Why You Should Use PON 🪴 Pros & Cons of Semi-Hydroponics

Semi-Hydroponics (or pon, for short) is a great way to make caring for your collection of houseplants easier! But of course there are some cons to this substrate as well, so here's a video all about my experience with pon. I hope you enjoy!
THINGS I MENTIONED:
*Lechuza Pon - amzn.to/3KG0aH2
Soil Ninja Sem-Hydro - www.soil.ninja/collections/al...
Soil Ninja Slow Release Fertiliser - www.soil.ninja/products/slow-...
*Lechuza Classico 21 Self-Watering Pot - amzn.to/3vAXFS9
*Lechuza Mini Deltini Self-Watering Pot - amzn.to/3kzEIZZ
*Lechuza Balconera 50 Self Watering Pot - amzn.to/3kE1YpI
*Elho Self-Watering Insert - amzn.to/3kBSjQh
*3x T4u Self-Watering Troughs - amzn.to/3LFNAZW
*6x Translucent Black Self-Watering Pots - amzn.to/3F9QjZb
Soil Nina Semi-Hydro Complete Guide - www.soil.ninja/pages/semi-hydro
Soil Ninja Transitioning Plants to Semi-Hydro Guide - www.soil.ninja/blogs/dojo/tra...
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All opinions and views are my own. This video is not sponsored.
Intro - 0:00
What is Pon? - 0:21
My Experience with Pon - 1:59
Pros - 5:35
Cons - 11:57
Lechuza vs. Soil Ninja - 15:32
Outro - 20:17

[@LindaEnfield]

🪨 I have all my houseplants in pon, 90% in terracotta and my big thirsty plants in self watering planters, I’ve grown from cuttings and from seed in pon successfully too. I have succulents, cacti, philodendrons, Pothos, scindapsus, pilea, string of hearts, tradescantia, aloe, monstera, peace Lily, zz, snake, ficus,Ivy,oxalis,chilli, spider, aspidistra and over 30 Hoyas and they all seem pretty happy in it. I started using it early 2020, fertilise using liquid gold leaf and use canna Rhizotonic for cuttings and seeds or transitioning from soil. Did get some fungus when the Pon was too damp but once sprayed with hydrogen peroxide went away. ❤️ absolutely love the stuff ❤️

[@GoodGrowing]

Wow sounds like you've really got it down! Pon is such a great medium and I'm defo tempted to fully make the switch but also that would be a big move for me! How did your plants handle the transition? Also good to know that hydrogen peroxide helped with the fungus.. I'll have to give that a go if mine gets funky again. Thanks!

[@LindaEnfield]

@@GoodGrowing A spider plant and a pubicalyx kicked up a fuss for about a month but then settled down. The Rhizotonic helps and I’ve not had a problem since using it. I do give my plants pamper days every now and then, flush through and a shower, spray with SB Invigorator and a finish off with my neem, peppermint Castile soap, peppermint essential oil spray. Happy growing x

[@LindaEnfield]

I see fluval is getting some publicity as the new kid on the substrate block, I’ve not tried it myself but I gather a lot of folk love it as it is rich with micronutrients.

[@GoodGrowing]

@@LindaEnfield ooh I've not heard about fluval... I'll have to look into it 👀 thanks!

[@shevonnenorman8428]

What % of hydrogen to water in the spray do you use, and if you make a bottle of it, does it keep?

[@mabonniejungle....7851]

Definitely going to give Soil Ninjas pon a go once my plant room is finished (loved the video Emma 🤗) x

[@lilithmoon7805]

I've never tried it, but will give it a go now. Thanks for a really informative video 👍👍👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@evasilvalayton758]

Trying to learn about different ways to grow indoor plants I really enjoy your videos

[@patterncuttacornwall]

I just wanted to say a huge thanks for this video. Really made me feel better about converting my plants as i've been thinking about it for over a year but still to make the change. I also use Soil Ninja premium and have just bought the semi hydro mix. This video has been so clear and really honest showing both pros and cons. I think the best thing is the fact that you've shown different budget options regarding nots and care. Sometimes the whole set can be a put off but this video really made me feel better.

[@leahpaulsen-austin5624]

Just received my first bag of pon! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience. I’m still a fairly new plant mom.

[@edna7748]

I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for this great video. You have taken the fear out of making the move from soil to ponder.

[@sheilachuck3067]

Thank you for this video. So helpful.

