FAQ

Answers to most frequently asked questions

1. The name LECHUZA

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.
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- What does the name LECHUZA mean?

2. Environmental awareness at LECHUZA

Quality Made in Germany: All LECHUZA plastic planters are manufactured to high quality standards at our production facility in Dietenhofen, Franconia. Our production process is designed to ensure efficient use of resources and careful handling of the materials used. These durable plastic planters are shatterproof and weather-resistant. All black liners are made primarily from verifiably recycled post-industrial plastic. The wooden planters in the PALO series are made from eucalyptus wood sourced from FSC®-certified forests. The planters are manufactured at a facility in Dietenhofen, Franconia, that is certified to ISO 14001 (environmental management) and ISO 50001 (energy management).
On LECHUZA's environmental and energy policy
- How environmentally friendly is LECHUZA?

3. General information about LECHUZA planters

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.

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).

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

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.

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.

4. Accessories

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.

The coaster for the PILA product line can be used flexibly and makes the PILA modules mobile. It is practical and fits exactly under the individual modules.

The CARARO comes complete with suitable rollers. Simply attach the two sturdy rollers to the bottom of the container before planting and your CARARO can be moved around effortlessly.

If you have difficulties aiming into the filling shaft of your LECHUZA planter with large watering cans, simply use our PICO watering aid. The attachment can be used with all commercially available watering cans.

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

5. LECHUZA Irrigation System

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

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.

The installation of the LECHUZA irrigation system is described in detail in the planting instructions, which can be found in the downloads.

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.

The individual parts of the LECHUZA Watering Set (separating bottom, filling shaft, filling shaft cover, water level indicator and LECHUZA-PON) as well as the plant insert and, if necessary, the stabilising support tubes for column planters can be purchased separately under the Spare Parts tab.

6. Planting in LECHUZA

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

7. PON Substrats

Along with LECHUZA, PON is also a brand of Hob Creations GmbH. Under the PON brand, the company sells substrates with mineral components that are specially formulated for plants to promote optimal growth and health. This is achieved through the coarse-grained structure and the resulting improved air circulation around the roots. In addition, the plant substrate absorbs water and nutrients, stores them, and releases them to the plant as needed. A mineral plant substrate, with Pumice, lava, and zeolite as its foundation, provides plants with optimal growing conditions! PON plant substrates ensure a water supply tailored to the plant’s needs and even nutrient distribution. Compared to potting soil, the improved aeration and drainage minimize the risk of root rot. The stable structure also provides secure support in the planter. The purely mineral substrates offer no breeding ground for pests such as gnats. PON has the right substrate for every plant: · LECHUZA-PON: Houseplants · BASICPON: Sensitive plants and cuttings · TERRAPON: Outdoor and potted plants · VEGGIEPON: Herbs, vegetables, and snack fruits · ORCHIDPON: Orchids · BLACKSTONEPON: Houseplants · LECHUZA-PON XXL: Large plants in permanent plantings indoors and outdoors · CITRUSPON: Citrus plants · PALMPON: Palms and Mediterranean plants · CACTUSPON: Cacti and succulents · MONOPON: Drainage layer for all plants · UNIPON: Seasonal outdoor plantings For more information, visit: www.pon-substrate.com

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.

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.

8. Plant care tips

It is quite easy to grow annuals yourself if you follow the instructions on the seed packets. Start growing on the windowsill in early spring and then move them into the plant container. Only when there are no more late frosts from the middle or end of May can you put the plants outdoors. Preferred goods from the garden trade may stand outside earlier, but on very cold nights they should still be protected.

LECHUZA planters are the ideal partner for outdoor planting with balcony flowers. The specially designed balcony box BALCONERA with matching balcony box holder as an accessory can be attached to walls and railings. LECHUZA planters have a sealing screw for rain overflow, which must be removed. The watering distances depend on the location and growth of the plants. In midsummer, the water level indicator must be checked every day at high temperatures; a finger test in the substrate provides additional safety. With a full reservoir, it is unlikely that an irrigation course will be necessary every morning and evening. Depending on the size of the container and the density of vegetation, a cycle of one to five days is possible, with cloudy skies and precipitation correspondingly longer. After a while, you will become familiar with how much water your plants drink.

