Best Plants For Leca: 15 Top Picks That Thrive in Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate

Oleh Martha Collins June 04, 2023 Post a Comment

As a hydroponic growing medium, lightweight expanded clay aggregate, or LECA, is becoming increasingly popular among indoor gardeners. But with so many plants to choose from, which ones are the best suited to grow in LECA? In this article, we'll explore the top 15 plants that thrive in this unique substrate.

LECA is an excellent alternative to traditional soil-based systems because it provides an ideal environment for plant roots to develop and flourish. It's made by heating clay pellets at high temperatures and then expanding them into lightweight balls that are porous and absorbent. This allows for optimal drainage and oxygenation of the root zone, leading to healthier plants and better yields.

However, not all plants are created equal when it comes to growing in LECA. Some prefer a more acidic or alkaline pH level, while others require more or less water than what LECA can provide. Therefore, it's important to choose the right plants that will thrive in this medium and deliver the results you want.

Here are our top 15 picks for the best plants to grow in LECA:

1. Spider Plant

Spider plants are one of the easiest plants to grow in LECA. They prefer bright, indirect light and moderate watering, making them perfect for beginners. Plus, they're great air purifiers, removing harmful toxins from the air in your home.

To grow spider plants in LECA, simply place the rooted cuttings in the clay balls and keep them moist but not soggy. You can also add some fertilizer to the water once a month to boost their growth.

2. Pothos

Pothos is another low-maintenance plant that does well in LECA. It thrives in low to medium light and prefers its soil to dry out slightly between waterings. With its trailing vines and variegated leaves, pothos is a beautiful addition to any indoor garden.

To grow pothos in LECA, fill the bottom of a pot with clay balls and then add a layer of soil on top. Plant your pothos as you normally would and water it regularly. Over time, its roots will grow into the LECA and absorb the nutrients they need to thrive.

3. Peace Lily

Peace lilies are popular houseplants because they're easy to care for and produce beautiful white flowers. They prefer low to medium light and require moderate watering, making them a good fit for LECA.

To grow peace lilies in LECA, simply place the plant in a pot filled with clay balls and keep it moist but not wet. You can also mist the leaves occasionally to provide some extra humidity.

4. ZZ Plant

ZZ plants are known for their ability to thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for growing in LECA. They require minimal watering and fertilizer and are very resistant to pests and diseases.

To grow ZZ plants in LECA, place the plant in a pot filled with clay balls and water it sparingly. You can also add some slow-release fertilizer to the water once a month to promote its growth.

5. Snake Plant

Snake plants are another popular choice for indoor gardens because they're virtually indestructible. They can withstand low light, high heat, and drought, making them perfect for busy or forgetful gardeners.

To grow snake plants in LECA, place the plant in a pot filled with clay balls and water it occasionally. You can also add some liquid fertilizer to the water once a month to give it a boost.

6. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreens are a great option for those who want a touch of color in their indoor garden. They come in a variety of shades, from green to pink to white, and prefer low to medium light and moderate watering.

To grow Chinese evergreens in LECA, place the plant in a pot filled with clay balls and keep it moist but not waterlogged. You can also use a liquid fertilizer once a month to keep it healthy.

7. English Ivy

English ivy is a classic trailing plant that does well in LECA. It prefers bright, indirect light and moderate watering, making it easy to care for. Plus, it's a great air purifier, removing toxins from the air in your home.

To grow English ivy in LECA, place the plant in a pot filled with clay balls and keep it moist but not soggy. You can also add some slow-release fertilizer to the water once a month to give it a boost.

8. Rubber Plant

Rubber plants are a popular choice for indoor gardens because they're easy to care for and add a touch of tropical flair to any space. They prefer bright, indirect light and moderate watering, making them perfect for growing in LECA.

To grow rubber plants in LECA, place the rooted cuttings in a pot filled with clay balls and keep them moist but not waterlogged. You can also add some liquid fertilizer to the water once a month to promote their growth.

9. Fiddle Leaf Fig

Fiddle leaf figs are a trendy indoor plant that require a bit more care than some of our other picks. They prefer bright, indirect light and need to be watered regularly, but not too much.

To grow fiddle leaf figs in LECA, place the plant in a pot filled with clay balls and keep it moist but not wet. You can also mist the leaves occasionally to provide some extra humidity.

10. Philodendron

Philodendrons are a popular houseplant because they're easy to care for and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. They prefer low to medium light and moderate watering, making them ideal for growing in LECA.

To grow philodendrons in LECA, fill the bottom of a pot with clay balls and then add a layer of soil on top. Plant your philodendron as you normally would and water it regularly. Over time, its roots will grow into the LECA and absorb the nutrients they need to thrive.

