Passive hydroponics, semi-hydroponics or passive subirrigation is a method of growing plants without soil, peat moss, or bark.

How does semi-hydroponics work?

Basically, semi-hydroponics means that plants are potted using LECA clay pellets. The LECA hold water and hydrates the plant's roots. The roots are allowed plenty of air circulation because LECA doesn't compact. This sounds bizarre, but I swear it's true: eventually the roots will grow down into the water.

What are semi hydroponic pots?

Semi semi-hydroponics, 'semi-hydro' or hydroculture, is a method for growing plants using an inorganic medium instead of bark, peat moss, or soil. Instead, the medium, usually LECA or clay aggregate, is strong, light, very absorbent, and porous.

What is semi hydro plant?

Semi-hydro is also known as passive-hydro, it refers to the act of growing plants in a soilless planting medium that is inorganic and inert, where the plant is self-watered via a water reservoir. Semi-hydro potting mediums are highly porous. Commonly used mediums are LECA, Perlite and LECHUZA-PON.

What do I need for semi hydroponics?

1. A plastic inner pot with drainage holes (to house your plant). ...
2. An outer pot or deep saucer with no drainage holes (to hold the nutrient reservoir). ...
3. Your growing media – LECA. ...
4. Hydroponic Nutrients – I use General Hydroponics Flora Series.
5. A pH meter or pH testing kit.
6. pH up.

The basics of semi-hydroponics (LECA) from a beginner // #Plantwithme

How often should you clean Leca?

Do I need to clean the Leca? Every once in a while your leca balls might turn white from the calcium in the water you're using. It's good to wash this off. When your Leca is exposed to light, when using a glass vase instead of a pot, you might get algae.

Can you grow succulents in semi hydroponics?

Yes, you can grow succulents in LECA and Semi-Hydroponics. LECA and semi-hydroponics is an interesting medium and way of growing plants with the promise of sustainability, strong root system, fewer pests and promoting good plant growth.

What is the best plant to grow hydroponically?

• Lettuce. Lettuce and other greens, like spinach and kale, may just be the most common vegetable grown in hydroponics. ...
• Tomatoes. Many types of tomatoes have been grown widely by hydroponic hobbyists and commercial growers. ...
• Hot Peppers. ...
• Cucumbers. ...
• Green Beans. ...
• Basil. ...
• Strawberries.

Why is soil better than hydroponics?

The difference is that the nature of soil based minerals is slow release whereas hydroponic minerals are fast release with fast up-take, thus optimal results & faster growth. In soil, a plants roots must go in search for nutrient. This is why typically a soil based plant has a much larger root system than hydroponic.

How do you set up a semi Hydro?

1. STEP 1: Soak and Rinse the LECA. ...
2. STEP 2: Remove Soil. ...
3. Step 3: Plant in LECA. ...
4. Step 4: Mix the Nutrient Solution. ...
5. Step 5: Adjust the pH of the Nutrient Solution. ...
6. Step 6: Add Nutrient Solution to the Nutrient Reservoir. ...
7. Step 7: Top up the Nutrient Reservoir.

Do you need a drainage hole for Leca?

More restricted pot choices

Back to top When you've used soil for a while, chances are that you have at least a few pots with a draining hole in the bottom. ... Leca requires a pot that can contain water without it dripping out the bottom.

Can you use regular fertilizer for semi hydroponics?

Yes, it is possible to use regular fertilizer for hydroponics, but in reality, you shouldn't. Regular fertilizers lack many compounds that purpose-built hydroponic nutrients contain, and they can cause problems at different stages of growth.

Do Peperomias do well in LECA?

Peperomias don't have many roots which can present a challenge when growing in soil because it's so easy to over water them. ... The LECA pebbles in our system are ceramic so they will never rot or decay. Air moves easily around the plant's roots.

Can all plants grow in LECA?

Plants that are able to grow a large root system quickly

Plants that grow a root system quickly are the most likely to succeed in Leca. These types of plants usually spread their root system to look for moisture to absorb, which they'll easily be able to find in the clay balls.

What pots to use with LECA?

You can use any pot or Vase that does NOT drain IF you drill holes in it one third of the way up. This allows the LECA to breathe and transfer air, moisture and nutrients into the plant roots above the reservoir as they need it. A DIY single vase (or liter size pop bottle) with holes in the sides can work for Leca.

Why is hydroponics bad?

Hydroponics has a reputation for being sterile. This may include real consequences for farmers who use these techniques to make a living. The danger is that a failed bid for organic certification could set a dangerous precedent, leading to a large scale devaluation of the industry.

What is the most profitable hydroponic crop to grow?

• Basil – $14.00 per pound. ...
• Dill – $14.00 per pound. ...
• Mint – $14.00 per pound. ...
• Chives – $14.00 per pound. ...
• Tarragon – $16.00 per pound. ...
• Bay Leaves – $30.00 per pound. ...
• Ginseng – $500-600 per pound. ...
• Cannabis – $1. 600 per pound.

What plants Cannot be grown hydroponically?

• Potatoes and Sweet Potatoes. ...
• Corn. ...
• Vine Crops. ...
• Melons. ...
• Lettuce (pH 6.0 to 7.0) ...
• Strawberries (pH 5.5 to 6.2) ...
• Spinach (pH 6.0-7.5) ...
• Cherry Tomatoes (pH 5.5-6.5)

What is perlite used for?

Perlite is used in soil mixes (including soilless mediums) to improve aeration and modify the soil substructure, keeping it loose, well-draining, and defying compaction. ... Other uses of perlite include masonry construction, cement and gypsum plasters, and loose fill insulation.

Why do you have to soak LECA?

Some prefer to soak LECA for over 2 weeks before use. ... It's because LECA wicks water very effectively. If you have roots come into contact with very dry LECA, it will wick water away from the roots and can cause the roots to desiccate. Always make sure they are well soaked before use.

What is the shower method for LECA?

Shower Method

In this method, the reservoir is empty after the initial potting, and left empty for a period of time (typically every day or two) until the plant is showered with water, and then returned without a reservoir. This is repeated for a period of time until the plant is fully transitioned.

How do you use LECA for the first time?

First, fill the bucket with the Leca with water and wash the clay balls thoroughly. When they're clean, move them into the second bucket, leaving the dirty water in the bucket you used to clean the clay balls. Throw the dirty water away and repeat the process until the leftover water is (almost) clean.