You can easily insert purchased herbs together with your culture pot directly into our LECHUZA containers CANTO Stone 14, CUBE Color, CUBE Glossy and CUBE Color Triple as well as CUBE Glossy Triple. No planting necessary - thanks to our wick irrigation system, basil and other herbs receive exactly the right amount of water and stay fresh for a long time.

Most of the orchids you can buy in the shop are so-called epiphytes: their original habitat is on trees of the rainforest. These include the genera Phalaenopsis, Cattleya, Oncidium, Dendrobium and Miltonia. From this unusual way of life, it’s easy to spot the requirements of orchids: they neither like soil nor waterlogging, nor too much fertiliser. After all, the nutrients on a tree are also very limited. IMPORTANT: plant your orchid in PON or in the special substrate supplied with the ORCHIDEA orchid pot. When repotting, free the root ball as much as possible from pieces of wood and bark. Only in this way can your orchid sprout and thrive! LECHUZA-PON consists of pumice, zeolite, lava and fertilizer. It provides air circulation around the roots and stores water and nutrients! Matching vessels can be found in the table pots.

Bring a lively Christmas tree into your living room. LECHUZA planters are the ideal alternative to tree stands - sustainable and individual. From classic to elegant to unusual, there is something for every taste. And after the party, you can release the trees into the open air and plant them in the garden.

Poinsettias beautify your home all year round. They are especially beautiful in the LECHUZA table pots. And thanks to the LECHUZA watering system, your joy will last long after the party. When buying, you should pay attention to a few things: the poinsettia should be abundantly covered with healthy, green leaves under the coloured star of the bracts. Yellowish leaves indicate poor care. Do not buy plants that have been outdoors - poinsettias hate the cold and react to a cold shock after a few days by losing their leaves. Also pack the plants well for the way home.

How to maintain your poinsettia: make sure you keep it in a bright, draught-free location with temperatures of around 20°C. The LECHUZA irrigation system prevents overwatering, which is a particular problem for poinsettias. Do not fertilise the poinsettia during flowering.

9. Planting and care of fruits and vegetables in TRIO
For the TRIO Cottage
Simple and indestructible
- blueberry and vaccinium varieties
- broad beans
- runner beans
- raspberries
Proven with little maintenance effort
- sugar snap peas
- courgette
- stick and bush beans
- blackberries
More maintenance effort, but worth it
- tomatoes
- aubergines
- cucumbers
- pumpkin
- paprika and pepperoni
- chili
- kiwi
- Andean or Cape gooseberry (Physalis)
- balcony melon
For connoisseurs with green thumb
- vegetable corn
- figs
- all citrus plants
Early spring brings the first plant seeds. Sowing is best on the sunny windowsill in small plastic pots (5-7 cm) or in individual cells from the garden centre. Remember to attach small labels to avoid confusion. To avoid planting young plants in the spring, purchase young plants which have been grown in advance, or hire a trusted gardener to carry this out.

When growing, always pay attention to the instructions on the seed packets and, of course, to the requirements of the plant with regard to substrate, location, fertilisation and water requirements. For annual plants, it is best to use good quality pot plant soil. For permanent planting, it is worthwhile to use the LECHUZA-PON plant substrate.

To support your plant as it grows, simply use the plant clips included with the trellis for TRIO Cottage. Make sure to use them to stabilise your plant, but do not tie it too tightly. With self-climbing plants, you should regularly check the shoots and use the plant clips to guide them in the right direction.

Many plants prefer dry foliage when watering. Until the plant has grown into the water reservoir and can feed itself, take care to water the young plants carefully. A finger test in the substrate reduces the risk of wetting and leaf rot.

