What Is Leca ?
Leca stands for Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate, which means it's expanded clay.
It is inorganic and has a neutral ph which is great to use with semi-hydroponic set ups.
What does Leca do for plants?
- Leca is a great propagation medium or growing medium. It retains the water and releases it for the plant's use a little at a time.
- The clay balls prevents the plants from completely drying out but still provide proper drainage while the plant either roots or just grows.
- Leca can also be used in some soil mixes as extra aeration.
How to grow plant in leca ?
- Rinse your leca
- Sterilize your leca with boiling water
- Soak your leca
- Leca is an inorganic medium which means it contains no nutrients, the plant needs it to grow.
You need to provide this with a hydroponic fertilizer of your choice. - Use leca filled with water only 1/3 of the way up as a semi-hydroponic set up. Some people like to use it as full hudro and will only use the leca to simply hold up a cutting while it roots.
- Leca has worked wonders in most plants. We use it for : Alocasia Syngonium, monsteras, anthururium and hoyas !
Benefits of Growing plant in Leca
- Leca provides less risk of pests
Using leca doesn't mean you don't get any pests but it does reduce the chances since leca is an inorganic growing environment and doesn't have the organic material that pests need to feed, grow and survive
- Leca increases Aeration
Leca naturally sits with air pockets between each of the clay balls which means increased aeration, promoting healthier root growth
- Watering is easier with leca
- The leca balls retain moisture and allows your plant to draw water from them when it needs it, which means you don't have to worry about overwatering
- There is also less of a risk of underwatering since water is store in the leca. Even when the reservoir is dry, your plant still has access to water for a period of time
- Additionally, transferring your plants from soil to LECA can further enhance their growth and vitality, providing improved drainage, root health, and overall growth.
Can your plant stay in leca forever ?
- Yes it is possible for plants to stay forever in Leca!
To do so, you'll need to follow some steps - Feed your plants with NPK fertilizer, because LECA itself doesn't provide any nutrients.
- Do not have plants in LECA that prone to pests
- Give your LECA balls a cleanse once in a while to remove dirt and dead plant matters
Disadvantages of using Leca
- It can be expensive to transition from soil to leca
- Unlike soil, Leca does not contain nutrients so you must fertilize that with hydroponics
- It can be hard to find pots that work with a LECA set up
- Transferring plants to LECA is time consuming and isn't always successful
- In winter, you hardly have to water it at all but still, always check the moisture of the soil before watering,
Leca, or Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate, offers numerous advantages for plant growth, making it a popular choice among gardening enthusiasts. Its ability to provide the right balance of water and air to plant roots promotes healthy growth while reducing the risk of pests and overwatering. Leca's neutral pH and inorganic nature make it ideal for use in semi-hydroponic setups, aiding in propagation and growth without the need for traditional soil. Additionally, the ease of watering and potential for long-term plant maintenance in Leca further enhance its appeal. However, it's important to consider the initial investment and potential challenges such as nutrient supplementation and transitioning plants to Leca. Overall, when used effectively, Leca can significantly contribute to the success and longevity of your plant collection, offering a sustainable and efficient growing medium for a variety of species.