[@EmiMae0117]

I started getting into pon and loving it after I bought several plants in it from sellers on my local plant BST. I fine it so easy to use and my plants do well in it. Loved the video. I am in the States and wish we had Soil Ninja, I would love to get some! Hopefully it will come to the states soon! 🪨🪨

[@Mavon00]

Well done Video! I've watched a few other channels but none have had the content even close to what you present. I've ordered my first bag of Lechuza Pon on Amazon (12 liters for $17.99 US) and I didn't see any other brands being offered. I have over 100 plants and spend way to much time watering them and checking their moisture level. Self Watering Pots with Pon OH YA!!! Fewer or no Fungas Flies a BIG PLUS! Thanks of the great video!

[@michellerigsby1321]

🪨 I just started using Pon and I love it so far and my plants do also, never going back to dirt trying to convert all my plants over to it now. I had a plant that was dying and it sprung back in the first week and is now showing signs of 2 new little babies growing. Love it!

[@MegaClera]

Thanks for this so helpful for a novice plant mum like me.loving I am considering using PON...sounds like an easy life ...

[@GoodGrowing]

It's defo worth giving it a go!

[@MariaRomero-jt8xm]

🪨 thanks emma i loved this video specially the comparison between the 2 brands, i use pon and leca, absolutely hate soil!, what i like from pon is ph levelled and it hold plants with small roots better than leca also transitions seem to be less traumatic than with leca, but i love leca for big big plants pon is much more expensive than leca, I hate how pon sticks to your hands when it’s wet / leca is so much nicer to handle and pick up from the floor, the best combo i found recently is that i use big leca at the bottom of a nursery pot and pon to the top I avoid loosing the substrate through the holes… i tried the mesh technique but when reporting i would loose roots so i stopped doing that the best thing about semihidro is no fungus gnats for sure!!! alright i’m done rambling 😂

[@GoodGrowing]

YESSS to all of this! I defo prefer pon over leca, but leca is muuuuuch nicer on the hands

[@ObjectiveAnalysis]

That “mould” growing on top of the soil is mycelium (soil fungus) and that’s an indicator of healthy soil.

[@linnealofvenholm5862]

Just found your channel & as a plant community newbie who loooves Alocasias your videos (especially those on semi-hydroponics) are invaluable!! Thank you! You're amazing.

[@GoodGrowing]

aww thank you! so glad you're enjoying!

[@jasonabc92]

Thank you! Very informative.

[@lilyofthevalley54]

Very informative vid. Tysm. 🌹🌿

[@RADCOMJ1]

My kinda gal.. Love your gesticulation during your presentation. Subscribed

[@GoodGrowing]

thanks! I'm still obsessed with the regale! And yay we can be peperomia journey buddies together! I've got my fingers crossed for you!

[@jessdoodles]

Thank you for this video! I have been struggling with massive amounts of fungus gnats so was toying with the idea of hydroponics for a while for some of my plants, but have been a bit overwhelmed by knowing what fertilizers to use. I also go away for a couple weeks at a time so I was worried I'd just come back to dead plants in empty jars. Going to try ponning (did I just make it a verb or??) my alocasia black velvet and see how that goes before moving on to some of my other tropical plants.

[@cscreative5460]

So glad to find a trusted KZbinr to learn about pon. Just decided to experiment last night!

[@GoodGrowing]

ooooh super exciting! What did you put in it?

[@cscreative5460]

@@GoodGrowing Cebu blue pothos 💚

[@GoodGrowing]

@@cscreative5460 Oooh I bet it'll love it!

[@shevonnenorman8428]

I'd love to see more on Alocasias in semi hydroponic set up. I've lost a few in lecca and also in Pon. The only one survived is the Azlanii. The Lecca Queen is one of my semi hydro faves on you tube and she talks of Alocasias being heart breakers- so the fact that you're having amazing results means you're doing something we're not. Would love to learn more. Cheers!

[@GoodGrowing]

I chat a bit more about alocasias in pon in my best & worst in pon video. But I genuinely find it the best way to keep them alive. Much fewer issues in semi hydro

[@tessie7e777]

Very very helpful video. Just bought my first two bags of Lechuza Pon direct from Lechuza, as Amazon US isn’t fulfilling their orders right now. I bought it for my Alocasias, as you and Claire have been so enthusiastic about it and I really want my Alocasias to thrive. Thanks for all the excellent information!

[@GoodGrowing]

honestly i wouldn't keep alocasias in anything else! so excited to see how you get on with it!

[@aniliname]

I've had fantastic experience with pon for succulents in regular pots without a reservoir

[@GoodGrowing]

That makes sense. As I suppose it mimics the dry rocky environments they live in in nature. How do you go about knowing when to water though?

