What's LECA? and how to use it!

LECA stands for Light Expanded Clay Aggregate and it’s a popular substrate with both beginner and experienced growers alike!
Use it as a growing medium: 0:38
Use it as a drainage device: 2:48
Use it as a soil overlay: 3:13
Get your own: plantsinabox.com.au/products/...
Liquid Fertiliser: plantsinabox.com.au/products/...
Read more about it here: plantsinabox.com.au/blogs/new...
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[@NinjaOrchids]

I grow 80% of my orchids in leca. I love this media, simply because of the fact that I can recycle indefinitely and that makes it very cost effective. I have 300+ orchids.

[@PlantsinaBox]

Exactly! You can use them over and over again

[@Theresia66]

300+? What?

[@NinjaOrchids]

@@Theresia66 I can take the questions in many directions, but yes... 300+ orchids 😅 it only overwhelms me in winter 🥴

[@Theresia66]

@@NinjaOrchids that's so impressive. I wonder what your home looks like, must be nice to have so many flowers.

[@NinjaOrchids]

@@Theresia66 especially from March - April... its wonderful! After that winter stress, seeing the colors the fragrances, who made it through the rough cold dark months, it makes mourning those that did not fare so well, a little easier. I dont want to impose on anybody, but they are all featured on my channel.

[@sollunaystars]

This video is very informative, staright to the point, and easy to understand. Definitely will be purchasing these on my next IKEA run.

[@persianoel9245]

love those clear pots

[@Samwise_92]

Thank you for this short informative video! ❤

[@jillianleblanc9370]

Good morning I am going to try the LECE have a blessed day

[@from4to5]

YAY! I've been on the fence for a long time re LECA, but you just convinced me as I've been fighting fighting fungus gnats for over 5 years! This was going to be my last year with houseplants ... for ever. I will now try these, thank you so much!

[@PlantsinaBox]

Let us know how you go!! Fugal Gnats are such pests and difficult to get rid of. If you want to know more of our tips on pests we have a blog post here: plantsinabox.com.au/blogs/news/best-way-to-get-rid-of-fungal-gnats Another product we recommend is Sticky traps! (plantsinabox.com.au/products/fungal-gnat-sticky-traps)

[@from4to5]

@@PlantsinaBox Thank you, I will!

[@jameswalls705]

FIRST TIME PLANT MAMA HERE & I BOUGHT ALOT OF PLANTS LAST SPRING THAT DIED FROM MY OVER-WATERING SKILLS SO I WAS LOOKING ON WAYS TO FIX MY PROBLEM SO SEEMS LIKE LECA IS THE WAY TO GO! IS THEIR CERTAIN POTS U NEED TO BUY? I KNOW WITH-OUT DRAINAGE HOLES BUT HOW DO U KNOW WHEN TO RE-WATER AGAIN? ESPECIALLY IF U DONT HAVE THE SEE THRU PLANTER'S? IM PLANNING TO USE BOTH SOIL & THE LECA ON BOTTOM FOR MOST, I HAVE TO DO MORE RESEARCH BECAUSE I HAVE ALOT OF PLANTS, REPOTTING IS AN ISSUE ALSO, IM TRYING TO DO THE POLES ON A FEW SO WHEN U DO THE POLES FOR MONSTERA PLUS THE LECA, SHOULD I USE ALL LECA WITH-OUT ANY POTTING SOIL? IM SO VERY CONFUSED!!! CAN U DO A VIDEO ON REPOTTING & HOW TO ATTACH ON THE MOSS POLES, HOW TO MAKE MY OWN POLES ALSO.....THANK YOU

[@kristend9261]

Try mosquito bits. Works wonders.

[@cl-rf9ez]

Don't give up when I first started with house plants I went threw the same thing not anymore use apple cider vinegar in a tiny bowl sit next to your plants or on top the soil in the plant it works I now have plants all over

[@lula2984]

Great video, very informative. Thank you!

[@PlantsinaBox]

Thanks so much for watching Lula!

[@ItzJustFizzy_Gang]

Thankyou so much ma'am! Love from India ❤

[@PlantsinaBox]

My pleasure 😊

[@emmafiander3206]

Love this video ❤

[@PlantsinaBox]

So glad you like

[@VivianSabry]

Very straight to the point, I like that! Well done

[@PlantsinaBox]

Thanks so much Vivian!

