What is LECA?

LECA is Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), an inorganic clay pellet that has been heated and tumbled in a rotary kiln.

Often used in hydroponic and aquaponic settings as a growing medium (think of it as a replacement for soil), LECA has recently been used for houseplants such as orchids in a semi-hydroponic setting to take the guess work out of when to water and how much. It’s purpose is to decrease the complication of plant care.

It works because the clay pellets (LECA) provides two essential needs to the plant’s roots: hydration and oxygen. LECA is really porous (has little air bubbles for lack of better wording) which allows it to absorb water and hydrate the roots, plus provide necessary oxygen simultaneously.

How We Used LECA For Houseplant & An Orchid

Materials: visit this amazon list to get everything you need

• LECA clay
• Net pot (for the orchid)
• Decorative pot or saucer (for the orchid)
• Glass pot/container (for the houseplant cutting – its cuter and easy to see if you need to add more water)
• Strainer (to rinse the LECA)
• plant cutting and/or orchid

Step 1

Rinse your clay pellets in a strainer and allow then to soak in water overnight.

Step 2

for orchids, upot your plant. Rinse away all of the previous medium so that you’re left with only healthy roots. Check to see if any roots need to be pruned. If the roots look soggy and brown, gently pull them to see if the outer skin comes off showing brown and stringy roots, its dead and its okay to trim it.

Step 3

Add a layer of LECA to the bottom of your net pot (for the orchid) or glass planter (for the cutting), then plant in the pot and fill it’s surrounding with more LECA as you would do when potting with soil. Shake the pot to allow the LECA to fill in the gaps.

Step 4

Add water to the decorative planter or saucer (orchid) keeping the level BELOW the roots. For plant cuttings, its recommended to fill the planter with 1/2 full with water. I like to fill it up the first time and let it sink as time goes on.

Step 5

BE patient. It takes a while for some orchids to get use to this setting. Some cuttings may take longer to grow. Document your plant’s process and adjust as needed. I’m pretty sure you’ll come addicted to this technique once you see the results!

Pros

• provides excellent drainage
• also can absorb nutrients and distribute to the roots as well
• long lasting
• no bugs
• inexpensive

Cons

• because they are so porous, they can dry out quickly
• the process of rinse the LECA before using can be time consuming
• they can be messy when trying to rinse due to the red clay

Final say: I nearly killed my house plant because I didn’t  add enough water to the container. I also had to remind myself to be patient with my orchid. Be mindful plant mamas, it’s the journey what we love so much about plants.

It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t set up an amazon list so you can get started using LECA now. Click here now.