[@aniliname]

@@GoodGrowing The ones I have seem to like getting watered after completely drying out. One succulent always loses its firmness when it’s dry, for instance, which is the tell for all of them. But since I have a bunch of other plants in pon without a reservoir, and they all dry out at the same time, there’s generally at least one that shows me it’s time for all of them. (I only have plants that like to dry out completely between waterings in that setup and all the other thirstier ones in self-watering.) After watching them for a while, I was also able to put those plants on a watering schedule since it became so predictable. Unlike soil, which reacts differently depending on how it’s mixed, how old it is, how many times it’s dried out completely (and is slowly becoming hydrophobic), how dense it is, etc. pon is super consistent and predictable.

[@GoodGrowing]

@@aniliname ah that makes sense! YES I freaking love the predicability and consistency of pon. It makes things soooo much easier!

[@steveeldj3094]

Great video full of excellent advice... Tank you, gave it a like! :-)

[@Di_Salamander]

I might be wrong, but if I remember correctly pon comes from aqua bonsai and bonsai in general. So it's pretty common thing just hasn't been common in houseplants till now. 🙃

[@a.leoncealexander6680]

Thank you for sharing

[@CreativelyChristoph-wg7wn]

I was hoping to use this stuff with spider plant, cast iron and chinese money plant thanks and you rock XXX

[@lorifenner4048]

I just started using lava rock. It’s really pretty it’s red and green. But I’ve been putting it in a glass vase with no drainage and topping it with chunky perlite for decoration. The plants are very happy so far.

[@TheJungleHaven]

SUCH a great thorough video Emma, thank you! Need to try out Soil Ninja's pon at some point - I accidentally ordered 2 huge bags of Lechuza last time so I kind of have to stick with that for a while (next few years at the rate I'm going 😂). Also that onion mesh hack is friggin awesome, I'll be using that for sure 💚🙏

[@GoodGrowing]

YES defo give soil ninja a go as it's some great stuff! I've had the same thing tbh.. you can see how freaking much lechuza I still have! You must be brave and go 100% on plants like your gloriosum! It will LOVE you for it! oh and yeah onion mesh is the freaking easiest thing because it's something I already have and would have otherwise binned!

[@homesteadingforidiots]

This is my first exposure to this product. It's like sub-irrigation/wicking bed with bonsai soil. I've been studying bonsai soil and more or less came to the conclusion a while ago it's basically like a rudimentary hydroponics system. This kind of closed that thought loop.

[@dianiamullinax]

love pon.

[@cloud__99]

Since getting into plants pon has been this mysterious thing for me so this is so helpful! Though as for fungus gnats being eradicated if you had every plant in pon I’m unfortunately gonna say no 😅 I have a little drinking fountain for my cats and I found gnat larvae living in the freaking sponge filter!! Sorry I know it’s disgusting and I’m now constantly paranoidly exchanging the filter 🥲 So seems that they can basically survive even in nearly pure water. Just undefeatable 😅

[@finefoliage]

💎( no rock emoji! Lol) I have bought a bag of lechuza pon 6 weeks ago...had a monstera and variegated monstera water propped so they went straight in. Transitioning a baby philo red sun and an alocasia silver dragon..that lost a couple of its small old leaves but seems ok...want to transition more!! 😃

[@janamikusova4626]

Thanks for this great video👏! You just made me realise, that I can use the Lechuza pon without having to buy their expensive pots, since I still have many normal pots and I don't want to just throw them away😉. I started using my own mix with seramis, perlite and coconut soil, which worked well untill now, but is still pretty messy. Have you got any experience with seramis? Thanks again for this video🤗! Also you come across very sympathetic and natural, it's a joy to watch you explaining your experiences😎🌱!

[@GoodGrowing]

Aww thank you so much!! Yeah I defo recommend the water reservoir sort of system with cache pots! It's just bit more effort than self-watering but it works perfectly well! I've not had any experience with seramis before, not even really heard of it. What do you use it for?

