Pon Vs Soil | Understanding the Pros and Cons of Lechuza Pon 🌱

[@madalenarodrigues2494]

I found that, in my environment, keeping the pon moist caused root rot so I use it like soil and let it dry between waterings… maybe this could be an option for you in the winter months... 🤔💚

[@RootsReady]

How often do you find that you need to water yours?

[@madalenarodrigues2494]

@@RootsReady it depends on the size of the pot and roots but on average I’d say 10-12 days

[@benoitrosset7400]

It is important to rinse the pon under water before using it for the first time to remove any dust. The pon is very useful to control fungus gnats even for plants in soil. Just put a few centimetres of pon on the surface of the plants.

[@RootsReady]

Great idea! I find that a layer of pon on the top of other pots makes them look slightly better in my opinion.

[@GenRN]

You could do this and top dress with any inorganic material that you like.

[@shirleygonzalez4112]

@@RootsReadyman I was looking into pon and saw your video, when you mention the winter part and root rot that opened my eye and even scared me a bit, I live in Brooklyn, New York in a small apartment. And even though I have steam it also gets cold. So you gave me something to think about 🤦‍♀️🤔😂😂 god dammit!! I also seen people complain about MOLD because of PON…Hope maybe you can do a video on that subject!

[@360revolucion8]

You can use terracotta cash pots/trays for the plants that are in pons so they don't sit it cold water too long. @@RootsReady

[@hennesseyme9112]

I don't wash it since it has fertilizer. Perhaps putting it in a strainer and shaking it yes. I only wash it if there is algae.

[@peggybouillon9737]

For my heavier plants I have from the dollar store a bakers cooling rack and cat litter box that I bring to my plant and set the plant on the rack in the litter box for watering. Hoping this is helpful! 🌿

[@julieoyundo]

This is so smart! I'm copying this!

[@RootsReady]

That's a great idea!

[@flippie8]

You are the first video I have found actually showing real pros and cons. I really really appreciate it and it finally answered whether or not pon would work for what I want set up wise. So thank you so much for the info!

[@RootsReady]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@ConnieP92]

A nice discussion of pros and cons...thank you 🫡 we are moving into autumn and winter months here in Sydney now and I have all my alocasia and calathea/maranta collection in pon as well as the rest of my plants in LECA semi-hydro set ups. And so I was grateful for this vid to remind me to put out my heat mats for them in a month or 2 if the temps drop well below 15C. Granted we don't get the freezing temperatures you do over there in winter but good to keep at the back of my mind nonetheless 👍🏼

[@RootsReady]

Sounds like a great plan! I am glad this was helpful

[@angelzie]

I found that my pon plants do well when I place leca at the bottom of the pot and then add pon on the top. I water up to the leca level and let the roots grow/reach down to the water. I experienced root rot when I filled the whole pot with pon. I now have to go on a replanting spree with some of my pon plants, but I enjoy planting in pon.

[@RootsReady]

That is interesting and perhaps something I will try in the future. For me, I am going to treat them as regular plants during the winter so limit my chances of rot

[@johnwarner291]

I do the same thing. Leca for the bottom inch or so that’s under water and pon for the rest. Works really well.

[@hennesseyme9112]

Some of my plants decline if I don't cover the entire roots with water. Isn't it strange how everyone has a different experience with the same substrate?

[@jessrolls]

Glad I’m not the only one that’s struggled with rot over winter because of pon

[@RootsReady]

It has been quite the learning curve

[@inchofstar]

Just grabbed pon to try on an Anthurium Pedatoradiatum - this was great, thank you

[@FXRG1013]

Love the video and info. Only criticism would be using an AirPod or a clip mic to your shirt as the video has a tunnel sound. Thanks for spending your time to teach these tips!

[@RootsReady]

Thanks for the tips! I hope my latest content is up to scratch. I am developing my setup slowly but surely

[@erinvandermeide2730]

This is the best pros and cons Pon video I’ve seen and I’ve watched a lot. Thank you!

[@msladyjune3285]

I used Pon ,the same ways you do. Works very well for me. Your plants are Gorgeous. Happy Planting 🪴

[@RootsReady]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@jacobdadow8720]

Very informative, I’ve been considering soil alternatives and this gave me some great insight into PON. Great video!

