Grow plants without soil using pumice (not LECA) | semi hydroponics

[@benjiplant]

i forgot to mention something in the video that i just remembered right now haha. Another huge plus for me is that because pumice is a single ingredient, i don’t have to worry about purchasing a bunch of different soil mix ingredients, like soil, perlite, and orchid bark. It’s always a pain when I run out of one ingredient of my soil mix and I have to go out purchase a orchid bark or something lol. lately i’ve really been trying to simplify and deciliter my plant care so pumice has been a great step in that direction!

[@josgalvan]

You explain so well. I'm excited to try this method as I've seen it a lot on social media. Btw i'll start saving for the poster :)))

[@xluisx5121]

I know this might be off topic to the video but can you make a video on your planted aquariums like how to get one started and such getting it balanced idk I think it would make a good video

[@sherryporsch9349]

May I ask where you get your pumice?

[@maveljagow5093]

@@sherryporsch9349 i want to know too

[@benjiplant]

@@sherryporsch9349 I get my pumice from my local nursery, but you could also purchase it on amazon. It will be more expensive though since you're also having to pay for shipping. I don't think I've seen pumice at stores like Lowes, or Home Depot, but they have it at every garden center I've been to!

[@virgaux8]

he was talking about 3k subs and few weeks later he’s almost at 15k 🥺 i’m lucky enough to be here this early to watch him grow as a creator plant dad and as a person ❤️ i sound like my mom ew

[@benjiplant]

haha no it’s appreciated, tysm 😭

[@ireneb3433]

Are you kidding me!? 15K three months ago and now (1 Sept 2021) nearly ***60K***!! Dude, you rock!!! Keep doin' what you're doing ... I think you're super cool!

[@dannettesavas3269]

Shoot I’m 71 and I find myself sounding like my mother but I miss her so it’s OK but that was funny

[@katleiz]

Popping in to say this works like a charm. I've had pothos and philodendron in pumice and water for months now. They've grown roots and the plant is really healthy. I use this method when i'm trying to rescue an overwatered plant. The only con is that they grow a lot slower than the ones in soil.

[@yuralala742]

Do you think this will work on Pothos Njoy and Manjula? :)

[@PonyundSchleichfan]

I really want a aquarium tour! I love kinda messy/overgrown aquariums where the animals are living their best life, even if its less pleasurable for the eye😬🥰

[@benjiplant]

I think I will soon! I showed them a little bit in my newest video :)

[@kawibee9009]

Quick note on using tap water! Lots of tropical plants can get fluoride toxicity. City water especially has fluoride in it. So, if you see yellowing of your leaves then it could be that. Letting your tap water sit for a day or two gets rid of it.

[@janezheltov129]

Hi! Fluoride actually won't evaporate by letting the water sit for any length of time.

[@kawibee9009]

@@janezheltov129 oh my mistake then! I gotta find a different method then.

[@joshfabregas7162]

@@janezheltov129 lmao omg

[@priscillahainge8790]

Maybe you meant chlorine?

[@jericonaguit6240]

VOCs you mean

[@joshimayumnam3859]

He's soo cute. Also I subscribed, couldn't resist the cuteness.

[@zhangdan5290]

Yep I want to be his friend!

[@quinz509]

Truuuuueee i cant stop watching his video bc ughhh cmon the face

[@justagirlandherplants3574]

Your right. He is sweetie

[@MultiNiser]

Same here 😂😂😂

[@allytupasii6925]

Same HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@overtheraynebow1998]

I been waiting for someone to post a video on semi hydro in pumice! Thank you~

[@manuelmosne308]

I think Im gonna start propagating and growing my plants in pumice now. It looks so convenient. Very informative video :)

[@hannachan3075]

This shows that you’ve put serious thought into your hydro plants

[@katherinedarwent818]

This video has blown my mind, I’ve been looking for an alternative to Leca, you have inspired me and now I got some of my rares in pumice! I’m nervous but excited. Thank you 💕

[@liliaconcepcion4330]

I subscribed because I like the way he spend his time instead of just playing with his gadgets..

[@metaloopa6907]

You sound like such a boomer lmao

[@Pt0wN973b0iI]

I REALLY LIKE HOW HE SHAKES THINGS! HE MAKES IT LOOK COZY!😄

[@drf2832]

This way of growing indoor plants is - maybe - an option for those who are sensitive to molds. I just started hydroponics to grow food indoors. I guess that is why your video ended up in my feed. I subscribed. Maybe these topics for other videos: Selecting a container, Lighting, How to handle diseases, What to do if plant is root bound, Best plants for most color, etc. Great poster!