[@SANDRA-ni3wi]

I’ve been using Seramis for my orchids and nearly all my tropical houseplants for years. It is a clay inorganic substrate which holds a lot of water and provides a perfect water to air ratio for plant roots. It holds about 3x its own volume of water and releases it slowly to the plant. It is similar to pon, but cheaper. They have moisture meters available so you can check whether the substrate is still moist or not. For my orchids I use it as a substrate, for the moisture loving plants I use it as a semi hydroponic. Works really well 😀

[@hexaitine]

This video makes me want to get pon and try some "fussier" plants again! Fussy to me is not liking drying all the way out as I also do enjoy underwatering for fear of overwatering. I've always been a bit sad that I killed off my alocasia though, as I really liked the black velvet & I'd love a couple others like a polly or frydek, and I would ABSOLUTELY finally get a Jacklyn which I adore. I also think a syngonium would do well and I'd really love a syngonium albo. It's a shame the Lechuza pon comes with fertilizer pellets, I wish it didn't. I think cacti and such might do well in it but built-in fertilizers often lead to some real nasty etiolation if you don't have the absolute best sun ever available for them. I'm probably too lazy to do a full-blown switch of all my plants (especially not the ones on floating shelves that I didn't install on studs...) but most of the ones I've got right now are well-adapted to my watering habits anyway. Of the plants I have in soil I'd switch I'd probably swap my two calatheas, as it stands I pretty much just use watering globes to keep them a bit moist but they're still fussy. If they were in pon I could more easily just buy distilled water by the gallon for them.

[@caitlin228]

Lechuza is always sold out in the US so I'm trying diy pon for the first time. Right now I'm growing an alocasia corm in it. I'm going to see how that goes before switching anything over

[@GoodGrowing]

Such a shame! Was it alright finding all the materials? That stress is what's deterring me from trying to DIY it too. I hope it works out for you and your plants love it! I bet your alocasia corms will!

[@LeafyConversations]

Bonsai Grit Mix, which is what I use all the time in my soil mixes sounds like it would be a great PON. 🤔 Thank you for your video!

[@rsmith8119]

Great video. Do you wash the PON before use? I put some in a cup with water and noticed a lot of fine dirty water comes off it initially.

[@hennesseyme9112]

Nice vid! I can't find soil ninja anywhere.

[@GoodGrowing]

they're mostly online in the UK & EU

[@zackthebirb]

Personally, I don't like to use pon because it's messier to work with than Leca is. I once spilled a pon filled pot like 5 months ago and I STILL step on some left over tiny rocks even after I was sure I cleaned it all up. I also have had more success with Leca than with pon so far, most of the plants I ever put in pon have had root rot, so I decided to stop using it. I put the access I had in my soil mix so I could still use it in a way, but at this point it just annoys me. As another semi hydroponic medium, I've used aqua soil/ stratum, which is usually used in aqua- and terraristic. It's quite mineral rich and also looks cool, since it's small black balls/ pellets. It's a perfect growing ground for benificial bacteria and doesn't compact. It is a little messy when wet tho, cuz the balls/ pellets can be squished and then it's like your handeling charcoal haha.

[@pusanghalaw]

ponics are cool in their own way and i want to do some myself but i know i'll miss compost and biochar 😊

[@GoodGrowing]

I still use soil on most of my plants so I get the best of both worlds 💚🤷🏻‍♀

[@opallicious9938]

Thanks for the video...I needed this before going to PON...but explain what you do for the mold/fungus that appears on the top of the PON even though it has been rinsed...thanks in advance!

[@GoodGrowing]

I just scooped off the top and put some new stuff on

[@mariannaocovayova2820]

I'm using semihydro for few months already and I'm converted. But, because of the weight od pon, I feel that the roots are too squished. I'm using something different, (sort of crossover between pon and leca) I use seramis. And I love it. when dry, it is lightweight, the texture is similar to pon. It is great for rooting cuttings, especialy great for hoyas. Potting up plants is a breeze, no messy and fast. Only con is, that because of small size of the pebbles, i have to use pots with smaller drainage holes. But i used it withcontainers without drainage as well, i just need to be more mindfull, when watering.

[@GoodGrowing]

I've never had issues with the roots of my pon plants being squished... as long as you're not pressing it down yo should be fine. Seramis sounds cool and I'd love to try it sometime. Also when I'm using finer pon or semi-hydro mix in pots that have larger drainage holes, I like to use the plastic mesh that comes around garlic or onions to cover the holes. It still lets water go through but not the little rocks :)

[@_leafylife]

I like your method of washing the pon in big batches and keeping it in a box. Thanks so much for this really clear set of tips and insights into using pon. It's next on my list as a plant parent, just been trying to get my head around it.

[@laurenervin1404]

Insert "rock" emoji here😂..ive only tried pon on a few plants so far ( mostly marantas and alocasias) BUT, so far I'm loving it and definitely have plans to try it out on a few more!

[@GoodGrowing]

hahah I didn't realise that YT didn't have the rock emoji as an option 😂 but glad you're having success with your alocasias and marantas! It makes such a difference that they can stay a bit more moist huh!

