LECA FOR BEGINNERS | COMPLETE GUIDE (What You Need, How To Transfer Plants, How To Care For Them)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 26 ก.ค. 2024
- Getting started with growing houseplants in LECA may seem scary and complicated. In this tutorial, I show you how I use LECA balls (a.k.a. hydroballs) to grow plants using a semi hydroponics system (a.k.a. passive hydroponics). I will tell you what products I use, show you how to transfer a plant from soil to LECA, and how I care for it during the transition period, and after.
#LECA #semihydroponics #passivehydroponics
0:00 - intro
0:21 - how semi hydroponics works
1:38 - the stuff I use
4:08 - how to make the nutrient solution
6:27 - how to transfer a plant
8:51 - the transition period
10:15 - conclusion
Nutrients
www.amazon.ca/General-Hydropo...
pH meter
www.amazon.ca/Preciva-Measuri...
pH adjusting products
www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07S...
Follow me on Instagram @cat.bo.no
Disclaimer: I am not an expert. My videos show the way I do plant care and what works for me and my plants.
If I use images found via google search, links will be provided in the description as credit.
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Nutrient Solution Recipe
Nutrients: 5.3ml each per 4L or 1tsp each per gallon
Superthrive: 1.3ml per 4L or 1/4tsp per gallon
Always mix in FloraMicro first!
Do u add the same amount of the other 2 ( grow and bloom ) to the same mix?
@@samanthaoconnor1697 yes it's the same amount for each nutrient, 5.3ml per L or 1 tsp per gallon.
Good to know about the clay sludging the pipes & soaking
Thank You! This is one of the best way to explain the steps to converting to Leca. I have watched many, and am confused because each one seems to tell a different way. I understand the basics, but the transition part is what's confusing because some say to leave it alone for a month, others say nutrients right away, while others say just water. Anyway, thanks for your easy to understand and well explained tutorial.
Thank you so much Leslie! I'm really glad it was helpful.
Hands down this the most thorough explanation I’ve seen on YT! Thank you so very much for sharing.
Thank you some much!!
I grow 80% of my orchids in leca... used to grow houseplants in leca in the 80s and am so glad to grow my orchids in it as well .. great video 👍🏼
Thank you so much!
This is the best example I have seen for the placement of the plant roots in LECA. Thank you so much 🌱
Very welcome!! Thanks for your comment.
Finally, after 20 vids, I found yours. You explained everything while keeping it short. Thank you.
thank you! I’m so glad it was helpful!
Best video I have found for beginner!! Thank you!!
I'm so glad! Thank you so much for your comment!
Immense gratitude for sharing such a detailed valuable information.
Thank you so much!
Best how to use Leca video. Good details and instructions.
thank you so much 😊
Thank you for a great video! I’ve watched quite a few that just left me with more questions😅 I think you’ve answered most of mine! Thank you!!💖
I'm so glad! I’m thank you for your comment!
thank you so much! every other video I watched did not have enough info. this was perfect in helping me understand leca! I want to try this for one of my variegated hoya compacta 🖤
Thank you for your comment! I’m so glad it helped.
By fav the best leca info video!! Straight to the point. Detailed and very educational! Thank you! You have a new subscriber! 😊
Thank you so much!!!
Thank you. Your video is very informative and straight forward which I appreciate.
Thank you!
Thank you very much for the video. Great info, well presented.
thank you so much 😊
Amazing clear instructions. Looks pricy to get started but something I have wanted to do for sometime
Your video was extremely informative. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge and experiences. I am looking forward to giving my Leca a try. 🙏🏽
You are so welcome! thank you for your comment!!
I love your care explanation. Very thorough 😊
Thanks so much!
Wonderful and clear information! Thank you
You are so welcome! thank you so much for your feedback!
Awesome! Awesome! Clear, concise, easy to understand and follow. I have been searching " how to " for weeks. I will be transfering my silver pothos and aglaonema pink valentine in the spring. I have to buy al this stuff first. Lol lol thanks a million 😊
so glad you appreciated the video. thanks!
Thank you so much. 💕 I've been thinking about switching some of my plants to leca.
