months is related to the higher relative humidity indoors.

The emergency plan

Remove a layer of mould-monitoring plant substrate approx. 5cm thick from the surface. Wash it thoroughly and boil it in hot water. Then, put the dried substrate back into the planter. It is important that no dead plant parts remain in the substrate and that the plant is kept slightly drier. You can also prevent the formation of mould by immediately removing and disposing of fallen leaves, dead or diseased plant parts.

How do I fight parasites in LECHUZA?

Even if you have planted completely in the almost sterile substrate LECHUZA-PON, your plants may be attacked by pests. Especially dry indoor air makes many plants susceptible. For this reason, we recommend using a combination agent against various pests as a preventive measure both for indoor plants and for balcony plants that move indoors for the winter. If your plants are close together, you should treat all plants as a precaution. If you are not sure which pest is causing trouble on your plant, ask your trusted gardener and take an infected leaf with you.

Aphids and scale insects

If your plant is infested with lice, remove the plant insert from your LECHUZA container and rinse it thoroughly under running water. Also remove all infected parts of the plant. Then, treat your plant with a crop protection spray, stick or granulate. To do this, spray the substance directly onto the plant or simply insert the stick into the root ball. Before you sprinkle the plant protection granulate onto the PON plant substrate and work it in, water dry root balls from above, if necessary. In any case, read the enclosed instructions for use before using PON for the first time. Also note that if your plant bears fruit, you should not eat it for a while.

Fungus gnat and harmful flies

Fungus gnat and white flies like to lay their eggs in moist potting soil. The planting substrate PON can also serve as a distribution centre if it is kept permanently too wet. Yellow stickers or yellow boards, to which the pests simply stick, help against flying fungus gnats. Use a suitable watering agent against the root-damaging larvae. Add the liquid plant protection to the watering water and fill the water reservoir of your LECHUZA plant container with it via the practical filling shaft.

Spider mites

In dry air, spider mites particularly like to lay their fine spider threads on indoor plants. Remove the plant insert from its LECHUZA container and shower the plant thoroughly under a water jet that is not too weak. Special spider mite sprays and watering agents can help.

Which LECHUZA planters come with rollers?

From size 40 in the CANTO, CLASSICO, CUBE and QUADRO planters, a roller coaster is available, which is made invisible under the planter and moves effortlessly up to 180 kg on its 5 stable rollers. The CUBICO roller coaster is also available for CUBICO 30 and 40 from the PREMIUM Collection.

As with the previous LECHUZA coasters, the wheels are hidden under the planter. In the new square model, a decorative frame creates the impression that the planter is connected to the coaster.

How can I remove excess water from the water feed chute?

Once you have poured above the maximum water level, you can pump out excess water using a hand pump. To do this, insert the hand pump into the filling shaft and pump off the excess water.