[@HendersonNoMore]

right to the point thank you!!!

[@PlantsinaBox]

You're so welcome! Glad you enjoyed

[@Justhereorwhateva]

Where did you get those super cute clear planters!?

[@lavvy2585]

Where did you get that beautiful pot?

[@itz.liljaz]

I’m defiantly gonna try to cover the top of my soil before I decide to completely switch from soil to lecca. Spider mites are grossing me out and being stubborn

[@debralewis1675]

Thank you ❤

[@PlantsinaBox]

You're welcome 😊

[@heathercampbell1722]

I have started using LECA and cannot say enough good things about it. I have a maidenhair fern that was heading south fast. I transplanted into LECA it's now happy as a clam. I remember watching a program on the telly about how tomatoes are now being grown in hydroponics. Just water & nutrients!

[@africanqueenT]

Can you still get pest using leca?

[@heathercampbell1722]

@@africanqueenT I haven't had a pest problem. I change the water once a week

[@mmancillas123]

Where did you get those clear pots?

[@user-ix1fb8zn8d]

where do you get the clear pots

[@women.solo.traveller]

Very good information 👌👌🤣

[@cucar8363]

I started experimenting with lecca as recent as yesterday. I have a Peace Lilly that has been struggling in soil. I transferred to lecca. Hoping this medium really help her! Great Video. Quick question, the anthurium will not suffer with the moisture retention if I put lecca on the top?

[@PickleNugget]

Can you link these pots ?

[@nitasdeliciousrecipies2050]

Thanks mam good information.

[@PlantsinaBox]

You're so welcome!

[@africanqueenT]

Can you still get pest with leca?

[@iamgratefuldailyy]

Where to purchase these?

[@Wolfie_Rankin]

People are asking about clear pots, I use glass jars, yes normal glass jars which previously held things like pickles. The only thing you have to watch is salt build up (from fertilisers) so the jars need to be flushed out about once a year with water.

[@PlantsinaBox]

Such a great idea 💡 perfect

[@psychedelish2311]

Wonderful! I was wondering if you could use LECA for mulching fruit, berry and vegeteble plants? I've been using LECA for a while to help with drainage in my soil, just mixing it straight up in there with the soil. Works great!

[@PlantsinaBox]

Such a great way to provide more aeration and drainage for your plants! LECA is a great mulch (replacing something traditional like bark) because it doesn't degrade and is resistant to mould

[@auroradomondon6550]

Can i use leca balls to my or hids with pot s oof hole

[@MirketaVidali]

Hey 🤎 I just loved this video! Quick question: can we use Leca at the bottom of our plants and at the top as well?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi! Yes, use LECA on bot the top and bottom, or mix it in for extra soil aeration and a happy free-draining environment

[@serenitygardenaviary]

I am wondering instead of leca at bottom of pot with soil on top, can leca be mixed in the soil as perlite? I really want to start using leca for my plants but recently started with Coco Coir, so have to use up these bricks.

[@PlantsinaBox]

Yes you sure can. We do find the Coco coir is very saturating on its own.

[@sunakonakahara222]

Can you also use them as a means to add humidity for your plant by doing the rocks in a saucer and water but instead with moistened LECA

[@PlantsinaBox]

Thats right! The plant can sit on top of the LECA and water and get a bit of extra humidity that way

[@stitISH]

does covering the top soil with leca balls protect the plant from fungus gnats ? thank you , you video gave me hope for my plants

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Amal! We've found using LECA on the top of your soil is a deterrent from fungal gnats - they seem less likely to want to land and lay their eggs in LECA

[@josieb1367]

Great video, I had adhd and can’t stand long videos as I can’t pay attention for much longer than 5 mins. Question; I have 3 Monstera cuttings that I have put in my pot / some have roots already, some don’t. If I fill the water just before the roots, I’m concerned my other two cuttings won’t grow roots. Will this be a problem ? How do I negate an issue like this?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Blushing now ! Thank you we like to keep things simple 💚 Your plants should all grow roots as long as you left a node? And then yes only water just before the root level.

[@yinyten9271]

Hi thanks for this very insightful video. A question if i am using LECA on the top and bottom as a drainage and to prevent fungus gnats do i still have to clean the LECA time to time?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi there no you don't need to if you are using a good quality LECA and each time you water it will refresh the balls.