You are so welcome!
Thank you that was very clear and right to the point!
Thank you so much for your kind comment!
thank you so much, this is extremely helpful! i can't wait to transplant my plants tomorrow ;)
Glad it was helpful! thank you for your comment!
I'm new to leca potting , this was a good video, you explained it so well. The best one I've seen thank you so much. I've shared it with my friend who also is new smooches💋
I’m really happy you liked the video. thank you for your comment 😊
I am in the process of transitioning my plants over to leca. I enjoyed your video and all the details provided, thank you.
thank you for your comment!
I patiently listening and very informative,in detailed this is what I've been looking for❤thanks
thank you for your comment! I’m glad you liked the video!
Wow you made it easier to understand and not too overwhelming! I have a plant pup that has roots and was in soil and I tried soil but it was limp and sad… I put it into water and 12 hours later it perked right back up so I’m going to have it in Leca and now I have a guide to help me maintain it :) thank you
thank you so much for your comment! I’m happy the video was helpful!
update on the prop in leca??
Great video 😁 really helpful 👏
thank you so much !!
Thanks for sharing ❤️
Thank You so much for this great clear guide. short but complete and to the point :)
It's the best one I saw until now , helped me a lot in converting my first plant to LECA :)
You're very welcome! thank you for your comment!!
@@cat.b One small question - Did you try plants ( such as Ficus Elastica ) propagation in LECA ?
I have propagated lots of plants in leca. I have not tried ficus, but I have propagated a zz leaf successfully. So I think ficus would work fine.
@@cat.b Thanks for your kind response.
One more question: Did you try before to use Pumice instead of LECA in semi-hydroponic ?
@@I.Khalil I have not.
Yea she did do a good job at explaining
Excellent video 👍
Thank you so much! 😊
This might be the best video I have seen on the whole leca transition. Nicely done. Thank you.
Can I just use the super thrive as my plant food or do I also need the other stuff.
You do need all the stuff. thank you so much for your comment!
Great info thanks.
Thank you!
Good 👍 Information about Leca well done 👏 ✔ 👍 👌 😀 🙌
Thank you!!
so helpful thank you
You’re so welcome!!!
I was curious about leca growing. Watching this I decided it's not for me. I still use leca In my pot mixes but completely in leca is for someone else. I do have some succulents in leca for good dranage.
Peace thanks so much. I can’t get with the bugs from the soil. You don’t use the yarn I see. So dope 🔥🔥🌻
Very useful
Great video that describes the process so well.
I’ve wondered if you can propagate in leca?
Yes, absolutely. it works great!
"No body knows what's in it" hahaha soooo true.
Great video! Thank you so much! 💕🌱 I have a question though, do you ever have to change the Leca out? Or is that something that happens like when repotting the plant?
You do not need to change the LECA. When repotting you can rinse and reuse the same LECA as long as there is no disease. I have a video on cleaning LECA if you are interested!
New sub here! I'm a visual person so your demonstration is very helpful! Does a transitioning plant shed its soil roots while growing water roots?
They usually shed at least part of their soil roots, but not necessarily all of them in my experience.
VERY INFORMATIVE! I HAVE WATCHED NUMEROUS VIDEOS ON TRANSFERRING PLANTS TO LECA FROM SOIL & THIS IS ONE OF THE BETTER ONES I HAVE WATCHED!
GETS RIGHT TO THE POINT WITH-OUT ALOT OF UNNECESSARY STUFF SO I ACTUALLY CAN LEARN FROM THE VIDEO INSTEAD OF ADDING TO MY CONFUSION!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE DETAILED VIDEO! AFTER WATCHING, IM READY TO SWITCH OVER TO LECA! JUST 2 QUESTIONS......
1. DOES EVERY PLANT THRIVE IN THE LECA OR IS IT SOME TYPES OF PLANTS THAT DON'T DO WELL IN LECA?!
2. I CAN'T AFFORD SPECIAL POTS FOR ALL MY PLANT COLLECTION SO WHAT IS BETTER, GLASS OR PLASTIC, WHEN CHOOSING A POT?! IM GONNA USE PLASTIC CONTAINERS THAT I CAN SEE THRU, LIKE THE CONTAINERS U GET FROM THE DELI HOLDING SALAD'S....