[@RootsReady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@luvinapples7655]

I'm considering using pon. Thanks for the video

[@RootsReady]

I am glad it was helpful

[@carmasplants]

Was debating on trying pon for my anthuriums this was very helpful and i feel you on the root rot 😂

[@RootsReady]

I hope the video helped your to make a decision 😁

[@FoxzLady]

Excellent video! So glad you put so much dedication into the cons! Reality check! Thanks a lot!

[@RootsReady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@GenRN]

Thank you for explaining that it is a small amount of water in the bottom. I thought it was full of water. 🤦🏻‍♀️😂 I’ve been looking for exactly this question to be answered. 10 videos later I find you. Thank you!

[@RootsReady]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for your comment

[@juliehollandblubookkeeping8027]

Great video for learning. I've never used pon or leca but have been tempted. Very informative from your experiences.

[@RootsReady]

You are welcome!

[@carolstuff]

Very helpful info. Thanks for sharing!

[@RootsReady]

My pleasure!

[@aineobaud1911]

Thank you for such an excellent video! This mirrors much of what I’ve experienced with these two substrates. My cooler home temps during the Winter are definitely a deciding factor in what I choose to use.

[@robinprice6879]

Really wonderful information. Thank you.

[@RootsReady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hennesseyme9112]

I put philodendron and monsteras in aroid mix and other plants in PON. I think of the conditions the plants like in nature and mimic it. You have to know which plants do better in what substrate. FYI if you put you Thai constellation in Pon, leave it in Pon. It does love PON and will give you crazy roots, but I killed my first TC when I moved it from PON to cocopeat mix after the roots went crazy in PON. I was told roots are weaker when grown in PON. When I moved it, the heavier cocopeat killed my plant. It started rotting in two days and nothing I did could save it. I now have a beautiful TC I put in a delicious aroid mix I got from Etsy. One day I will prop in PON and leave it there. Also I found that Fluval Stratum does wonders for rehabbing TC if it is not rotting but struggling to root.

[@RootsReady]

Thanks for sharing. I agree with you about the TC. When I bought mine, it arrived in PON however it was bone dry! I tried my best to acclimate it but it started to rot away. I was able to save it from a small stump by using moss then moving it into soil. So far it is doing very well and is producing some lovely leaves

[@hennesseyme9112]

@@RootsReady I may have seen that vid, but not sure. Once mine started rotting, that was it. If I purchase another and put it in PON, I will never remove it from PON. The one I have now is doing great in an aroid mix with all kinds of goodies.

[@ines4520]

Thank you very much for the information, I am thinking of switching to semi-hydro for almost all my hoyas and I had doubts, I already apply the mixed method: put down and mix (coconut chips, charcoal, perlite and pine bark) and it is going well, I will choose that. greetings from Peru 🇵🇪

[@RootsReady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RADCOMJ1]

Good vid Bro. I bought a few lechuza pots about 10nyears ago but havent ylused rhem yet. Ive got some pon to use as well but inacxisently bought terra pon last month. A big strapping grey back man like youbsgoukd be running up and down the atairs with your big pots lol😅 what humidity are you keeping i live in a dampish basement so i have the dehumidifier on all the time circa 60% oh can you top up the pon with perlite?

[@carlag7060]

Very helpful!! Thank you

[@RootsReady]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ivanalennock6511]

I love pon for practical purposes, specially during holidays, how ever I will always prefer chunky and fluffy mix. I wonder do you ever let your pon dry out completely before you refill water reservoir? I am still not sure, and is not something that many people talk about. I noticed that my plants which are in pon actually prefer to have some moisture all the time

[@RootsReady]

I totally agree! I have had plants accidentally dry out before. Luckily it was a philodendron that bounced back quickly but it is not something I would recommend

[@wishingonthemoon1]

I’m planning to transfer all of my alocasias to pon this summer. I’m so over these thrips and fungus gnats. Tho I’ll miss my springtails 🥺 they’re so cute

[@RootsReady]

Pon will help to control gnatts however as thrips are not spil-based and use the foliage as part of their reproductive cycle, it will not affect them. If you enjoy springtails, you're in luck. They love Pon!

[@garyd395]

Just got a Burle Marx flame ,will you recommend PON?

[@RootsReady]

Hi There, If you can maintain a warm environment during the winter then you should have success. I am not so lucky. My house gets very cold during the winter so I would personally grow most philodendrons in an airy soil mix.

