My LECA Experience/Routine/Update + A Repot 💦

[@1didi64]

watching fern is always the highlight of my day 🥰

[@wildfern]

[@kertmelinda]

I get sooo excited when she uploads a new video ♥️

[@jessjacobo6578]

Agreed!!

[@colerobison6565]

I’m so proud of the Thai constellation for growing a new leaf!!

[@wildfern]

Me toooo!! Ahhh it looks pretty big too, it's just about to start unfurling now!

[@mollysgotmakeup13]

When I got my Thai constellation it was rotting in the soil it was in during shipping. So I put it in water for a little bit until the roots came back, then transferred it to moss and I was thinking about putting it in soil but because of all the problems you had with yours I just put mine in LECA last weekend! Thank you for showing us the good and ad parts of keeping houseplants because it really does help other people!

[@wildfern]

So glad to hear that! I hope it does awesome

[@cooldudeyo06]

I never pH my water and all my plants are thriving in LECA so you'll be fine! Also, like all alocasias, the black velvet's outer leaves will yellow and fall off. Just FYI so you don't think it's due to the leca when it happens. 😁

[@wildfern]

Amazing - thanks!!

[@jeffzimmerman25]

Do you need to use the nutrient water with Leca?

[@katiewilliams9273]

I don't use leca , but I heard people talk about rinsing it outside because it will clog your pipes . Just a fyi for anyone thinking about using it. Love your videos Fern, keep up the great work 🤗

[@wildfern]

Yes thanks for mentioning that! I do it outside with a hose

[@leahthomas9394]

Yay a new video!! Hope you’re doing well and you’re not dealing with fleas anymore... what a headache!

[@wildfern]

Thank you 💗 fleas are better but not gone 🙄- hopefully soon!!

[@colleennisbet3727]

Thanks for making something complicated clear and easy to understand and put into practice! Funny enough I also have a Black Velvet Alocasia about the same size that I’m putting into Leca today for the first time. I hope I have as much luck as you - your plants look beautiful! Also, thanks for being honest about the ph question! You’re a gem and keep the videos coming!

[@devenandplants7253]

Hey there! You can definitely use terra cotta as the outer pot for your plastic pot. You can buy an "adhesive hanger" to plug the hole at the bottom. And if you have a tray too that'd be great.

[@luciafeltovich896]

the little velvet alocasia is so cute! i have a similar one and he loves leca so i’m sure yours will do well. the thing about ph adjusting your water is that plants can only uptake certain nutrients at certain ph levels, so eventually you’re going to want/need to adjust the ph to make sure the plant is actually receiving the nutrients you’re putting into the water. the range for nutrient absorption is about 5 to 6.5 if i remember correctly. you could get a cheap ph test kit first, because it’s possible your water is already in that range and you don’t need to adjust it.

[@wildfern]

Thanks so much! I will venture into that one day and I have my fingers crossed that the pH is already good here hehe 🤞

[@KT-lu2jy]

I actually found ph-perfect nutrient solution on Amazon, which automatically stabilizes the pH value to something between 5-6.5 (I think this works via a buffer solution, which leads to the pH changing very little even if large amounts of water are added to the nutrient concentrate). I don't know if it's for sale outside of the EU, but I find the pH-stabilizing process extremely annoying, especially because the pH will actually change back over time after adjusting it. This makes things easier!

[@ellinope9983]

@@KT-lu2jy Hi this is really random, but would you mind sharing the name of the product? :) it sounds very interesting

[@KT-lu2jy]

@@ellinope9983 they are called "ADV Nutrients - pH Perfect Pack (Grow, Micro, Bloom)" on Amazon. I am based in Germany so I don't know whether you will find it where you live. But fingers crossed! 🤞🏼

[@ellinope9983]

@@KT-lu2jy haha danke! Wohne auch in Deutschland :)

[@blueelakee]

i swear your videos work better than my depression pills, keep slaying it girl!

[@wildfern]

Hahahah awe - thank you! I’m so glad they make you happy 💗

[@penn6693]

I always hear about Leca but I've never seen anyone do it, thank you for demonstrating!

[@j_lindemann]

They sell clear plastic pot inserts that are typically 4" deep at most big box hardware stores and some garden supply stores as well. That's what I use for my terra cotta pots as water reservoirs. Depending on the size of your cache pot you can also repurpose the small round takeaway containers that they use at most (thai, chinese, etc.) restaurants. I use those as well. Good luck!