[@aloisavincecruz]

Ooh your results got me tempted...I’m definitely gonna have to try this method out! And congrats on your poster! Can’t wait for it to drop on your Etsy 🤩

[@BellsRing]

Thank you for sharing this! I've been experimenting with a pumice/lava rock mix because I also don't like how loose my plants are in leca.. and I feel better knowing you had success with it. but I'm having the hardest time converting some plants from soil to pumice. it seems like the plants with finer root systems hate pumice if there's even a trace of soil left on the root.. I'd love a video on how you prep your plants when you convert your soil plants to semi hydro.. and which plants failed vs succeeded. Oh and also I love your 2gallon with a spout.. I currently use pitchers but I think I'm gonna try that 💚

[@benjiplant]

i’ve had some trouble transferring very established soil plants to pumice, but usually new pumice roots grow quickly. For my large alocasia that i transferred to pumice, I had initial rot on old roots, but new roots grew in their place pretty fast. After a bit i unpotted it, removed the rotted roots and placed it back in pumice. It’s been good ever since. But yeah, Ideally it’s best to start plants from pumice

[@sandramalone3522]

This kid is so knowledgeable. And hes cute too.

[@FlowerPower1000]

Let me just point out the great work you’ve done in the description box!! There is reference and links for everything mentioned..extremely helpful! AMAZING!!! Keep it up and OBV your collection is impressive...I hope ONE DAY....... 😊😍 XO from Greece!

[@kcf]

BENJI your full of love and pashion for plants really admired me and the perfectness on how u demonstrated it in the video was so cool. It’s the first time I knew about pumice and that was just amazing tips so neat I always had lots of troubles with my indoor plants with the soil, messes and also little friends (small flies) around my plants and now u made my life easier thankyou. Theeee best.

[@fionarose673]

You have done a tremendous job with your channel and content. You are knowledgeable and I have learned a great deal from you. Also you have a calm and relaxing manner which makes your content easy to digest. I look forward to seeing you grow in your passions and share more amazing stuff as you do. Thanks so much for posting! 🙂

[@shyra233]

I feel like a big sister watching her cute little brother. I wish my brothers are like you, who loves plants and is cute☺☺☺. I just subscribed and waiting for more videos. Thank you.

[@beatriz2420]

please make sure to ship to the EU when you put the poster on the shop :) thanks for the videos, from france !

[@tams7411]

And Australia! :D

[@Speedyhdb]

@@tams7411 Hell yeah!

[@notmargaret2458]

I’ve had great luck with pumice as a growth media. I use it when a plant in soil is ready to be repotted, retain the soil on the root ball and fill the new surrounding pot with pumice. After a couple months, the repotted plants grow like crazy, even in winter. And the pumice removes the fear of overwatering. I was recently unsure of when to water, so this video was helpful. Thank you!

[@katleiz]

Glad to have found someone as obsessed with plants as me 🥰🌱

[@claylow5337]

U are such an eye candy on this gloomy day to brighten myself up like a plant to sunshine.

[@AndiLeeF]

I just discovered your channel yesterday and I ❤️ you! 🪴🌱🌿🌸

[@benjiplant]

thank you!!

[@drewhoran116]

Hey Benji love your videos! I think it would be really cool if you did a video on your favorite products across the board (fertilizer, substrates etc) just plant product essentials. Also a care video for monsteras maybe in the future! I want to learn how to grow the really big leaves. Thanks sm!!

[@benjiplant]

thanks! i like that video idea :)

[@sparticusharlo2627]

Thanks Benji! I love how you are so interested to learn and experiment with different horticulture techniques. I started young too and really have a green thumb...so I'm told. It's fun and for me never boring. You do a great job!

[@taraboyd9516]

I love your poster! I really enjoy your videos. You have a nice chill energy 😊👍

[@genegnog2709]

hi benji! i love watching your videos. ill definately make an investment in your poster when it comes out because it looks so pretty - hopefully it ships to australia!

[@benjiplant]

i’ll look into shipping internationally! i’m hoping shipping isn’t too costly, thank you!