Watch out for pests and snails - young vegetable plants are particularly susceptible. If the plant becomes too large, separate from individual shoots if necessary. This promotes other shoots as well as flowering and fruit formation. Side and fruit shoots can become too heavy for the plant - tie them down in a supportive way so that they do not break.

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One of the most popular garden vegetables is the tomato, Latin Lycopersicon, which is on the market in many varieties, growth heights, fruit sizes and taste variants. It comes from Central and South America and is related to the Solanum family, which also includes aubergine and potato.

Tomatoes love fertile, permeable soil. Special tomato and vegetable soil is available in specialist shops. From May onwards, there is a huge supply of early-growing young plants on markets and in nurseries. There are stick and bush tomatoes in different growth forms. If you want to harvest unusual varieties or enjoy sowing, you can place pots with seeds on a sunny windowsill from April. On the seed bags, you will find more detailed information on the time and method of sowing. Important: keep the substrate moist and turn the sowing pots regularly so that the plants do not grow at an angle to the light.

Plant one strong seedling per TRIO Cottage plant insert. First, bind the plant with thin wooden or bamboo sticks. From mid-May (when frost is no longer a threat) the tomatoes can be taken outside. Attach the plant to the TRIO Cottage trellis as soon as it is large enough. If necessary, shorten the plant a little so that not too many shoots remain. One cut favours the other shoots and thus also the fruit development. This means that more sunlight reaches the leaves and fruit and that no diseases can spread. The soil should be moist, but not too wet.

As soon as small fruits form, it is best to supply the plant with tomato liquid fertiliser every two weeks. Unripe fruits are poisonous, as with almost all nightshade plants! Many tomato varieties are largely resistant, but you should check your shrub regularly for pests and diseases.
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The Solanum melongena is closely related to all annual nightshade plants such as tomatoes and potatoes. Aubergine shrubs probably come from tropical Asia and thrive best in a warm location. Aubergines are also available in specialist shops as pre-grown young plants. They can be sown just like tomatoes. They like to stand in very sunny spots, sheltered from the wind, and are fertilised every two weeks with vegetable fertiliser in watering water. Good tying and fixing of the plant shoots is particularly important, as the fruits gain weight very quickly. The fruits can be harvested if they yield slightly under pressure. Aphids like to settle on eggplants, so pay special attention to possible infestation.
- Paprika und Chili
Capsicum annuum (Spanish pepper, paprika and chili) and Capsicum frutescens (cayenne pepper and chili) come from tropical America and are used in all cuisines of the world. Peppers and chilies are annual summer shrubs and require a long, warm and humid growing season.

Here, too, many preferred varieties are offered in the garden trade. The sowing and care of rare exotics takes place as with tomatoes and aubergines. Please protect your hands and eyes when harvesting and processing hot chilies, as the sap is extremely aggressive and can cause severe skin burns. Both plants are loved by young aphids - snails like to eat holes in the paprika fruit. Other insect pests and viral diseases are rare, but possible.
- Fire bean
This legume comes from South America. Phaseolus coccineus is an annual herbaceous perennial whose up to 5m long shoots require a trellis in order to develop properly.

In spring, the bean seeds should be planted about 5cm deep. Two to three seeds per TRIO Cottage plant insert are sufficient. The fire bean needs no special substrate - it germinates and grows in all soils. The germination phase in spring does not have to take place indoors, but the seedlings should be protected from strong night frosts by covering them. Only on frost-free nights from mid-May onwards is there no longer any risk of freezing to death.

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After germination, fix the plant to wooden sticks. Two to three weeks later, remove the weakest seedlings and leave only the two strongest to stand. Then check the growth regularly and if it develops well, you can guide the shoots on the TRIO Cottage trellis in the desired direction if necessary. A sunny but semi-shady location favours the growth of the resistant plant. Water consumption is immense at hot temperatures, so it is best to water regularly and often. Withered leaves should be removed immediately to increase flowering.

