In this Semi Hydroponic growing system your plants roots settle into LECA balls and sip moisture and nutrients as the plant requires
Light expanded clay aggregate is a great set up for plants with many advantages
When you purchase lightweight expanded clay aggregate it is dusty and dry
Here’s what you need to know to get it ready for proper planting
Rinse the leca outside to remove the exterior clay dust off the clay balls
The dust can accumulate in your water pipes so don’t use your indoor sinks for this
After theinitial rinse, allow the leca balls to soak for 24 hours
One of the great things about LECA is it can be reused
Be sure to boil it when you are reusing it
This will sterilize the clay pebbles and make sure no nasty fungi or bacteria have survived
It’s very helpful to know your plants needs before you begin with hydroponics
Monstera, pothos, and other sturdy vines are less fussy and more capable of easily transitioning to semi hydroponics with little or no trouble
Fill your pot only 1/3 up from the bottom with liquid nutrients
Your Leca will wick up the liquid and provide the plant roots with just the right amount
The roots will take only what they need from the Leca
It is normal for plants to go into shock when transitioned to LECA
They make take several weeks to adjust and grow water roots
Larger plants with massive roots are not good candidates for replanting into LECA
This growing system is designed to be pretty hands off
The plant will self manage its watering as long as the nutrient reservoir is going up into the Leca
Flush the pot every two weeks or so to avoid an accumulation of salt build up on the clay balls