3. WHY DO SOME PEOPLE PUT A HOLE IN THE PLASTIC CONTAINERS?! CAN U LIST THE PROS AND CONS OF HOLE OR NO HOLE?!
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE
thank you so much!
All the plants I have tried dis well in LECA except ferns. I have not tried cacti, snake plants or succulents.
I don’t think the type of pot matters much.
Some ppl put a hole on the
side of the container at the level they want the water line if it’s a container with no drainage holes like a vase. It’s like an overflow. It prevents over-filling. I guess it allows flushing as well, but Flushing without real drainage holes is not as effective.
The LECA is inert but tap water pH takes a day or two to settle due to the buffers added to it whilst it in the pipe network. The water needs to breath without a lid to settle properly as the buffers gas off. Good to age the water before making solution or use ro-di for full control. I think many people don’t understand this when they make claims it’s the leca doing it
Thank you for such an informative leca video. I am thinking about trying it with some of my plants and have watched a ton of videos however this made the most sense. I currently only use distilled water on all my plants because I have super hard water, will flushing with tap water harm anything? Going to watch your other videos, thx again!
Thank you! I'm really glad you found it useful. I have very hard tap water as well and I flush with it with no problem. If you are concerned you can always do the flush with tap water and then do a final rinse with distilled water. I think doing the whole flush with distilled water would be too wasteful, unless you have an endless supply! Rain water would work great too if you have a rain barrel.
@@cat.b thank you, that helps so much because I was hoping to be able to use tap water to flush so I don't need to use distilled.
I see you have a philodendron orange plant next to you. I have one, but it didn't do good in the lecca. Yours is beautiful.
That's too bad! Don't give up. If a plant is struggling when first transferred to LECA, try putting it in a closed container (clear plastic bag or tote) until it is established, and then gradually open the container to acclimate the plant to normal room air humidity over a couple weeks.
thanks for this video! it's very informative :) I have a question - why do you use regular tap water instead of pH adjusted water when first transitioning?
I just use whatever the plant was used to be watered with.
@@cat.b i see, thank you for the quick reply!
Thanks for this very informative video. Question, you said you stored the nutrients water in the dark place. How long can you store it for before it go bad. Thank you
Good question. I have used it even if it smelled funky (like a dirty fish aquarium). I would not keep it more than a month but that's completely arbitrary.
Hi! This video has been very helpful for me, thank you!
I have one question, what exactly do you mean by "flushing" every couple weeks? Thanks!
I demonstrate flushing in the beginning of the video.
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Great video. How do the mushy roots get reminded removed from the inner pot.
Secondly, how often do you check on the water level in the outer pot.
Thirdly, can this be used for plants like senseiveria. Request a video on it if it's possible.
Thanks
The mushy roots will be flushed out over time. For most plants I check the water level once a week, but sometimes a plant may need more water. Overtime you get to know your plants and their needs. People do use LECA with sansevieria (now dracena), but I don't have any so I haven't tried it.
@@cat.b thank you so much
I am late to this video. Best so far I’ve seen. Thanks so much. I have a small question: the transition period:, do you mean to start with regular tap water and add in the mixed solution (which includes distilled water, ph, superthrive, and the flora series) little by little until it’s fully transitioned?
Thanks again !
that would work fine. you can also transition from tap water, then to distilled water gradually, then to nutrient solution gradually. I think both ways would work just fine.
@@cat.b thanks for this. Being new to this I didn’t fully understand what the transition period on your video meant.
Tysm! Btw can you use hydroponics without ph and floramicro/bloom/gro? I only have superthrive right now.
tjank you for your comment! you can start with just superthrive, but I’m not sure if it would work long term. I have not tried it.
Thanks for your video ! I imagined that if you have a water propagated plant that you put il leca instead of soil the transition is easier for the plant ? I went to Canadian tire today and the sticker on the superthrive bottle wasn’t the same so I didn’t buy it cause I didn’t know if it was the same product just with a new sticker on it do you know if they changed the sticker ?