[@corinnab.5902]

Hey Fern! To make your terracotta pots.. i didn‘t tried it myself but i think (and i really hope this is correct translation) potassium water glass could help you.. in germany you can buy it in a local drugstore. It‘s just glasdust mixed with soda or potash (again:?) It is sometimes just for brickwalls so they woun‘t suck up that much rainwater. Hope i can help you. ✌️

[@wildfern]

Thank you!!

[@maddeeheely5758]

I wonder if you could spray the inside of a terracotta pot with some type of pond seal paint, or just a paint that isn’t permeable to water. And then just plug the drainage hole with some putty or something.

[@leafandliah]

so excited for your thai!! the issue with root rot makes me want to try leca, and it's nice that leca can be reused!

[@wildfern]

Yes totally - it’s awesome :)

[@susanzielbauer9256]

Looks like you have “settled in” nicely!Lovin’ your new work area! I have never tried Leca, I’m a terra cotta pot girl as well. Looking forward to following your Leca experiences! 👩‍🌾💚

[@wildfern]

Thank you so much for watching x

[@rebeccareeve9330]

I also love terra cotta and that stopped me from transferring my plants to leca. When I switched, I bought cheap cover pots and then spray painted them with a terra cotta color. You can't even really tell the difference when they're all up on the shelf together.

[@wildfern]

OH MY GOSH - this is genius! Thank you!!

[@MackinRat]

I switched a pothos, monstera, and syngonium to leca not too long ago and they have been THRIVING. I haven’t been able to find any orchid nursery pots to put into a cache pot so I have just drilled holes into glass and plastics I have laying around!

[@wildfern]

Ahhh amazing!!

[@MyPonces]

Saving my thai with Leca too!! It seems to be working 👌🏻 my alocasia black velvet loves the leca life!

[@wildfern]

Ahhh amazing!! I hope my black velvet thrives too!

[@kaitlinwildey2562]

Your Thai constellation is beautiful! Please do a house tour of your new place once you’re all settled in. Take care Fern 💜

[@wildfern]

I will 😊😊😊

[@jessicar8141]

Thanks for the update! I am super tempted to experiment with leca. What hold me back is having to buy the HUGE seemingly lifetime supply of nutrients. I've never found small bottles anywhere.

[@wildfern]

Right haha I was like holy crap when those huge bottles came in the mail lol

[@amalie3624]

Transferred my monstera deliciosa and adisonii to leca becuase of root rot, and because your thai constellation was doing so well! So far so good, I’m considering transfering more of my plants to leca 💚

[@wildfern]

Awesome! I can't wait to transfer more too :)

[@markcuzman1523]

Great video! Please make your next video about how you make your soil!!

[@D0J0Master]

You could try spraying a clear coat on your terracotta to keep water in!

[@wildfern]

True, what about the drainage hole at the bottom though!

[@D0J0Master]

@@wildfern Hmmm, could put some putty or duck tape the hole really good on the inside before you add the clear coat

[@kourtneys.plant.korner765]

Get some medication syringes and using elastic band to hold one onto each bottle. Makes it super easy to measure

[@wildfern]

Frig you’re smart

[@skyepuffle]

Ah! Such a cute new plant. One day I have to try lecca, perhaps with some orchids.

[@wildfern]

Yes!!

[@crazyplantlady4382]

glad your plants are thriving much love fern

[@wildfern]

Thanks so much

[@whitneypolk9170]

I was just re watching this and my local greenhouse actually sells terra cotta pots with no holes! If I could attach a photo I would!

[@wildfern]

What! Amazing!

[@whitneypolk9170]

I’ll send one on Instagram!

[@Ali-enAdventures]

I just got a black velvet recently too. They're so adorable!

[@wildfern]

Ahh aren’t they!!

[@dstnyvrsn4806]

Maybe check out self water planters on Amazon? You can get a pack of them for pretty cheap

[@mfowler2313]

Great video! I use a syringe to add my nutrients to plants ! It helps make less mess and alot of them have measurements ! :) Love watching your plant journey! Id love to see a series about winter plant care! 👀❄️

[@wildfern]

This is so smart lol! And thank you!! Ps keep your eyes peeled for mondays vid ;) x

[@kirasjourney4847]

The alocasia is beautiful!! New wishlist plant!

[@wildfern]

Thank you! Sadly she’s dying on me loool :( so I need to find another one too. Rip

[@kirasjourney4847]

@@wildfern oh no!! Is it not doing well after you repotted it?! So sad!

[@honmun1986]

I thought you were drinking the hydroponic solution after mixing it 3:50

[@feliciafelicia6965]

I'm tempted to try semihydro with rover rocks, seem like same concept, but cheaper

[@wildfern]

They have to be porous to be able to bring up the water to all of the roots. You can do it with a few different things, I think perlite works too!