[@alcurtis93]

Wouldn't personally call this semi hydroponics but more just growing in pumice as a fully inorganic growing medium. A lot of succulents guys do it with haworthia etc. You don't even need semi hydroponic specific fertiliser because there's no constant reservoir of water that's wicking up. Thanks for sharing regardless and spreading the plant love

[@kyozoa9090]

thanks your guide. before I did the semi-hydroponic cultivation, so upgraded my love plants. pumice, tap water, and so on.

[@bluebuury]

You can also check the condensation on the side of the cup to see if the substrate is dry or not.

[@MorganaDevina80]

I've been into pumice for quite a while. Good that you've made a video so people can see how great it is! Pumice is more enironmentally friendly than LECA and perlite, since it's straight from the volcano. Whereas LECA and perlite is "puffed" upp like popcorn in ovens, wich obviously is bad for the enironment... I use the same method with pumice as you do, but also in other ways. Such as adding 20% bentonite clay which "The Swedish plant guys" mention in their videos, if u haven't seen them, they are really good as well. Happy summer from Sweden.

[@aineobaud1911]

May I ask, what additional function and/or benefit does the clay provide with pumice in this setting?

[@dabittyslaya]

@@aineobaud1911 soaking up nutrients. Pumice doesn't do it by itself well

[@beautifulstems1631]

I can’t get enough of this video! Can you do an update on you’re plants in pumice?

[@chantaycarey]

Thanks for sharing. I started converting all my plants to leca but I have over 100 plants and Leca ain't cheap. Thanks for this alternative!

[@leoismyrealname]

I love his energies he’s so nice and cute ✨

[@DRspeed-qg7oq]

Very well explained video and easy to understand and the poster is awesome! Great job hope to view more of you videos 😎

[@winnieadour1754]

wow that PPP is absolutely breathtaking

[@christinachen1152]

Good job explaining Benji. i m vacillating between leca n pumice but looking at your plants i will go with pumice. wish me success!

[@kevinbelsey872]

Very informative. You are a natural.

[@monskiteer4111]

Thank you for sharing this info! Been looking for pumice semi-hydro but sadly couldn't find any. They mostly use pumice but now that you've done it then might as well use pumice as an alternative to leca & perlite cause it's cheap here in the Ph. Will subscribe and hope you continue making quality content 😊💚🙏🌱 Have a plantastic day and stay safe!

[@wendygan8213]

A couple of my plants aren't doing well. Will definitely give yr method a try and hope to rescue them. So glad I came across yr video today.

[@jamesenriquez3951]

Too adorable and his videos are not too long and straight to the point. Subscribing now ❤️

[@Aleks-yw6lg]

Thank you for this video it helped me decide if I should put my smaller plants in to Leca but I’m going to use pumice

[@nourishyoursoultv8352]

Could you please do a video on growing succulents in pumice? I’ve been thinking it would be incredible to see roots in a clear container and here you are!!! Nice Sychronicity!! 🌱😉 Thanks 🙏🏻 keep up great videos

[@michellecastro2475]

Love your video and your plants. Very soothing voice. Will be watching more. Ty☺️

[@albertcalibo]

YT recommended your channel and love how you vlog. Just nice and easy. Im also in to plants but mainly succulents, but I am subbing your channel just in case I will expand my collection and maybe get into houseplants too.

[@MorganaDevina80]

U can have many different plants in pumice and/or semihydro :)

[@teamothy]

Thank you so much for this content Benji From Thailand

[@SachiAmores]

Enjoyed watching this! Will definitely try rooting my plants in pumice. Thanks!

[@zoraydaespiritu4830]

Hi! I accidentally found your channel and I’m glad I did. I really enjoy watching your videos. I find it very informative and I’ve watched a lot of plant videos in my lifetime. Plus, your voice is very soothing. A bonus! I’m not totally sold yet in doing semi-hydroponic but I have a few plants that I’m currently growing in Leca. And you’re right about the Leca being expensive and sometimes not readily available. So pumice sounds very promising to me. Do you only use pumice exclusively as your growing media?

[@benjiplant]

thank you! and no i use an equal parts pumice, soil, and orchid bark mix for most of my larger. Or i use a 50% soil, 50% pumice/perlite mix

[@zoraydaespiritu4830]

@@benjiplant Thank you for your reply.