I would be surprised if they changed the formula, but reaching to the company may be the best way to confirm that. When I transfer a plant with water roots, I put enough water to cover all the roots and let the lever gradually go down over a few weeks. Because water roots can dry and die. I have not transferred water-rooted plants many times though.
@@cat.b thanks for your really quick response ! I’ll add more water :)
Hi, I living in Australia. Im happy watching your video, its very very informed me.
Can I use Seaweed Liquid Fertilizer for plants in Leca hydroponic media?
Hi! thank you for you comment! I do not have experience using products other than the ones I show in the video, so I cannot really say.
I just got a plant from the plant store with leca o.o
I was baffled about how this works as I didn't ask for this soil xD This video was super enlightening, but come on, now I have to buy so many nutrient products? -_-
no you can transfer it back to soil. If it starts to wilt put it inside a clear container for a few weeks and then gradually back to room air over a couple weeks.
Very helpful. Thank you. Have you ever tried growing plants in 100% water? without leca or any other material... If so, please share your method and experience.
I have not
I’ve been using lecca for a while, and im curious on your advice on how often to fill the reservoir of nutrient water for plants that don’t like wet feet. Specifically, my umbrella tree has been suffering from bad root rot and I recently did a rescue mission on her. However, I’m still lost about how often to water her reservoir
the water level in the reservoir should be kept more or less at the same level at all times. the roots that will grow into the water will be water roots and will be adapted to live in water. just make sure you don’t put too much water and submerge roots that are not adapted to water.
can u use slow realese fertilizer for semi hydroponic?
I don’t know.
I would guess effect leca has on the pH of water has to do with the hardness of it when it's used.
Thank you for the video, this is the first time I've heard the transition part be mentioned in a video so it filled me with a sense of relief.
I haven't tried leca before but am preparing to transition some of my plants to it, in terms of that transition period where the plant loses the "soil roots", where it's brown and mushy how do I get rid of them then if I choose not to disturb the roots? Do I continue flushing anyways in hopes it will flush those brown roots or will I have to take the plant out of leca to rinse it off of it?
In terms of flushing if I don't have the option to have a catcher/reservoir and instead hold the leca inside a closed container with the water included (i.e. glass container), how would I flush it? Is it a case of continuously filling the container till the old water rises to the top? or fill and drain whilst holding the plant and leca in place? Or is it one where I'd have to keep replanting the leca into it every time I flush it?
Thank you for a very straightforward and informative video helped me very much
thank you for your comment!! if you use a cover pot, flushing will get rid of dead roots over time. if not you will have to take it out after a few weeks to rinse it off and clean the leca. flushing in a pot without drainage would be done by filling the container and pouring the water out while holding the plant multiple times. it’s not easy or fun. running water would take a very long time and the top leca would likely float out of the pot.
@@cat.bThat was everything I needed to start, so thank you so much☺️🥰
Can you use Miracle Gro for the nutrients?
That would be very simple and easy. I haven’t tried, but I’m guessing if it was a good idea growers would do it.
Does anyone find that the ph readings on their moisture meter are fairly accurate? I don’t have a ph kit yet.
If you check your moisture meter instructions, you will probably see a warning to not put it in water and that it can damage it.
How do you choose a size of leca? Because I noticed they come in large sizes and tiny sizes and everything in between. Does it make a difference?
I personally use whatever is cheaper and easy to finds. Plants might be more stable in smaller LECA when first transferred. Smaller LECA also holds more water but that’s not really significant to me in real life use.
Hi..
Love your video here, & thanks a lot !
May I ask, can I use leca to root fig cuttings??
Cuttings from a fig tree? I have never tried rooting tree cuttings in LECA. I expect it would work in a closed container for humidity.
@@cat.b ok.. thanks.. have u ever rooted any hardwood plant in this leca media??
Since leca is an organic material, will it also contribute to decay & root rots??
LECA is not organic. I have not rooted wood in LECA. there is good air circulation in LECA so I would think it would reduce the risk of rot.
@@cat.b thank u for the vital info.. appreciate it very much, 🙏
Hi there, thanks for the video. I’m new to leca and want to understand more before I start this process. After the plant has transition, do how often do I use nutrient water? do I switch between nutrient water and regular ph water?