[@stargazer1238]

I guess I am a weirdo I like the PH balancing. Probably comes from years of doing pools. LOL They say plants absorb the nutrients up to 7.5 PH but I find aroids do best at 6-6.5 PH. I never worry about the soil, I worry about the PH of the water. You can have PH balanced substrate but the water will effect the PH of the substrate. I recommend for everyone to have a PH tester for any water they give their plants.

[@gordsjackson8109]

I grow opuntia cactus in Pon. If you use like soil with a tray under to catch water it’s works great for them. Part of my pleasure in plants is watering and feeding, so used in normal pots I water twice a week and know I’m not going to cause over watering issues. Damp Pon is not nearly as wet as soil. The only plants that didn’t seem to like it are my black cardinal and red moon philos 😊

[@GoodGrowing]

Ooh interesting! I'm not sure I could muster up the energy to water my whole collection twice a week 😅

[@gordsjackson8109]

@@GoodGrowing I hear you. I have some in self watering systems. For me watering is like my down time when I get home from a busy day. If I had over a hundred I think I would feel differently lol… 💚

[@GoodGrowing]

@@gordsjackson8109 Yeah I do love that sort of relaxed plant care! 💚

[@mercantilehousing]

I wish Elho was readily available in the states.. So cute and affordable

[@bridgettaylor7917]

I just bought some pon 😬 not sure which plant to sacrifice as my tester... 1st time user!

[@GoodGrowing]

ooh exciting! I'd say pick one that you wouldn't be devastated if you lose. I don't think you will but just in case!

[@hugonguyen5855]

Hi, do you know if alocasias continue to make corms when they are in pon/semihydro?😺

[@marilyncampbell882]

I’ve been transitioning my plants into leca clay balls and will use pin in combination with pon when I have fine roots😏. Also though pon tends to be more costly then leca 😊🦋

[@shevonnenorman8428]

My biggest con is cleaning pon before using it, and flushing, but also chucking it in the outside drains especially in winter (I collect it in the bucket then chuck it outside but it's such a turn off and a big faff)

[@GoodGrowing]

Yeah that is an annoying processs

[@petersalt]

hard to find on the east coast of Canada in Nova Scotia. Tried amazon too, with no luck.

[@stephaniebuzzella1]

I have a gigantic collection too & im so tired of soil & my anthurium would love it I think.

[@juliamierzejewska170]

In my experience plants either love pon or rot in it within a day. The biggest plant in my collection is the biggest because of pon. When I moved it to pon it started to grow like crazy and put out incredibly giant leaves. I had a lot of plants rot in pon and even more plants explode with huge growth so I do really love it, but the rotting is annoying. Marantha, ctenanthe and calathea really love pon and the difference in leaf size is insane. Begonias and alocasias are also really good in pon.

[@GoodGrowing]

yeah I've not had many rot in it, and if they had it was usually because something was a bit dodgy anyways so it was kind of like a final attempt at saving them. So glad to hear you've had sooo much success otherwise

[@Carey.S75]

No rock emoji on youtube 😕 I use pon and have experienced mould on top of a couple of potted plants but because I water everything with rain water I just put it down to that, now I'm wondering whether that is the cause. When I first pot something up in fresh Lechuza Pon I rinse the potted plant through with the first watering and don't leave anything in the cache pot and do this for the next 6 waterings, as ithis is easist for me to manage due to the weight of the substrate, and it generally runs completely clear after the 3rd process. I use pon in different ways > with a self watering pot, mixed with soil as you would with perlite, as a drainage layer of approx' 1 - 1 1/2 inch at the bottom of the pot and the rest with soil mix, in nursery pots with a water tray and also on it's own without any form of water reservoir. All my Cacti & Succulents are in straight pon without any water reservoir and are all thriving. I love how much easier it is to transition from water props to pon. I have found the majority of my plants have adapted really well but have found that not all Hoyas like it. I am now looking at purchasing Orchid Pon to transfer my Paphiopedalums into so if anyone has experience of using Orchid Pon please let me know your pros & cons TIA. Thanks Emma for sharing this as there are lots of people out there who will find this video very helpful 💚🤗

[@candyyyybabeeee]

So I treated my baby alocasia for pests because I noticed a thrip in the soil, and I bathed her before treating. I immediately put her in pon because I wanted to lower the chance of reoccurrence of any pests. I’m scared to water her since she took a nice shower before the insecticide. I did let her dry off after the shower for an hour but my question is should I water her? ( I did all of this yesterday) I’m also waiting for my slow release fertilizer to come in since I made my own pon and it doesn’t have any in it.