Only beans harvested young in pods of a maximum length of 15 cm are edible - uncooked fruits are slightly poisonous. Other edible garden beans such as pole beans, bush beans and thick beans are sown in early summer (the latter also in autumn) and are also suitable for TRIO Cottage with trellis. Pay particular attention to aphids in spring, snails can also be a problem.
- Citrus plant
This legume comes from South America. Phaseolus coccineus is an annual herbaceous perennial whose up to 5m long shoots require a trellis in order to develop properly. In spring, the bean seeds should be planted about 5cm deep. Two to three seeds per TRIO Cottage plant insert are sufficient. The fire bean needs no special substrate, it germinates and grows in all soils. The germination phase in spring does not have to take place indoors, but the seedlings should be protected from strong night frosts by covering them. Only on frost-free nights from mid-May onwards is there no longer any risk of freezing to death.

Go to the TRIO Cottage

After germination, fix the plant to wooden sticks. Two to three weeks later, remove the weakest seedlings and leave only the two strongest to stand. Then check the growth regularly and if it develops well, you can guide the shoots on the TRIO Cottage trellis in the desired direction if necessary. A sunny but semi-shady location favours the growth of the resistant plant. Water consumption is immense at hot temperatures, so it is best to water regularly and often. Withered leaves should be removed immediately to increase flowering.

Only beans harvested young in pods of a maximum length of 15 cm are edible, uncooked fruits are slightly poisonous. Other edible garden beans such as pole beans, bush beans and thick beans are sown in early summer (the latter also in autumn) and are also suitable for TRIO Cottage with trellis. Pay particular attention to aphids in spring, snails can also be a problem.

10. Tips for hibernating winter-hardy tub plants

Potted plants which are frost-proof should remain outside during the cold season, as the cold months are often important for the further development of the plants. Nevertheless, they should be adequately protected, as a plant container cannot offer as much protection from the cold as the ground. Potted plants get frostbite at the roots more easily or suffer from frost dryness.

Too much sun can become a danger in the winter, because the evaporation of the plant is promoted by sun irradiation and frozen root balls cannot supply then enough water. Especially evergreen plants are endangered, such as cherry laurel, dwarf medlar, bright medlar, (Cotoneaster, Photinia), rhododendrons, box, grasses and bamboos as well as all conifers.

Prepare your plants for the frosty months by completing pruning and fertilisation by the end of August, then the shoots will be completed in time and the mature roots and shoots will be better prepared for the winter.

The ideal place to spend the winter is protected from wind, rain, snow and direct sunlight, such as a covered terrace. If several plants are close together, they will keep each other warm. Pack your LECHUZA containers with jute, felt or fleece fabrics, straw, reed or coconut mats to protect the roots from excessive temperature fluctuations.

A dry layer of leaves, straw, fir twigs or mulch slices made of coconut fibres protect the plants from drying out and keep away rain. Make sure to use only air-permeable materials when covering. To protect your potted plants from ground cold, simply place the planters on wood or polystyrene.

Even in winter, evergreens evaporate a lot of water via leaves and needles, which must be replenished. In particularly frosty temperatures, your plant will no longer be able to supply itself via the water reservoir of the LECHUZA container, which is why, in winter, you only pour water from above onto the granules or the plant soil and adjust the amount of water to the consumption of your plant. Please water only on frost-free days and in stages, this will help your plant survive the cold months.

11. Enemies of plants

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.

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 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.

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.

Snails like lettuce and other soft-leaved plants. To protect your plants, plant a CASCADA or CASCADINO Color Tower at the bottom with plants spurned by snails such as oregano, thyme, chamomile, nasturtium, rosemary, chives, savory, garlic, sage, marjoram, wild garlic and curry. In the upper areas lettuce and co. can grow undisturbed.

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FAQ

Answers to most frequently asked questions

The emergency plan

Simple and indestructible

Proven with little maintenance effort

More maintenance effort, but worth it

For connoisseurs with green thumb