[@OfficialJaNeyJohnson]

Love the content 🥰

[@RootsReady]

Thank you! I appreciate that

[@JonielVillanueva-j8g]

When i was still in Philippines we grow our Philodendrons and Anthuriums in ordinary garden soil we dig at the back of the house . We never heard of pons , volcanic rocks, perlite , coco chunk , moss etc etc and they grow huge and tall we put the pots near a big mango tree and the vines climbs up to the trunk and branches of trees , Tarzan could even swing on it from tree to tree .

[@RootsReady]

I have seen some grow the same way in the Caribbean. I wish we had the climate to do the same

[@sommyxox]

I’ve just bought the supplies to transfer my variegated frydek to semi-hydro. It would be my first semi-hydro set up, everything else I have is in a soil mix. Now I’ve watched your video I’m wondering if I should wait for winter to pass before I transfer. Do you think that’s the best thing to do?

[@RootsReady]

Hi there! I would wait until spring to transfer it. The move can be stressful on the plant so doing it in the grow season is the best

[@HBFREEWORLD]

Thanks for the informative video. Can i mix Pon with other regular potting mix, instead of using Pon on its own please .

[@RootsReady]

You can. I use it in my soil mixes all the time

[@sherryporsch9349]

Hey, I’ve thought about trying Pon but I worry the water will get too cold in the winter. Is that a thing or problem or me over thinking?

[@RootsReady]

I found that to be the case last year. I would recommend using a heat mat

[@leahpaulsen-austin5624]

Where I live the water is extremely hard and so there is a water softener. I have to purchase water to drink, and to water my indoor plants. It might make flushing the pon a bit difficult, or expensive. I could collect the water and use in the plants that are in soil still?

[@RootsReady]

Yes you can. Have you tried using aquarium water softeners for your plants?

[@gorringeman]

I've just bought an Aralia from Ikea it says water sparingly, so I am a bit hesitant to put in into pon as it has constant access to water, what do you think? I tried chillies in Pon and they didn't do well, I know they don't like wet "Feet"

[@RootsReady]

Hi There, I am afraid that I have never had an Aralia in my collection. From my research it seems to be quite a woody plant. In my experience, I have had less success growing similar plants in PON. I would not recommend PON

[@ethelstevenslove3165]

I would like to try Pon but don't know how to do it......

[@RootsReady]

You would have to remove all the soil as best as you can. You would then have to replace the soil with pon and water it through. You can either water it like a normal house plant (only when dry) or leave a small reservoir and the pon will wick it up to the roots.

[@tw9307]

Great video! How would you transfer plants that have been established in soil into pon? I’ve been pon curious for a while now but haven’t made the transition for 1) afraid I’ll damage the plant roots, and 2) think all the nutrient solution cocktails might be a little high maintenance

[@benoitrosset7400]

The rule is to remove as much soil as possible from around the roots and not to let the pon dry out completely.

[@madalenarodrigues2494]

Lechuza pon comes with a slow release fertiliser that lasts about 6 months. After that you can add some fresh one, there’s no need to use the nutrient solution ‘cocktails’ that are commonly used with leca / semi hydroponics. In fact, you could say this might be the easiest substrate when it comes to fertilising… (If you were to make your own pon you could also add slow release fertiliser)

[@tw9307]

@@madalenarodrigues2494 I keep seeing people mixing different nutrient solutions. Which slow release fertilizer do you use? Right now I’ve been using immediate release MSU k-lite fertilizer which my plants seem to do well in.

[@madalenarodrigues2494]

@@tw9307 Initially I used osmocote as that’s the type of fertiliser that comes with Lechuza pon but now I use a liquid fertiliser for everything. I’m currently using Growth Technology’s Formulex which was recommended by Lethius in one of his videos on this channel 💚

[@rafalz9275]

I’ve found that if i use pon and pot is siting in nutrient solution i always have root rot sooner or later, no matter winter or summer. I dont buy lechuza planters (or any so called selfwatering planters) because they just ugly😂 but they are safer for roots. so if i use pon i treat it as soil when it comes to watering. I allow only very little water to stay in a cauche pot or soucer and then the plant has a little bit of dry period (but i dont allow anthuriums to go bone dry!) .

[@RootsReady]

Great Tips - Something I learned last winter. This year I will be treating as soil during the colder months

[@rafalz9275]

Happy growing 🙌🏻

[@kray9438]

Im moving to soil ninja semi hydro - similar to pon. Done with gnats 🥲😩

[@RootsReady]

Great idea. Check out the link in the description of some of my newer videos for a discount on soil ninja products