[@oneleaftea968]

Thank you for this video! I recently started transitioning a few plants into Lechuza Deltini and Classico LS style pots. But there is one thing that confuses me about the guidelines on transitioning plants. They say not to rely on the reservoir until the roots have established. Does that mean I am supposed to water through the soil and dump out the reservoir every time I water? Basically treat it like a regular soil for a few weeks? The reason I ask is that I have a Classico LS 35 and it's so heavy. But if I need to wait for the roots to get closer to the bottom, then I would need to do this for awhile. But are you doing that? Or are you simply using the self watering reservoir and gauge right away? Will it wick up even if the roots haven't made it too far down? Thanks again!

[@GoodGrowing]

even though the lechuza pots have those little spouts for water to go in, I still water through the pon as it makes more sense to me. You don't need to dump the water out each time though. Just be sure not to overfill

[@tranquilitywithdd]

Some of my plants died after using Lechuza. Others seems to do ok. I had a Neon Pothos that took forever to grow, but sadly it has gone to the Ether along with my Bonnie spider.

[@GoodGrowing]

the transition can defo be a bit rough for some plants

[@deborahk.7551]

Interestingly, I got to know Pon as a succulent soil

[@stephaniebuzzella1]

Also, I baked my soil and my house smelled like a hickory meat smoker for a week 😂🤦🏼‍♀️ didn't even know that was in there 😵‍💫 I use a fairly nice mix too, and I spent an ungodly amount of money "building" my soil, so I'm actually afraid to tell my husband I'm switching. I figure I'll switch them slowly and eventually he'll get wise to it 🙃

[@jastinevilla865]

Hi Emma, just came across your channel and glad I did especially for this episode. I am in the process of transferring my plants to pon as while but doing a diy pon. I was curious to know though if you had let your pon dry completely before putting it in your bin or if you left it wet still?

[@GoodGrowing]

Hey! Welcome welcome! That's an exciting journey for sure! How are you finding the DIY pon? Personally I didn't let it dry out before putting it in the bin, mostly out of laziness though 😅 The bin isn't air tight though so I suppose over time all the water will eventually evaporate off

[@jastinevilla865]

Thanks Emma lol I was going to do that too but then I was worried it wouldn't go as planned for me for some odd reason. But I might next time because it does take a long time to dry out. 🤪 But I purchased the lava rock and pumice from Bonsai Jack's and got the zeo light from a pet store. After watching a couple of other fellow KZbinrs they seemed to have done a 2:2:1 ratio.

[@jastinevilla865]

I forgot to mention that the only thing I wasn't going to add was the slow release fertilizer since I use a different form of fertilizer on my plants when I water them. But I believe you can by it as well just not too sure where or what the ratio might be.

[@GoodGrowing]

@@jastinevilla865 yeah the porous minerals really take their time 😂 sounds like it's going well so far! That sounds like a good ratio!

[@GoodGrowing]

@@jastinevilla865 Yeah it's sold all over the place. Lots of garden centres will have it and it will likely have a recommended dosage on the package, potentially even for hydro or semo-hydro. But if you have your own fertiliser, you don't need to worry!

[@susanthomas7848]

🪨 I'm a big fan of Lechuza pon, the only thing is I don't boil or rinse this beautiful substrate I'm sure it would rid the minerals

[@GoodGrowing]

so far I've not had any issues with boiling. My main concern was the fertiliser but I'm pretty sure that's even still there

[@wendib6028]

do you test the pH of the water once you water it through the pon. What sits in the reservoir after I'm having an issue where my water is perfectly pH with all of my fertilizer and stuff in it and when I water it through the pon the water that goes in the reservoir when I test its pH it's like a four and I can't figure out why it keeps doing that do you have any ideas.

[@CreativelyChristoph-wg7wn]

Hiya, was just wondering if there is any plants that you can defo Not keep in pon or semi hydro please just before i buy a ton of if from soil ninjas thanks from the North west of england

[@margimorris7360]

Hello. I love semi hydro but have to admit very much dislike the watering with making up nutrients PH etc. Re the Ninja food do you know if you can add it to plants that are already planted and just put in on the top or bury a little like you do soil. If so I would have it sent to Australia. Will email the company but would love to know how you use it. Love your down to earth directness and honesty

[@GoodGrowing]

Yeah that’s the worst part of semi hydro for sure. You could add in the soil ninja stuff but I don’t think they ship to Australia. I also thing it’s just general slow release fertiliser so you’re probably better off just getting some more locally

[@margimorris7360]

Thanks for responding. I sent them an email. They said it could be used with semi hydro but to only use a little in the water because it's strong, so yes a slow release. I'm seriously thinking about trying a slow release with one plant and see what happens. Keep planting 😍😀@@GoodGrowing

[@marymiller5824]

So with the pon you just add your fertilizer like you would with soil?