11. Calathea

Calatheas are known for their beautiful foliage, which comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They prefer low to medium light and require moderate watering, making them a good fit for growing in LECA.

To grow calatheas in LECA, place the plant in a pot filled with clay balls and keep it moist but not wet. You can also mist the leaves occasionally to provide some extra humidity.

12. Boston Fern

Boston ferns are a classic indoor plant that do well in LECA. They prefer bright, indirect light and require regular watering, making them a bit more high-maintenance than some of our other picks.

To grow Boston ferns in LECA, place the plant in a pot filled with clay balls and keep it moist but not waterlogged. You can also mist the leaves occasionally to provide some extra humidity.

13. Croton

Crotons are a colorful and eye-catching indoor plant that requires moderate care. They prefer bright, indirect light and need to be watered regularly, but not too much.

To grow crotons in LECA, place the plant in a pot filled with clay balls and keep it moist but not wet. You can also add some liquid fertilizer to the water once a month to promote its growth.

14. Dracaena

Dracaenas are a popular houseplant because they're easy to care for and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. They prefer low to medium light and moderate watering, making them a good fit for growing in LECA.

To grow dracaenas in LECA, place the plant in a pot filled with clay balls and keep it moist but not wet. You can also mist the leaves occasionally to provide some extra humidity.

15. Schefflera

Scheffleras are a tropical indoor plant that do well in LECA. They prefer bright, indirect light and require regular watering, making them a bit more high-maintenance than some of our other picks.

To grow scheffleras in LECA, place the rooted cuttings in a pot filled with clay balls and keep them moist but not waterlogged. You can also add some slow-release fertilizer to the water once a month to promote their growth.

Growing plants in LECA is an excellent way to create a healthy and thriving indoor garden. By choosing the right plants that are suited to this unique substrate, you can enjoy all the benefits of hydroponic gardening without the hassle of soil-based systems.

Remember to choose plants that prefer low to medium light and moderate watering, and be sure to fertilize them regularly to promote their growth. With a little bit of care and attention, you can create a beautiful and healthy indoor garden that will bring you joy for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is LECA?

LECA stands for lightweight expanded clay aggregate. It's a hydroponic growing medium made by heating clay pellets at high temperatures and then expanding them into lightweight balls that are porous and absorbent.

Q2. What are the benefits of growing plants in LECA?

LECA provides an ideal environment for plant roots to develop and flourish. It allows for optimal drainage and oxygenation of the root zone, leading to healthier plants and better yields. Plus, LECA is reusable and requires less water than traditional soil-based systems.

Q3. What plants can be grown in LECA?

There are many plants that can be grown in LECA, including spider plants, pothos, peace lilies, ZZ plants, snake plants, Chinese evergreens, English ivy, rubber plants, fiddle leaf figs, philodendrons, calatheas, Boston ferns, crotons, dracaenas, and scheffleras.

Q4. How do you grow plants in LECA?

To grow plants in LECA, simply place the plant or rooted cutting in a pot filled with clay balls and keep it moist but not waterlogged. You can also add some liquid or slow-release fertilizer to the water once a month to promote its growth.

Q5. How often should you water plants in LECA?

The frequency of watering plants in LECA depends on the type of plant, the size of the pot, and the ambient humidity. In general, most plants require moderate watering, meaning the soil should be moist but not wet. You can test the moisture level by sticking your finger into the LECA. If it feels dry, it's time to water.

Q6. Can you reuse LECA?

Yes, LECA is reusable. After harvesting your plants, you can rinse the LECA with water and then sterilize it by baking it in an oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes. This will kill any remaining bacteria or fungi.

Q7. What pH level does LECA have?

LECA has a neutral pH level of around 7.0, which is suitable for most plants. However, some plants prefer a more acidic or alkaline pH level, so it's important to check their specific requirements before planting.

Q8. Do you need to fertilize plants in LECA?

Yes, you should fertilize plants in LECA regularly to promote their growth. You can use liquid or slow-release fertilizer and add it to the water once a month.

Q9. How do you know if your plant is getting enough nutrients in LECA?

You can tell if your plant is getting enough nutrients in LECA by observing its growth and overall health. If it's growing well and has healthy leaves, then it's likely getting the nutrients it needs. However, if it's struggling to grow or has yellowing leaves, then it may be lacking in nutrients.

Q10. Is LECA better than soil for growing plants?

LECA has several advantages over traditional soil-based systems, including better drainage and oxygenation of the root zone, less risk of pests and diseases, and better nutrient uptake by the roots. However, some plants may prefer soil, so it's important to choose the right substrate for your specific needs.