[@Samm6977]

I've seen some people plug the drainage holes in terracotta with sticky-tack (or whatever you call the putty stuff used to hang posters on walls). Should be waterproof & removable just don't know how long it would hold up

[@wildfern]

Thank you!!

[@Limbothy]

Would you recommend someone switch all of their plants from soil to leca? I also don’t want any critters with soil >.

[@wildfern]

It's really up to you, some people transfer pretty much their entire collection to leca :) I am going to slowly transfer more and see how it goes.

[@Limbothy]

@@wildfern okay, thanks. I think I might do the same-start with one or two leca plants and then add more

[@flowergirllove21]

Leca can still get critters, any pest actually just less likely to get gnats. 💚

[@tresgooch]

You look great and so upbeat after your move. Thanks for more leca info. I’m still chicken to try.

[@wildfern]

Thanks so much 🥰

[@Highlander-qf8ho]

Hey Fern You might want to try some Superthrive! I use it as soon as I transfer my plants over it’s suppose to help with the transition for the roots. After that drys up I start to use fertilizer.

[@wildfern]

Yes!! I did use that to start out - I forgot to mention it! Love superthrive.

[@Highlander-qf8ho]

You go girl love ya video! Keep up the good work!

[@peaches1431]

So happy for you and your Tai c. plant. Also now I'm doing pon for my Hoya, it great too. LOVE YOUR VIDEOS.!!! ❤️😍💖❤️😍💖

[@TheNIJUAL]

Really nice thinking about switching have to do more research be blessed keep growing

[@elaizamaemejinorivera695]

Im liking your new place and set up! 😍

[@wildfern]

Thanks so much!

[@MishlerFurramily]

I recently got a Monstera from etsy that doesn't seem to be doing great in soil. My baby monstera is doing well in soil but my bigger one isn't. I just heard about leca for the first time yesterday. But I think I might want to try it. I'm fairly new to plants, and I've already had to deal with mealybugs on other plants. I just don't want my monstera to die and I feel like the soil just stays wet for too long (currently in terracotta) even after i added perlite to the soil.

[@highwishes9987]

Plug the pot with polymer clay and the bake it in the oven. Never tried this but I think it would work. Or maybe use a bathroom caulking or a more semi permanent solution!

[@wildfern]

Ahhh smart!

[@Concretejunglediary]

Hey Fern! How exiting!! Looks like your Thai constellation is so happy and loving that LECA life!! I’m thinking about putting mine into LECA too?! I just took her out of the water and put her into soil but I already started putting few other plants into LECA this week, for the first time! So I’m anxious to see their progress, my Thai girl might be next 😍🙌🏻

[@wildfern]

Ahh awesome! Good luck. It’s so exciting 🥰

[@migs0501]

its comforting to know you dont check the ph of the solution.. the nutrient solution i ordered arrived today and i didnt check the ph.. goodluck to me..

[@quianawalton9326]

Hey fern how do I prepare my plants for the winter and tips I just got a moisture meter and I’m thinking of getting a grow light any Suggestions

[@wildfern]

Yes I’d definitely get a grow light! Make sure they aren’t too close to cold windows, and not having heat blown on them from a vent either.

[@quianawalton9326]

wildfern ok thanks and I have been moving plants away from the windows

[@quianawalton9326]

Also fern do you have any Suggestions on what grow lights I should get from Amazon

[@gizyucmel]

How do i choose what products to use in the water other than florogro and florobloom?

[@elliottstirrop4353]

love your videos! can’t wait for more content x

[@wildfern]

Thank you!!

[@rhondafisher72]

I just put a little hoya rooting in leca and it is growing great.. I also don't ph my water either so far all is good.

[@wildfern]

So awesome... I'm itching to put some Hoya in leca.

[@alikenney3683]

You might be able to coat the inside of your terra cotta with acrylic or resin to make it waterproof to work as a cover pot? I haven’t tried this but I’m sure there’s gotta be a way to coat it

[@wildfern]

Ahh yes true!

[@michaktko7345]

I love your tai monstera 😍 and amazing video. Now wait for the next one 🥰 good luck your plants.

[@wildfern]

Thank you!!

[@PeanutsPlants]

I’ve never used leca before, I bought some but never got the nutrients or pots 😂 can’t wait to see a update once that new leaf comes in! 🌿

[@wildfern]

Ahhh do it girl! And me too I can’t wait until she unfurls!!

[@manishamanjrekar7978]

Hello.. I need help.. well can we grow peperomia raindrop in lecca?