[@aquaman461]

Great content, new sub Q- If pon is just porous rock couldn't I just use pumice or small lava rock? Ty

[@Chris-pe7ep]

Pon is actually just a combination of pumice and lava rock :) (and zeolite i think) You can look up the exact combination on their site

[@GoodGrowing]

Aww thanks! Welcome to the good growing family! Like Chris said, it is basically just a combination of the two at a specific ratio. You could just make it yourself, but I'd personally rather have a smaller bag of pre-mixed than several massive bags of components. But several people in the comments have said they DIY it so it is very doable if you've got the space! Good luck!

[@dixiechick6652]

Pumice holds water and lava rock is to give oxygen space for roots so you can use together as a mix. Your ratio will depend on the plant, a thirsty plant higher pumice ratio etc.. That’s the thing I don’t like about pon I can’t adjust according to plant needs. I only use Foliage pro fertilizer with any substrate

[@sandrocirlinisa]

did you find out what causes mold on top of Pon? I always get mold after a few days on all the pots, even if I don't water from top

[@GoodGrowing]

I've only had it once or twice, so not too sure. but @happy_plant_collector on IG has, so maybe ask her about it

[@hellococonut]

I just killed another alocasia by overwatering it and I am so sad! I'm thinking of trying pon for them next time, as I can't seem to get them to live more than a few months in soil 😢

[@GoodGrowing]

yeah I think giving pon a go would be a good choice! I'd defo recommend proper self watering pots as well if you're prone to watering issues, because it literally says the water level

[@deejeff8846]

Vulcaponic

[@a.leoncealexander6680]

Currently using Leca but can't get plants with fine roots to do well. I have used straight pumice, isn't that basically the same thing?

[@brendaparker2466]

Watch Swedish plant guys. Pon has pumice with other additives which makes it less work.

[@jacquelinedaniels87]

🪨 and Leca. I only have two plants in soil.. and that's bc I am too scared to transition.

[@AaronFigFront]

Great video, just the audio recording/microphone is bit annoying, and background music is bit loud.

[@davidedgeworth6295]

Hi, I'm in the process of transferring my houseplants to semi hydo with a bunch of soil ninjas substrate. The question I have is a single salutation feed/fertiliser. All I seem to find in my local hydroponics shops are only a/b ones you mix in water and garden centre don't seem to stock any any ideas

[@GoodGrowing]

If you’re UK based, you can use liquid gold leaf

[@Talhasarwar1]

What is the difference between pons, pumice and leca? Can all these be used interchangeably?

[@GoodGrowing]

Pon is a mixture of porous rocks, I'm not sure the exact ones. I think pon is a bit more balanced pH wise so you don't need to worry about supplimenting your water. I suppose you could use them interchangeably in a semi-hydro way though.

[@LindaEnfield]

Pon is made up of lava rock, pumice, zeolite and slow release fertiliser.

[@shevonnenorman8428]

Do you use a root booster when transferring plants over?

[@GoodGrowing]

I haven’t, no

[@addicteduke]

I am a little confused with something you said at 9:20 when said 'it is easier than lecca where you have to add nutrients to the water'. Does it mean you don't have to add nutrients to the water at all only use the slow release fertiliser? If so, can you still add fertiliser to the water?

[@GoodGrowing]

so if you're using lechuza pon, it has about 6 months of slow release in there already, so no you don't need to fertilise for that period at all, maybe after that 6 months have passed. If you're using other semi-hydro without the slow release, like soil ninja's, I use liquid fertiliser every water

[@addicteduke]

@@GoodGrowing Thank you very much that is very helpful to know

[@ChristopherLMunoz]

Hmm for the price would have to have some kind of comparison with traditional soil. its 3-4 times more for pon than soil

[@kcototheyoyoyo]

Lechuza is so expensive in the USA

[@flutter_bye4619]

Soil ninja doesn't have any nutrients added as lachuza does. So fertilizer is needed if you use soil ninja.

