There ’s always something new to hear in the humankind of horticulture . Whether it ’s a magic trick for keeping away gnats , or in this case , a unique choice to soil . While many of us have likely only ever originate in the grime , it ’s not uncommon for gardener to practice other medium . Hydroponics has been around for centuries and is a very effective room to grow plants . So what ’s the deal with LECA , and should you consider switching over ?
What is LECA?
LECA is an acronym for lightweight , expanded clay totality . They make it by warming clay to around 2,190 degrees until the gas within the clay expand with grand of bantam house of cards . This creates a honeycomb social organisation within the corpse ball , which is what the lightweight growing spiritualist is .
Why use LECA over soil?
There are several reasons why some growers are switch over to LECA . Here are some of the most popular .
Reduces the risk of overwatering
LECA has thousands of small bubble that create a honeycomb social organization within the clay ball . These bubbles can absorb and circulate piss to plant roots without stifle the works . This will slenderize the endangerment of overwatering your plants , which can be a coarse error made with plants living in soil .
Almost eliminates pests
It ’s every houseplant parent ’s worse incubus to see a fungus gnat vanish around the theatre . This could be a matter of the past if you switch over to LECA . Gnats and aphids have intercourse damp and rotting matter , which is precisely what a well - watered plant lives in . With LECA , there ’s no place forthose nasty peststo make a home , so they ca n’t kill your plants or chafe you with their constant buzzing .
No need for multiple types of soil
With territory , you have to purchase multiple type for different kinds of plants . For example , you take a cactus mix for your succulent and an orchid mix for your more tropic plants . This stand for you have a quoin or closet or bin in the service department with four or more bags of soil just in case you might necessitate it . With LECA , almost any plant will grow and thrive , and you only need one purse . It ’s less memory board !
It’s cleaner than soil
One of the biggest understanding many urban houseplant growers love LECA is that it ’s fashion blank than grime . If you drop a handful of dirt on your story , it ’s a huge peck that might require a mop . However , with LECA , if you drop a few on the story or the replication , you might have a bit of clay rubble to clean up , but other than that , you just pick up the balls and you ’re practiced to go .
It’s a greener option
Once soil has recede its nutrients , it ’s almost useless and needs to be thrown out or added to the compost pile . LECA , however , can be reprocess until it starts breaking down , which takes a tenacious meter . This means you might buy a purse of LECA and use it for tenner . So not only is this effective for the major planet , it ’s better for your wallet as well .
Why LECA might not be for you
LECA might be bulge out to sound arrant for turn houseplant ; however , there are downsides .
It’s more of an investment
compare to conventional grease options , LECA is more expensive . In some case , it be three times to invest in LECA over a base of soil . Remember that it ’ll last much longer , but that does n’t make the initial sting any easier .
Needs specific fertilizer
Although you probably bribe fertiliser for your soil growing plants , LECA works will need a specifically hydroponic fertilizer to control they ’re get everything they need in a way of life they can absorb . Unfortunately , this means you ’ll have to learn something new , which can cause anxiety and trepidation .
New pots and tools might be needed
Unlike plants growing in stain , you do n’t want a pot with drainage holes for works growing in LECA . Unfortunately , switching to LECA might mean you have to purchase all new pots . You ’ll also have to be more diligent about pH levels , requiring a cock to measure and monitor those levels .
Transitioning soil plants is risky
Lastly , one of the most significant issues is the risk of switching plants from soil to LECA . Some might make the transition just fine , but others might not , and you could lose a few plants in the process .
How do you use LECA?
pot up a works in LECA is the same as it is in soil . Dump a few inches of LECA into the bottom of the pot , then hold the plant at the height you need it , and backfill the pot with LECA . To maintain never-ending immersion and give your roots lot of water , you ’ll want to keep the muckle about 1/3 full of water system . understand up on the plant ’s specific nutrient motive , then apply a hydroponic fertilizer at the recommended rate . last , you ’ll demand to keep the pH at a levelheaded tier , so be sure to buy a pH tool and maintain a good center on that .
You do n’t have to switch all your works over to LECA at the same time . Either switch them over slowly or just start using LECA with any new plant you bring into your menage . There are many benefit , but it ’s not for everyone , so be sure to essay it out on a small scale before fully commit .