Once you transition, you refresh the nutrient water everytime you flush. In between flushes, you just top up the reservoir with pH adjusted water as needed.
@@cat.b thanks for the quick response. I’m still confused, how much nutrient water do you put? To the water line? Or you put a small amount and then top the rest with ph water to the water line?
You always fill water or nutrient solution to the level I show in the video. No more.
@@cat.b thank you!! I’m definitely gonna give it a try.
I just purchased a Easter catcus. Can i use leca balls for it?
That’s a type of that plant that has very fine roots, so cleaning them well enough to transfer to LECA is challenging. It would be easier and less risky to start one in LECA from cuttings.
Thank you very much for the amazing information. I just got some unrooted cuttings. Should I start with LECA or leave in water to grow the roots? Thank you
I prefer to root them directly in LECA, and inside a clear container like a tote, upside down vase, plastic bag. The very high humidity allows the cutting to live without roots while it’s growing roots, and it also makes roots grow way quicker. You also remove the stress of switching from water to LECA. when the cutting is rooted, gradually open the container over 7-10 days to acclimate it to normal room humidity.
@@cat.b thank you very much for the precious tip!
Should I start with the nutrients solution since the begging or just ph adjusted water?
just ph adjusted water until it’s rooted.
@@cat.b I can’t thank you enough. Have a great day!!!
Hey where do you get the white vases from?
The white cover pots? from Canadian Tire. They only have stores in Canada
I imported my plants and they came bare root so they've only been living in water since I got them. Would I follow the same process?
It depends. If they've only been in water for a few days you can put them in LECA as show in the video. If they have been in water long enough for the soil roots to die or adapt to water and for the plant to grow water roots, it will be more difficult.
Interesting to know about PH in relation to LECA.
Maybe not get LECA from Ikea lol...
I don't have the patience to test the PH.
is there a particular brand of leca balls you use?
nope
Do you water in between flushing? Maybe add a little nutrient water?
top up with ph adjusted water as needed between flushes.
Really helpful video! 😊 Are you from the province of Québec?
oui!!
@@cat.b J'avais cru entendre un accent familier aussi! 🙂
😁
Hi , is there any course available for succulent plants ???
Please let me know I want to be expert in this .thank you so much
I don’t know one.
I’m new to leca but have my orchids successfully growing In water in clear glass. Is adding leca beneficial?
Growing in water with roots submerged is very different than growing in passive hydroponics with LECA. Your orchids have 100% water roots by now. If they are doing well, I don't see a reason to put them through the stress of transitioning to a different system. You could add LECA and still keep the roots submerged, but I don't see any advantage to doing that.
Before transferring my plant from soil to leca, is it necessary to first have them sit in water and then later on when they grow water roots- put it in leca?? I just don’t know how long they take to grow water roots or if I’m being impatient 😆
No need to put them in water first. that’s just one more transition to stress the plant. I do exactly as shown in the video.
Just curious if you see some rotten roots do you cut them or leave them alone?
if I’ve taken the plant out of the pot already then I remove any dead roots.
How long does it take to see growth? I’ve transferred a couple of plants and some cuttings. Roots are growing but no new growth. It’s been about 3 weeks. Am I being impatient?
it’s extremely variable. but the plant will establish itself before pushing new growth, so it can take many weeks. roots first, then foliage. a plant will not push new growth if it doesn’t have the root system to support it.
Do you have to use a catch pot or can you use the plant and lecca in glass jar.
You can use a glass vase, although it makes flushing more difficult. I don't recommend to use any jar with the opening smaller than the rest of the container as there is a high risk of damaging the roots when you decide to remove the plant from the container. So a mason jar is not a good option.
@@cat.b Okay. Thank you. What type of fertilizer do you use.
I show all the products I use in the video.
Can we use leca without adding the 3 nutrients mentioned by you in this video. Pls reply
I’m thinking if you do that long term the plant might lack nutrients.
Does size matter ( Diameter ) when using Leca ?