[@GoodGrowing]

true! also the fertiliser in lechuza dissipates after about 6 months so unless you repot with new lechuza pon, you'll need to add more yourself :)

[@user-vm6mf7rv9u]

will anthurium grow in Pon or Lecca ? thanks

[@GoodGrowing]

absolutely! I have several anthurium in semi-hydro and they love it!

[@MrTeenStyle]

caci and succulents LOVE this sh*t. String of pearls? Oh honey, it's rooted halfway down the cup and I've only had it for a week. Echeveria, jade, snake plant... mmm, so good, all work.

[@GoodGrowing]

Oohhh that's good to know! Do you use the water reservoir/self-watering for them? Or just use it as normal instead of soil?

[@MrTeenStyle]

@@GoodGrowing Yep, water reservoir. I want until the standing water depletes, then refill 1/3. :D Great content btw!

[@GoodGrowing]

@@MrTeenStyle oh wow okay! I'm glad it's working for you! It still makes me so nervous though 😂

[@Sandman1255]

Offtopic but I wish youtube gave the option of not hearing the background music in videos. (Im sure its royalty free (ie rubbiish) but ....i just cant take it

[@nathandesmond3641]

Does anyone know if soil ninja pon has fertilizer in it already?

[@GoodGrowing]

It does not, but you can buy slow release pellets from them to add in

[@nathandesmond3641]

@@GoodGrowing I appreciate it thank you!

[@hola-rk3lr]

I’m my life I ph balance my water for leca and my plants are thriving…

[@GoodGrowing]

Yeah I bet it helps! I'm just a lazy plant parent 😂

[@hola-rk3lr]

@@GoodGrowing Hahah I was describing myself, we are🤣💚 i never ph leca and all it’s perfectly finee, also the water from madrid it’s one of the best which helps

[@GoodGrowing]

@@hola-rk3lr ooh yeah I'm sure it depends on where the water comes from, I feel like London water would not be ideal!

[@elizabethmackin6560]

Ponvert and proud lol

[@joanneklaus9242]

🪨🪨🪨

[@chantalshipman613]

🪨 ❤

[@YellowPineappleHoyas]

Pon works well for succulents, but you water like soil and do not as a resevoir.

[@GoodGrowing]

ah very interesting! I'll have to give it a go sometime!! Thanks!

[@elmerbaez6784]

Pon is outrageously over priced. Soil is old school and it still works!!!

[@GoodGrowing]

It’s defo not cheap but it’s great for simplifying my plant care routine

[@elmerbaez6784]

@@GoodGrowing I'm glad for you. But, my plants are thriving.

[@blanchegodwin4648]

🪨 just starting to use it…. Very, very new!!

[@Micronezia]

🪨 I also use it for sansevierias and they love it. Thanks for the video :)

[@rebeccahenderson7761]

Very helpful video, great info - thank you! 🪨 I just ordered the stuff for diy. I refuse to pay lechusa prices.

[@thingsiwonder2001]

I really like LECA (I never balance the PH) and Lechuza🪨, I have even made my own and to my surprize my Pastazanum prefers my mix to Lechuza! It's just not readily available. I will buy as much as I can the next time it is in stock because I'm with you, it does make plant life so much easier. I find I spend more time enjoying my plants instead of maintaining them , which is especially difficult with so many plants! Now if I could just get my lighting right😔. Nice video and beautiful plants!!

[@GoodGrowing]

Yeah I liked LECA too it was just so much more faff for me than pon so I switched everything over 😂 Nice that your plants are doing so well in your DIY mix. What are you putting in it that's different than lechuza? It's just so great isn't it! Being able to just enjoy them and their beauty! 😍🪴💚

[@thingsiwonder2001]

@@GoodGrowing the only thing I do differently in my diy mix is not adding the slow release fertilizer. Everything else is the same. Speaking of which their pon is finally back in stock! Yay😁. I will try to find a decent slow release as soon as I’m finished with my liquid fertilizer. Yes!! It is wonderful!

[@tpedroso]

🪨 specially for Hoyas

[@GoodGrowing]

ooh interesting! I've not really had that much luck with hoyas in pon 🙃 tell me your secrets!!

[@darksloth1204]

I’ve been wanting to try this with my hoyas, I currently use perlite for my cuttings and they’re doing very well. I find when I only use leca I have less success with my plants I don’t know why. Thank you for your wonderful video!! 🪴🤍

[@GoodGrowing]

Do it! I have my pubicalyx in pon at the moment and it seems very happy! I'm probably going to put more in once they've rooted... I've got lots of cuttings at the moment! 🙃

[@irairod5160]

I don't yet, but I will use 🪨! I enjoyed this video, thanks.