HORTICULTURE TOPIC: What is LECA and Should It Be Used for Houseplants

Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall discussed LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) and whether it should be used for houseplants. 

​LECA is a growing medium made of porous clay pebbles. These small, round balls absorb and retain water while allowing air to circulate around plant roots, reducing the risk of root rot. Unlike traditional soil, LECA doesn’t break down over time and is reusable, making it an eco-friendly option for plant lovers.

LECA is an excellent choice for certain plants, especially those that thrive in semi-hydroponic setups, like pothos, monsteras, and orchids. It helps regulate moisture levels and prevents overwatering, a common problem with soil-based growing. However, it requires a different care routine—plants in LECA need a nutrient-rich water solution since clay pebbles lack natural nutrients.

If you enjoy experimenting with new plant care methods and are comfortable with hydroponic principles, LECA can be a great alternative. However, if you prefer a more traditional approach, soil might still be the best option for your houseplants.

HORTICULTURE TOPIC: Fruit Flies Don't Bother Me!

Fruit flies are tiny, gnat-like flies that are pale yellow to reddish-brown, with red eyes. Fruit flies are a nuisance all year, but are especially common during late summer/fall because they are attracted by ripened or fermenting fruits and vegetables. Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall shared facts, avoidance techniques, and ways to “unalive” these pesky insects. 
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FACTS: Fruit flies are annoying! If you see one, there are probably 12 around. They lay approximately 100 eggs at a time and those eggs hatch within 24-30 hours. Perfect for genetic studies, fruit flies share 75% of the genes that cause disease in humans. Over the course of a century, the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine has been awarded six times to 11 scientists for their fruit fly findings.
 
AVOID: Fruit flies dislike the smell of many herbs and essential oils, including lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus, citronella, cinnamon, and clove. If you have an infestation, remove all food sources from the area. Keep kitchen and laundry room areas dry and clean, as low humidity levels help keep the bugs away. They like to breed in drains, so keep those clean or covered. A solution of baking soda and vinegar (1/2 cup baking soda: 1 cup vinegar) left in a plugged drain overnight can break down mineral deposits and debris that could be a cause of fruit fly infestation.
 
“UNALIVE”: A bowl of apple cider vinegar with dish soap and covered in plastic pierced with tiny holes is the old fashioned and best solution to attract and unalive these pests. Many retailers have come up with other solutions, such as the plastic apple and plug-in light sources with sticky pads. Spraying rubbing alcohol on fruit will safely kill any bugs on your food.

HORTICULTURE TOPIC: Save the Dandelions

Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall did a presentation on dandelions. Dandelion is a hardy perennial that can grow nearly 12 inches in height. The name dandelion comes from "dent-de-lion", French for "lion's tooth" – because of its deeply-notched, jagged, spatula-like leaves. All parts of the plant are edible from their flowers, stems, leaves, and roots. For thousands of years, various cultures have consumed dandelion for their medicinal benefits. Although the leaves are bitter in taste, they contain high levels of vitamins A, C, and K. 

For gardeners, dandelion are a beneficial companion plant and an important food source for wildlife like birds and bees. There are also some disadvantages to dandelion – their pollen is a common allergy and large patches can reduce crop yields in commercial farming. The plant reproduces by wind-blown seed; up to 15,000 seeds per plant. There are usually 150 to 200 seeds per flower and up to 10 flowers per plant. While some view the dandelion as a pesky weed on their lawn, others see an opportunity to make a wish!

Nancy made dandelion cookies and gave members a dandelion tea bag to take home to try. Dandelion tea boosts the immune system, encourages healthy cell growth, and helps bone health.

HORTICULTURE TOPIC: Little-Known Facts About African Violets

Horticulture Chair Nancy Percivall shared little-known facts about African violets and a poem she wrote. 

• African violets are IMPOSTERS and aren't really violets. African violet flowers get their name from their resemblance to true violets (Violaceae), but they are actually a different genus – Saintpaulia.​
• African violets have been POPULAR since their discovery in the late 1800s because of an impressive array of colors. With the right care, they will bloom nearly all year round.
• African violets need our HELP because they are teetering on extinction in the wild. Endemic to a very small bio-diverse region in Tanzania, the beloved houseplants are facing a major threat: deforestation. 
• African violets are a SYMBOL OF DEVOTION.
• African violets are EVERLASTING. While most indoor plants flourish only two to five years, the African violet flower has serious staying power. With the right care, they can live up to 50 years! 
• African violets are TOUGH and really aren't that delicate. 
• African violet flowers are PET-FRIENDLY. ​

If you aren't seeing blooms on your African violet, try the following:

• Repot – Make sure your violet has at least 12 leaves before repotting. They like to have their roots aerated, and your soil might be too heavy.
• Fertilize – You can use a 20/20/20 like Miracle Grow or a violet specific food, which is lower in nitrogen.
• Water – Violets prefer to be watered from below. The leaves do not like to get wet. Allow the roots to dry out now and then.
• Tidy – Pluck dead leaves and spent flowers. Pinch leaves from the middle.
• Light – Indirect light from a south window is preferred. Don’t forget to rotate!