I personally use whatever is cheaper and easy to finds. Plants might be more stable in smaller LECA when first transferred. Smaller LECA also holds more water but that’s not really significant to me in real life use.
My Lecca had an odor when I was going to change the water. Is that normal.
Did it smell like a fish tank?
Are LECA only for decorative plants? Can I also grow edibles/veggies ?
not for root vegetables, but I don’t see a reason you couldn’t grow herbs, peppers etc…
Sorry for this question… but can I put a plant in leca with no roots ? If yes then is there more water in that pot ? Ty blessings
You can start cuttings (no roots) in leca, you don’t need to put more water, the roots will grow down. BUT, make sure the leca is all wet when potting, and put the plant inside a closed clear container so it gets 100% humidity while it grows roots. once it’s well rooted open the container gradually over about 10-14 days to acclimate it gradually to regular air humidity.
@@cat.b Ty for this information.
Yes leca is clean and was sitting in water for 4 days 🙈🙈
@@cat.b also I changed my flamingo anthurium to leca and follow the steps just a bit of water etc
I’m trying to ignore it (I don’t have much luck with anthurium) hopefully it makes it 🙏🏼
What brand leca do you use?
no brand in particular, best deal I can find.
I repot my maculata in pumice and after 2 days it started to be limpy n bendy all over. Water is slightly lower th roots. Can i know why that happens?
Hi! I responded to your first message just below 😊
What type of leca do you use? I've been reading reviews and some are super smelly like Sulphur I bet that kind has a higher pH. I hear hydroton is dusty but no smell and or pH. I don't know I guess. So much research to do
I use the cheapest I can find, usually from amazon, and it has no smell. Any leca is dusty and needs to be rinsed before use. It’s made of clay so as the balls rub together during fabrication and and transport, dust will form. I don’t think you can avoid that. It is possible that hydroton is more inert in regards to pH. I have not tried that brand.
@@cat.b thanks for your response :) I am officially switching to leca. I'm in the process of finding the right way for me, and the special babies I plan on having in it. Once I get my set up correct I hope it does the trick and instead of surviving plants I hope they thrive.
Can i just put my plant with leca in a clear glass without no holes? Is it possible? As i want to see the roots everyday in my plant
yes you can. it just makes flushing difficult
The pH rises because the plant consumes nutrients. It is a simple chemical reaction that is well understood. The same thing will happen if you have the plant in water.
Once I have a good root system going, should I go back to soil?
I’m not sure I understand. Why transfer a plant to LECA to re-transfer it to soil after? If you want to grow your plant in soil don’t go through all that trouble, just leave it in soil.
@@cat.b ok so I transferred a struggling plant to Leca to help it. It is now doing well and I thought I’d put it back in soil. So it’s ok for the plant to keep living in Leca? I ask this because it’s a monstera and will get big hopefully.
@@cat.b also, do you ever use the Micro, Gro, Bloom nutrients again after the initial time?
I understand. You can transfer it back to soil if you prefer to grow plants in soil, or you can grow in LECA. If you can offer it enough light for it become really big, it might be a bit tricky to check the water/nutrient solution level.
You renew the nutrient solution every time you flush.
Thanks for this …but to be 100% clear.. you only use nutrients every two -4weeks when you flush every 2-4 weeks,in between that you only use water…correct… and one more quick question, Ove never understood… should the roots of the plant sit in the water that’s at the bottom… or does the pebbles some how draw water up to where the roots are?(Hope this makes sense😅)
you use nutrient solution only after flushing that is correct. the roots need to be above water line when you transfer the plant because the roots the plant has are soil roots. Over time the plant will develop water roots that will reach the water/nutrient solution. Water roots can live in water without rotting. the soil roots will get water from the LECA.
@@cat.b Gotcha ! Thanks so much
🤗🤗🤗👍🙋😘
They need no soil at all??
none
Won't the it breed mosquitoes?
I don’t use LECA outdoors so it’s not a problem.
i just use my aquarium water from my fish.
Maudit que t'es belle ma soeur !! ❤
xxxx
Hi there, I also did something similar re: LECA. Please check it out.
Too much work better put the plant in water no soil just fertilized it