[@jonmcintosh8653]

How have I only just discovered you?! I've had some great success with leca and some epic failures. Looking forward to working my way through your videos for some tips. My biggest success has been my dracaena marginata who hated life for years until I got into houseplants properly, and converted it to leca and it's a whole new plant now. But I've also had the occasional plant who has had sudden root rot in leca so not sure what I did wrong with those.

[@wildfern]

Hey! Yes, same! I've struggled with LECA a lot but on the other hand it has totally saved some of my plants. Thank you for watching :)

[@annaaroundhere]

Which nail polish is that?? I love the colour! 💅

[@wildfern]

Thanks! It's by Quo and the shade is "Cloud 9"

[@nadinel.williams-edwards1740]

Did you wash the soil off the roots before reporting on LECA?

[@madamplant]

I didn't get the ph stuff abs nutrients, yet. I got Superthrive? I have a Aglaonema in LECA

[@wildfern]

You can use Superthrive for a few months, but should switch to a more complete nutrient system such as the one from general hydroponics in the future so your plant gets everything it needs :)

[@ann9068]

Verry interesting your leca journey. I'm hesitant about leca although a few of my plants could use it (root rot).

[@wildfern]

Yes it's so helpful for plants prone to rot!

[@louisabyr6826]

Does the Lecca balls have a smell. When I went to change the water, there was a smell.

[@emmaberty]

Eeeeek so pleased to see that new leaf!! Do you know if plants can live in LECA the majority of their beautiful lives?

[@wildfern]

Yes they can :) as long as you’re giving them nutrients

[@flowergirllove21]

You know that you’re supposed to mix each one separately, right? When it comes to the fertilizer. It’s hard to tell if you did that or not, or added them all together at once. It’ll actually cause a nutrient block if not. Just wanted to check 💚

[@priscilla955]

Love your videos fern 😍. Do you think the Leca would work on an Alocasia Polly? The Polly is my favorite looking plant but it’s the only plant I can not keep alive 😫

[@wildfern]

I’ve never tried it but I don’t see why not :)

[@chuswantan3803]

I just started using leca for my plants but after 1 wk there is some sort like white fungus at the top leca . May i know what is the problem?

[@ericjohnson4607]

This makes me want to add one of my babies to leca! Anything to try and AVOID putting in leca?

[@wildfern]

I've heard people generally try to avoid plants that like to stay dry... string of things etc.

[@Imxgen]

also want to add that plants with very fine roots might not do the best either! i’ve read that pothos / monstera / cattleya are good ones to start with 💚

[@migs0501]

i love the ceramic pot..

[@mohammadjalalahmadi1235]

Which one do you find better between Perlite and Leca?

[@chrystalsabin4091]

I absolutely love leca. Great video

[@wildfern]

Thank you!

[@JordanVegBike]

such a chill vid!

[@wildfern]

Thanks!

[@elaizamaemejinorivera695]

I am switching to leca soon, just waiting for my order. Will be referencing to your video 😅

[@cadgon7289]

Do you use just tap water for semi hydro nutrients? I've been doing that, but I see other people use purified or reverse osmosis water if they don't use PH down solution.

[@wildfern]

Yes I just use tap water :)

[@cadgon7289]

@@wildfern thanks!

[@avadigiovanni2956]

Hey Fern, I have a zebra plant that has root rot and was wondering if Leca would be a good option for it as I refuse to let it die 😂 I’ve tried repotting in new soil but it still doesn’t seem happy

[@wildfern]

It's worth a try :)

[@zoltanv9987]

I don't have a thai constellation monstera but I do have a regular one and lately I've been seeing these brown dots all over a couple of the leaves. It still looks healthy overall and even sprouting 4 new leaves. I have never dealt with root rot before but could this be a sign of it? Please help 😭 Love your videos as always 💕

[@wildfern]

I’ve never had that as a sign of root rot. Usually the leaves start completely yellowing and drooping/dying. Or the plant stops growing completely.

[@flowers0fpeace]

I’m glad your plant is doing better! When you put your plant in lecca, do the roots touch the water?

[@wildfern]

Yes they do

[@wildfern]

But not when I first put it in, they’ve just grown down to the water.

[@flowers0fpeace]

wildfern Thank you!! 💚

[@VickyHafler]

I need to try this. Do you know of Hoya would work in leca?

[@wildfern]

Yes they typically love it!

[@MarvinEhlers]

can you give plants alkaline water?

[@annaaroundhere]

Do you need the nutrients? I want to try leca on one fern that dries it quickly on me, but would rather not get all of those nutrients for one small plant

[@wildfern]

Eventually you do yes, or the plant won’t be getting the things it needs to grow/thrive.