[@delmetamccloud9896]

Where can I find those clear pots??? They are beautiful!

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Delmeta! We got these from our local supply store, but we stock a similar product here: plantsinabox.com.au/products/cup-o-flora

[@gaurirana8721]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@AbbyLyy]

Where did you get your planter? I would love it!

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Abby, you can see similar ones here! plantsinabox.com.au/collections/summer-21-collection

[@jeanettemejias3182]

Great and simple explanation! Thank you Where do you buy the clear pots?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Thank you for watching! Glad we were able to help :) We got these from our local hardware

[@srikadali5796]

Simply informative 👌

[@janmay6455]

Can't wait to try this! Could you grow roses in it?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Jan! We haven't attempted growing roses in LECA yet so difficult to say. The plants that do the best in LECA are ones that like to dry out between waterings, love an oxygen rich soil and are happy with liquid fertilisers (hope this helps!)

[@1594265g]

may I know where u got the clear pots pls. thanks

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Daryl, we just go these from our local hardware store. Sorry there was no branding

[@melvinzid8821]

Wow...Very straight to the point & simple explanations Why put the water under the roots ? Is there any concern for several types of plants ? Tks

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi! Thanks so much, glad we could help. We just water up to the roots when using a pot with no hole so that the plant isn't over-watered. You can read ore about using LECA here: www.plantsinabox.com.au/blogs/news/i-leca-like-that-spruce-up-your-indoor-plants-with-aqua-clay-balls

[@KisDraga]

Crap...I just got some leca and definitely started using it completely WRONG. (thankfully I was only doing a test run with a tiny swiss cheese cutting... that will probably die. BUT -- This was really helpful to have a better understanding it how it works and how to use!

[@PlantsinaBox]

You are welcome

[@lindarandall1921]

Where do you purchase the clear pots from? Can not find anywhere.

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hey Linda, we don't sell these guys at the moment but we have similar here: plantsinabox.com.au/products/cup-o-flora

[@kai2652]

Quick, straight to the point and informative. Maybe the missing info is how to do flushing but otherwise good video.

[@jen_gem]

@Leisa Bettiens I think she means how you flush out the old fertilizer and old water

[@tlc2695]

Can someone tell me what liquid hydroponics fertilizer means? I'm tired of the gnats in my houseplants. They are driving me crazy. So I'm thinking about replacing the soil in my houseplants and maybe get some more with using the leca balls. Another question, can all houseplants (lily) be grown with leca balls?

[@PlantsinaBox]

So the best thing to use is liquid fertiliser NOT plant food/tonic as your fertiliser will give the nutrients to the plant's root system which LECA does not have in it as soil does. LECA is such a great medium.

[@johnnyseed7742]

How do I get those cute clear pots your using .

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Johnny we don't sell these exact ones but we do have clear pots here: plantsinabox.com.au/products/cup-o-flora

[@anitahealy5183]

I jave jist bought my starter kit I've made up but struggling with watching all the videos about pH levels and nutrients. So now I'm a little confused if anyone can help me. This video is so enspiring and is it just that easy.

[@PlantsinaBox]

It really is this simple just make sure you are using the right pot and a good liquid fertiliser as leca doesn’t have any nutrients like soil does.

[@cheerleaderOFkhs]

Hi there I’m super super SUPER new to the LECA gang haha, I’m trying to figure out a few things So my first question is the other 2 ways of using LECA you had mentioned you have to soak the LECA before using but if you’re using them the other 2 ways would you still have to soak them? Also how do you properly wash and store them to reuse is there a specific way? And last do they ever go “bad” ? Like when using soil it looses the nutrients after awhile.

[@PlantsinaBox]

You don't have to soak these ones only if using for hydroponics. Wash them & store in containers is best - let dry out first.

[@PlantsinaBox]

Doesn't loose nutrients as not any nutrients in the leca - that's why you have to add nutrients to leca

[@dollycaldwell4938]

do you need to use transparent pots?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Dolly, we *recommend* using a transparent pot if you have chosen to have no drainage holes. In this situation, you will then we able to see exactly how much water you're giving the plant. If you are using LECA with a pot that has drainage holes theres no need for it to be transparent :)

[@musicdork5]

Quick question: should the leca be soaked in water even when using just for drainage?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Jackie! We like to soak them no matter the use (it helps clean the dust off to your water doesn't run brown).