[@kathlenemcclain9044]

@@benjiplant why is that? Or is this because straight pumice is something you are mainly doing moving forward? I did read in your previous answers that you’ve had a few seemingly minor issues with transferring from soil, so just curious if this was what is holding you back or if maybe you just haven’t gotten to it, or ? So how about I quit guessing and you share why? 😂

[@benjiplant]

@@kathlenemcclain9044 I think the main reason is that most of my plants in soil are doing well. I don’t really see a need to transfer them to pumice, plus i’m a little lazy to do so lol. They’re also extremely established, so it would lead to a lot of shock+root die back and it would take forever to remove all the soil

[@generaltrash2864]

thank you for this! i'll try this to my plants! this is easy for me because pumice is so cheap here in the philippines, for 10kg of pumice, it will only cost 2 to 3 dollars.

[@ronnalexiscastillo8701]

Not a question but i love ur craft! 💛 keep going im rooting for u 🌱✨

[@matinho3765]

Love the background music!

[@alfredarogers5197]

Thank you so very much for this video. I do use leca a lot but will definitely try the pumice. Keep those videos coming. 🌿💚🤗

[@knight32d]

Benji, hats off to you for an amazing video. Thank you for your genuineness and take your planting hobby to its fullest. I hope I can fund pumice in my area. Keep it up. Stay safe! Cheers.

[@chiemo]

Thank you for this tutorial. Short but sweet.

[@lamp6938]

Benji thanks so much for making this video! How long can you keep the mixed nutrient water for?

[@vinsoriano493]

I’ve been experimenting with rooting node cuttings in semi hydro with perlite and there’s much less mold and fungal issues with it than spagnum.

[@FredTheFicusAndFriends]

The problem I find with spag is it is ridiculously difficult to get that stuff off the roots if they've been allowed to root out longer. With pumice and perlite it washes off so much easier if you wish to change your substrate.

[@khamjailungthaimei2095]

really ❤️ ur idea on how u grow ur plants.....👍👍👍...... thanks 4 sharing.....

[@baekbom]

I want to try this method on my plants. For some reason I was afraid to try this before but your plants are OK 👍

[@marcelveldbloem7431]

Good vid 👍🏾 Do you fertilize every time you water your plants , or do you skip

[@melindajwiik]

GREAT PRO TIP!!! 👍

[@khalanithompson457]

I love this channel man

[@benjiplant]

tysm 😭

[@thomasreddychannel5631]

Hye..i just subscribed to your channel..which i think you have given me a good idea how to keep my indoor plants better rather than simple use water..love your idea...tq so much for creating this content..Superbs...❤ from Malaysia..

[@lakeiaburgess2902]

Thank you Benji, you’re such a resource for me, keep up the good videos💕

[@nicholasgoodden-londonurba1769]

Dude you are cool, stay humble, love your style

[@tyrowevlog2344]

i love your videos and i learned a lot from you. thank you so much. greetings from the Philippines.

[@selvanpather4790]

HI Thanks for the content. How often do you use the liquid fertiliser ? Every watering or once every 3-4 weeks. thanks

[@keepingupwithkidd7005]

I recently transferred a few of my rarer plants to lechuza/ my own homemade pon and water as normal (with nutrients). I can tell already that my plants in the substrate are really loving it, the only downside to not having a reservoir is that the substrate dries out super quick within 3-4 days.

[@benjiplant]

yeah, it can dry out pretty quick, but i believe pumice holds more water than azeolite/lava rock. So if you want to adjust the ratio to favor pumice, that might extend the drying time.

[@Seattlegal2]

Absolutely brilliant video. Exactly what I’ve been looking for.

[@avymaize8061]

recently subscribed and been binge watching your videos 😭

[@mskavang9294]

Hi watched your plant tour and i got curious of the substrate that you used, will try out pumice.. I have been using leca balls all this while. Tq for the info.

[@LifewithAshleyAnita]

Fantastic information! Thank you love! 💚

[@Nikibaby74]

Im old enough to be your mom but you are so adorable! I wish my son was into plants this much :)

[@Nikibaby74]

Oh also I saw you have a Frydek in pumice.....I have two Frydeks that are not doing so hot rn. I think Im going to semi-hydro those suckers! Thanks!!

[@tofugeneral]

Hi Benji! Thanks for the informative video! You’ve been soooo helpful in my plant journey! I’m curious why you use half of the recommended dose for your fertilizer? Thank you!

