What is Green Planet LECA 8–15mm and what is it used for?
Green Planet LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) is a soilless, inert growing medium made of porous clay pebbles. The 8–15mm size provides great drainage and airflow, making it ideal for hydroponics, aquaponics, semi-hydro houseplants, orchids, seed starting, and even outdoor or soil-based gardening.
Does Green Planet LECA contain nutrients or behave like soil?
No—it’s completely inert and nutrient-free. Unlike soil or coco, it doesn’t hold nutrients or buffer pH. All feeding must come from your hydroponic solution or nutrient mix.
Should I rinse or soak Green Planet LECA before use?
Yes. Rinse thoroughly to remove dust, then soak for a few hours or overnight to fully saturate the pebbles. This prevents floating, helps stabilize pH, and reduces early EC drift in your system.
What pH should I use when soaking Green Planet LECA?
It’s best to pre-soak LECA in water adjusted to your target reservoir pH (usually 5.5–6.0 for hydro). This reduces the risk of pH spikes when first introduced into your system.
Does Green Planet LECA wick water and how often should I water in semi-hydro?
LECA wicks water through its pores but doesn’t hold moisture like soil. In semi-hydro, use a pot with a small reservoir and refill when water drops low. Always flush occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Can I use Green Planet LECA in hydroponic and aquaponic systems?
Yes—it’s excellent for flood and drain, drip, DWC, RDWC, and net pots. Just make sure it’s rinsed well to avoid clogging pumps with clay dust. Its porosity supports strong root development and microbial life.
Can I mix Green Planet LECA with other media like coco or soil?
Yes, you can mix it to improve drainage and aeration. It's often used as a bottom layer in pots or a top layer to deter fungus gnats, but it won't fix overwatering issues on its own.
Can Green Planet LECA be reused after a grow?
Absolutely. Remove roots, rinse thoroughly, and optionally sanitise with diluted hydrogen peroxide or bleach. Dry fully before storing to prevent mould or algae growth.
How do I store leftover or used LECA?
Store it dry in a sealed container or tightly closed bag. If it’s been unused for a while, a quick rinse before reuse is recommended to remove dust or contaminants.
Can Green Planet LECA cause algae, clogs, or root rot?
LECA drains well and helps prevent rot, but poor system hygiene, stagnant water, or light exposure can still cause algae or clogs. Keep it clean, flush as needed, and block light where possible.
Is Green Planet LECA safe for kids and pets?
It’s non-toxic clay, but the pebbles are a choking hazard for children and animals. Store it safely and keep it out of reach during use and storage.
Why are my plants wilting in LECA even though there’s water?
Common reasons include transition shock, poor wicking from lack of a reservoir, or incorrect nutrient strength or pH. LECA requires some dialing in compared to traditional soil growing.
What’s the biggest mistake beginners make with LECA?
Not rinsing it thoroughly before use. The clay dust can clog systems and skew pH/EC. Another mistake is assuming it works like soil—LECA needs consistent feeding and a moisture-wicking setup.
Is Green Planet LECA heavy and how far does a 25L bag go?
It’s much lighter than gravel, though a 25L bag is still a manageable lift. One bag can fill several medium pots or a large hydro system, depending on your setup depth.