[@erictham4959]

How you put fertilizer if the leca is put on top of soil?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Eric! If you're using LECA, we advise to use a liquid fertiliser. Mix it in your water and then water your plant as normal :)

[@sonalisingh8]

Can Leca be used for all the indoor plants? Or are there any limitations as in which plants will thrive and which will not.

[@PlantsinaBox]

Leca can be used on all indoor plants it's a great medium you just need to make sure you use a good liquid feed so the plant can still get it nutrients

[@sonalisingh8]

@@PlantsinaBox got it. Thank you 😄

[@dizzyjupiter1]

Question: what if you added your Leca to the bottom of your pot without presoak???

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Diana! LECA added to the bottom of your pot will help with drainage of your plant

[@marlinrandolph6383]

How often do you fertilized when only using leca?

[@PlantsinaBox]

We recommend using monthly

[@Kfan111]

Hi so do we still need to use pots with holes at bottom of the pot for drainage if using leca?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi! While you *can* definitely use LECA in a pot without a drainage hole (if you do this, we recommend using a clear pot like we are so you can see how much water you're giving your plant), we always still recommend using a pot with drainage holes if you can.

[@herohour6496]

A lot of tutorials soak the entire roots into the water. I don't understand. Which is correct?

[@PlantsinaBox]

As long as the LECA is holding the water and getting this to your plants roots then you are fine.

[@luketribedotcom]

Can i ask what brand you use to make your nutrient water?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Luke! We're currently using Growth Technology Foliage Focus Liquid Fertiliser, you can read more about it here: plantsinabox.com.au/collections/fertilisers/products/foliage-focus-1l

[@luketribedotcom]

@@PlantsinaBox Awesome!! Thank youuuuuu

[@shakunvashisht342]

how often should we water the plant kept in leca?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Allow the water to completely dry out before refilling to prevent any algae growth. Once it’s time to refill, make sure you top the sleeve up with nutrient filled water to just under the roots.

[@shakunvashisht342]

@@PlantsinaBox which nutrients?coz I have to buy everything from Amazon. Nothing available in the market

[@tacotac10]

Are the pots glass or plastic?

[@PlantsinaBox]

The ones in this video are plastic but we stock a glass alternative: plantsinabox.com.au/products/cup-o-flora

[@romapelan]

Where to buy?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi! If you're in Australia you can find it here: plantsinabox.com.au/products/canna-aqua-clay-balls-1l-bags

[@user-ew7gy3ph9r]

السلام عليكم ماهو نوع الترابه

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi! Make sure you're using a high-quality potting mix that is free draining and has trace elements

[@kumudinihomegarden9139]

Nice video 👌🏿👍 New subscriber here🤝🤝✅🌿🌺💞🙏

[@Dana-pm9td]

Can you mix them with soil ?

[@PlantsinaBox]

Sure can! Mixed with soil they will help aerate the potting mix, and provide extra drainage :)

[@nb1843]

roots dont like light or sun so clear case or vase is out of the question for growing plants in leca...

[@LoanNguyen-sb6pj]

Can you use that for Clivias plant

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Loan! Clivias like rich, well-draining potting mix so LECA should work perfectly for them as long as you remember to use a liquid plant food when you water (so they can continue to get their nutrients!)

[@teebeee2587]

Just to add that you can definitely still get root rot and can still get bugs 🐛

[@PlantsinaBox]

Absolutely. While we have found that using LECA greatly decreases the chance of root rot, it is just a preventative measure to try an avoid both

[@alfiemarie]

is this perfect if someone has a serious fear of earthworms? asking for a friend :CC

[@JoseJimenez-ib4zu]

Para que ponen el título en español si está en inglés todo el vídeo 😑

[@PlantsinaBox]

Hi Jose! I believe the title may be in Spanish for you because of your browser settings. We are an Australian company, so our videos are made in English but if you have any questions we'll do our best to answer!

[@MarcAntoine01]

30€/liter, what are you on ? It’s worth between 50cts to 1€ 😂

[@jaylemyers]

Where did you get those clear pots from?

[@e_the_real]

I saw them on amazon