A layer of Hydroleca in drainage channels under lawns will improve their performance as the "pebbles" resist compaction better than other traditional materials. Leca is an acronym and it stands for: Lightweight expanded clay aggregate. It sounds very complicated, but when you break it down, it's a good and descriptive name. Essentially, Leca is a growing medium, like soil, in which you can grow your plants. Eco-friendly – It’s made exclusively from clay (which isn’t exactly endangered), and it’s completely inert and non-toxic. So it’s safe to use with all manner of plants.

Keeping a 5 cm depth of Hydroleca moist on a bench in a greenhouse can help improve humidity levels. Okay, all of these are great, right? But there’s one more quality that leca brings to the table that most other materials don’t. Hydroleca also forms an ideal microclimate around your plants so the soil near to your roots stay adequately moist and the air around your plants remain sufficiently humid. While any slow release feed you've included in the potting medium will last several months, once that has been used up, you can supplement with a monthly general liquid feed in the growing season. Plants growing in the ground are unlikely to need fertiliser. OverwinteringPest resistant – No soil, no problem. Pests that reproduce in soil (fungus gnats, I’m looking at you) can’t get a foothold in a leca medium. When you're growing your plants in soil, the only time you'll really see the roots is when you're in the process of repotting the plant. In between planting and repotting them, you won't really know what the roots look like and how they're doing.

With an average diameter of 1cm, LECA balls have a million and one functions within the world of houseplants. Most commonly used when water-propagating a cutting, you can even mix them into a potting mix to improve the overall structure and moisture-retaining profile of the soil. This is especially good with houseplants that HATE dry spells or excessively hot climates, as the balls will soak in the moisture for the roots to use at a later date. In addition to providing an attractive finish for the pot, the Hydroleca will retain and slowly release water and nutrients to the growing media, will help maintain the temperature of the compost, and will increase humidity around the plant. Add Hydroleca to potting compost in a ratio of one part Hydroleca to three parts compost for lighter weight containers to grow a wide range of plants, including small trees and shrubs

Meet Roelof Jan Elsinga, a passionate and knowledgeable plant care enthusiast. With 6 years of personal experience, Roelof Jan has gained a wealth of knowledge on indoor plant care. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced plant owner, Roelof Jan's practical advice and deep understanding of various plants and their needs can help you become a successful plant caretaker.

Pot up offsets (mini rosettes) in spring into a free-draining, gritty compost. You can make your own using half and half sharp grit and John Innes No.2 or buy a ready-made cacti compost. Plantlets may already have roots, so tease rosettes apart carefully. Keep moist and out of direct sun and they should establish in 4-6 weeks.Thank you for reading this post! I hope it helps you to keep your plants healthy and beautiful! If you're looking for more guides on specific plants, you can always request a plant guide to get a guide for the plant you have trouble with.