[@PlantyMama_]

I am also a terracotta lover. So pretty!

[@wildfern]

Yes 🧡

[@50cocomae]

Hi may i know where I find the net pot from?

[@octopusxoctopus]

Can you please tell what polish you’re wearing on your nails here?

[@wildfern]

It's by Quo and the shade is "Cloud 9" :)

[@ayseipektasdemir7991]

Can ı use lecca in a terracota

[@Sffrntgr]

A perfect video regarding LECA and repotting. I'm new to semi hydroponics being a well versed "Plant Dad" in all things soil and fertilizer. I literally had paralysis by analysis with too many videos and blogs. Your KZbin video was succinct and easy to follow. Thanks for making my day better ✅Liked ✅ Subscribed Carry on... 🪴❤️🙏🏽

[@wildfern]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Moonielv]

Really interesting! Thanks for sharing ✨💚

[@wildfern]

You are so welcome

[@orchidsbythelake]

For regular houseplants, you shouldn’t really worry about pH, I think... my thought is...”what happens when this monsters becomes really heavy and the pot needs to be big... it would also need strong enough pot which hold the weight.... It for sure will work for now but eventually you need to repot to a regular setup... is what I think. Semi-hydro works well for smaller plants though! Many use this setup for hoyas and Orchids which you can control the size of the plants....

[@wildfern]

Ahhh yes true! I wonder if it's hard to convert from Leca to soil??

[@orchidsbythelake]

wildfern for hoyas, they do fine converting to soil... I don’t know about monsteras.... I would think it’s fine...

[@jamesjohnson-tk3gx]

Don't listen to the people telling you not to feed at every watering you always give it food if it's in an inert substrate always always always

[@_alice_nicolau]

such a pretty alocasia!!

[@wildfern]

Thank you 🥺

[@elmarieodendaal2495]

Love the short nails!

[@agabrielamartin]

What kinds of plants are good for leca? Only aeroids? 🧐

[@wildfern]

No you can do many different types! Hoyas love it too :)

[@frannyng4776]

Wouldn't these roots grown in leca be the same kind of roots when just placed in water.

[@randyrubio1296]

Thank you the Leca info!

[@wildfern]

No prob :)

[@plantwithrae3656]

Would love a leca update 💛

[@wildfern]

Noted!

[@structuralplants5420]

Loved this video thank you 🌱🌿😊

[@wildfern]

You are so welcome!

[@dennisjuliano2508]

I am skeptical of this whole LECA trend. I am inclined to think it is a placebo. What actual difference does the LECA make? Maybe the LECA just keeps the plant upright and the same effect can be had by using pumice, which is also a porous material. Could it be possible that your plants are healthier as a result purely of the nutrient water you use? And sans the LECA you will get the same results? Also, how different is the LECA method from propagating the plant in just water? Again, is the LECA just used to keep the plant upright?

[@wildfern]

Semi hydro works with any porous substrate - so yes pumice or perlite would work. The purpose of the substrate is to work via capillary action drawing water up to the roots of the plant. But yes, the nutrient water is necessary for their growth and health. You can do just water but you risk rot! :)

[@dennisjuliano2508]

wildfern Gotcha! I guess we all just travel a universe of mysteries when it comes to what we need to do to make plants thrive. More power to you and thanks for replying! I’m a fan 👍 Keep up the good work and the cool content 🙂

[@blackswan6257]

I saved my alocasia black velvet with leca🥰

[@wildfern]

amazing 👏

[@layanabdullah5705]

Can i transfer a big monstera to leac??!

[@wildfern]

I wouldn't. I'm sure it can be done, but I find the best way is to propagate in water and then transfer to leca. The soil roots will die off and your plant will likely suffer if it doesn't have any water roots yet.

[@krystinawayne3905]

Hey! Where do you get your lecca from?

[@wildfern]

I found it at my local plant shop!

[@DawnsRays]

You can order it on Amazon as well 😃

[@quianawalton9326]

Also I love your videos

[@katbattt]

Hey Fern! I know this is quite an old video and you've since stopped using leca, but in case you ever go back and need to waterproof some terracotta, you can get some silicone from hardware stores and just coat the inside of the pot with silicone!

[@Oof-yn6dt]

Try poking 2 tiny holes in the sealant opposite ends. You’ll get drops as opposed to a pour.

[@sylviagutierrez7676]

They are so cute

[@wildfern]

Thank you!

[@ForkLipped]

Wooo leca!

[@wildfern]

Yes 🙌