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I’m Maria, a lover of furry things, coffee and anything creative. This blog is where I love to share affordable home decor ideas, great DIYs, yummy recipes, unique crafts and so much more.
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10 thoughts on “How to Convert Plants to LECA: A Semi Hydroponic System”
Thanks so much for this article, Maria. I learned so much! I know you mentioned that the roots should not be touching the water in the reservoir initially, and eventually the root system will grow towards the water. Is it safe to leave the roots in the water after it’s grown out? Or do I have to dump out the leca and readjust the roots so it doesn’t touch the water every time it grows.
Great question! So I do have some that root system is touching the water. I think if your plant is easily propagated in water, then these root systems don’t mind the contact. A great example of this is with pathos. All pathos propagate easily in water and will grow roots in water easily.
If you have a fragile root network, such as with peperomia, then I don’t let the roots maintain contact. They will easily rot with too much moisture.
I hope that makes sense!
Cheers,
Maria
Hi, thank you so much for this incredibly useful breakdown. It has helped me tremendously! Can I ask if you have successfully transitioned a fiddle leaf fig to leca, and if so, how did you do it? Thank you.
Mia,
I’m so glad this has helped! I HAVE! They actually liked the transition. Now, I did have a little diva moment after I transferred. I didn’t have a very large fig, but it was happy in the long run. I highly recommend it! It’s SO much better than the overwatering issues I had in the past.
Good luck and let me know how it goes for you if you pull the trigger and try it!
Cheers,
Maria
BEST explanation of converting to LECA! I’ve been reading and asking questions for weeks! Thank you!
Hello Maria-
What are your thoughts on PON vs. LECA and is one better than the other?
Thank you and thanks for an informative article LECA.
Thank you so much for the breakdown! I’m excited to try LECA 🙂
One typo however, your tip on adjusting pH is inverse. pH down is for a solution that is too alkaline/basic (high numbers like 8+ but want to bring it down to 5.5-6.5), and pH up is for a solution too acidic (closer to 4 but want to bring it up to 5.5-6.5 range).
Thanks again!!
Faith,
Thank you for the correction! I will edit the copy above to reflect.
Thanks for reading along and good luck with your LECA endeavors! It really has helped my houseplant journey. 😀
Cheers,
Maria
A must try method of planting. I will no longer overwater my plants.
Thanks for this new idea…
Martin,
I promise you, this will help! You need just a little water in your catch pot. I wish you all the luck!
Cheers,
Maria