Forget about messy soil! Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA) and semi-hydroponics are new ways to grow healthy plants without using soil.
One study even suggests that the LECA method, which uses special clay pebbles, can help plants get the right amount of water and air.1
In another study, semi-hydroponics minimizes the risk of soil-borne pathogens and pests, meaning your plants are less likely to get sick, and you don’t have to worry about dirty soil.2
So, what are the types of plants that love this special way of growing?
1. Hen & Chicks (Echeveria spp.)
Endemic to semi-desert areas of Central America, Mexico, and northwestern South America, Echeverias are succulent plants known for their rosette-shaped leaves and vibrant colors.
Their adaptability to dry conditions and minimal watering requirements make them ideal for LECA and semi-hydroponics.
2. Laceleaf (Anthurium spp.)
Native to tropical regions of the Americas, Anthuriums are admired for their colorful spathes (modified leaves) and long-lasting blooms.
They thrive in humid environments and appreciate the consistent moisture provided by semi-hydroponic systems.
3. Snake Plant (Dracaena, formerly Sansevieria)
Originating from West Africa, Sansevierias are hardy, drought-tolerant plants characterized by their upright, sword-like leaves.
Their ability to tolerate neglect and infrequent watering makes them suitable for LECA cultivation.
4. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Hailing from tropical regions of the Americas, Philodendrons are diverse in form, with vining or upright growth habits and varied leaf shapes and colors.
They adapt well to semi-hydroponics due to their preference for moist conditions and well-draining media.
5. Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America, Syngoniums are vining plants with arrowhead-shaped leaves.
They enjoy high humidity and consistent moisture, making them suitable for LECA and semi-hydroponic growing environments.
6. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa var. borsigiana albo-variegata)
Native to Central and South America, this Monstera variety is highly prized for its iconic fenestrated leaves with striking white variegation.
It thrives in the well-draining environment of LECA and semi-hydroponics, which prevents root rot and promotes healthy growth.
7. Variegated Monstera (Monstera deliciosa ‘Thai Constellation’)
Originating from Thailand, this Monstera variety features unique, speckled variegation resembling a starry night sky.
Its adaptability to various growing conditions, including semi-hydroponics, makes it a popular choice for indoor gardeners.
8. Wax Plant (Hoya carnosa)
Hailing from tropical regions of Asia and Australia, Hoyas are vining plants known for their waxy, often fragrant, flowers and diverse foliage shapes.
Their ability to tolerate dry spells between waterings makes them well-suited for LECA cultivation.
9. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Native to Southeast Asia, Pothos are easy-to-grow, trailing plants with heart-shaped leaves in various colors and patterns.
They adapt readily to LECA and semi-hydroponics due to their minimal watering needs and tolerance for a range of light conditions.
10. Zebra Cactus (Haworthia spp.)
Endemic to Southern Africa, Haworthias are small, succulent plants with fleshy, often translucent, leaves arranged in rosettes.
Their drought tolerance and preference for well-draining media make them ideal candidates for LECA and semi-hydroponics.
11. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Native to East Africa, the ZZ Plant is a resilient and low-maintenance plant known for its glossy, dark green leaves.
It thrives in the well-draining environment of LECA and semi-hydroponics, as it is drought-tolerant and prefers infrequent watering.
12. Groundsel (Senecio spp.)
This diverse genus includes various species from different parts of the world, including the String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus) from South Africa.
Many Senecio varieties, like String of Pearls or String of Bananas, are succulents and therefore well-suited to LECA and semi-hydroponics due to their low water requirements and preference for well-draining media.
13. Shining Bush Plant (Peperomia spp.)
Originating from tropical regions of Central and South America, Peperomia plants are known for their compact size and diverse foliage, with textures ranging from smooth to bumpy and colors ranging from green to red.
They are adaptable to semi-hydroponics as they appreciate consistent moisture without soggy roots.
14. Spurge (Euphorbia spp.)
This vast genus includes a wide range of succulents, shrubs, and trees, with origins across the globe.
Many Euphorbia species are well-suited to LECA and semi-hydroponics due to their drought tolerance and preference for well-draining conditions.
15. Fig Tree (Ficus spp.)
Native to various parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Australia, Ficus plants are known for their diverse forms, from small shrubs to large trees.
Many Ficus varieties, such as Ficus elastica (Rubber Plant) or Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig), adapt well to semi-hydroponics as long as they receive adequate light and consistent moisture.
LECA and semi-hydroponics open up a whole new realm of possibilities for plant enthusiasts, offering a cleaner, easier, and more efficient way to cultivate your favorite plants.
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Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.