[@RKDivaDP]

Thanks, good luck with the posters. Go for it!

[@Autonomous_Don]

That dusty outer coating is essentially broken down silica It’s soooo good for plants

[@marierejoiceinjesus3846]

At 9:00, you mentioned 30,000 subscribers. Wow, you have grown fast.

[@GrowInFlorida]

Such a cute watering setup you've got!

[@rahadichannel]

Really inspiring room, that's cool loves to plants indoor 😍😍😍

[@justme4037]

I'm completely new to the "plant game". I'm starting with a monstera deliciosa and a string of pearls. Soo exiteeed :)

[@gordoncaldwell5597]

You said you feel like a chemist, also you are an excellent botanist and very good teacher. I am wondering if the pumice residue is all that bad since plants must have to deal with it in nature. You wouldn’t want it to build up and form a cement on the bottom, but any other experiences?

[@sunsetleavesmosspole9361]

Great tips Benji!

[@gareyespintillamantv1863]

Thank you for sharing with us a great idea. Now I know that plants can live with a pumice.

[@happypkg418]

Thank you. This was very informative, so happy I was sent your video. I subscribed!

[@bobenton8841]

Hi Benji! Great video and info. One note, can you rinse the pumice over grass or an area that may need water instead of letting it run on the concrete so the water is not wasted. 🌱💚🌱

[@micahmcdonald7113]

For someone with allergies (to mold, dust and redwood bark, for instance), what would you think the best growing medium would be? I’m thinking Leca or pumice??

[@bhonbanaken7338]

Hi Benji. Can you please please show us how you water those plants in glass vases. Thank you🤗🤗

[@alfredhall2807]

Your channel rocks Benji! Any tips on how to repot from soil to semi- hydroponics?

[@charlesdeuter]

Good video, and good recommendation for foliage pro. Organic fertilizers are generally not good for passive hydro and many of the typical hydroponics fertilizers you will buy are formulated for non-recirculating systems. Foliage pro has a good nitrate to ammoniun ratio which prevents pH from drifting.

[@srabonimenezes6100]

Great video! I am new at hydroponics. Please tell me what size pumice to use for house plants.

[@atesam]

Firts time to watch your vlog wow. amazing.

[@nataliet8149]

Wonderful video + explanation! I didnt know what it was called, but I do this exact thing with Perlite! Be careful with perlite dust if you choose that medium. But I get very similar results as you. I will have to try pumice now

[@SummerRamirez]

I've done this for my lucky bamboos as an experiment and I'm happy with the results compared to my other lucky bamboos in pebbles and water. I've yet to try it for other plants but I've deduced from that it works.

[@aineobaud1911]

What a great idea!

[@hmeallaround7671]

Hi Benji...I love watching your videos and learned a lot out of it such as the medium you've used in your delicate and beautiful plants..I super love them .Like I am also a plantito from Mindanao Philippines I have a collections of Calatheas and some Philodendron..keep vloging and keep safe always..

[@benjiplant]

thank you!

[@daviafenton8938]

You. Are. Frickin. Adorable! I love your music choice and content and you have inspired me to use pumice and charcoal AND get an Asparagus fern. Period. 🥴💋

[@plantzmom7010]

Another amazing and informative video. Can you make one video of pumice and charcoal too please, what type of charcoal do you use, like regular barbque one or there is special kind for plants.

[@benjiplant]

Hey! so i actually added charcoal to one of my plants only because I ran out pumice haha, but if you were to use charcoal, use horticultural charcoal

[@islandbotanysoapco]

Hey, Just found your channel! Love the plants in pumice. I killed 30 Hoyas and approximately 50 house plants with Leca! I hate dirt so I’ll keep a close eye on your pumice plants to see if I feel safe transplanting my 100+ plants to that medium. Just subbed!

[@evelyn_torres]

What didn’t work for you that you killed your plants? 😣 I am about to try pumice with my hoyas! But i am gonna try one by one 😬

[@isobeltian2455]

Hi Benji, thank you so much! I Love your video and personality! :) Question: for containers that don’t have drainage holes, how much water do you put??? And how to know when to water them??? Pls pls pls see my questions….🙏🙏🙏

[@brendaperez8620]

@benjiplant did you have a chance to answer this question? I'm SUPER interested to know too!

[@pasfio8533]

i love your room so much !!!