4 Disadvantages of Leca Balls for Houseplants

Using leca balls as a growing medium is unique. Along with the advantages come the disadvantages. 

I am not advocating the use of leca balls instead of soil because they are easy to use or are perfect. Leca is not better than soil or vice versa. Soil and leca balls are unique and incomparable to each other.

Here are the disadvantages of leca balls I learned from using them for all of my houseplants. 

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1. Not all plants thrive in leca balls – some plants are unsuitable for being grown in semi-hydroponics. Examples are calathea and prayer plants. 
2. You need to use fertilizer constantly – leca balls are inorganic, so they have no natural nutrients. On the other hand, they are porous and hold nutrients very well when supplemented. Regular use of fertilizer is necessary. Without consistent use of fertilizers, the plants in leca tend to grow slower. 
3. Prone to algae buildup – algae forms when sunlight and warmth meet over-fertilized water. When you don’t correctly mix your choice of fertilizer, algae can take over the glass pot and compete with the plant for nutrient absorption. 
4. Expensive – leca balls are more expensive than soil. On the other hand, they are perpetually reusable. 

One major problem I often encounter with leca balls is the formation of algae. Sometimes, even if I follow the correct fertilizer dilution in water, algae still forms. This happens when the fertilized water evaporates or is absorbed by the roots, and the remaining water becomes concentrated with nutrients. Add direct sunlight and warmth to this, and algae will take over the clay balls. 

So, how do you treat leca balls riddled with algae? Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Remove the leca balls from the pot and isolate the affected plant. You can plant it in a fresh pot of leca balls. 

Step 2: Rinse the leca balls under running water. Remove visible organic matter, such as pieces of dead roots, and drain. 

Step 3: Pour boiling water and soak for thirty minutes. 

Step 4: After thirty minutes, add bleach. Dilution is approximately 1 tablespoon for every two litres of water. Soak overnight. 

Step 5: Drain the bleach solution. Rinse under running water. 

Step 6: Soak the washed leca balls in water for at least an hour before using them again.