Clay pebbles for plants
Why are expanded clay pebbles beneficial for growing?
LECA for plants is beneficial because it provides the perfect balance between water retention and aeration, which is essential for maintaining healthy roots. Its porous structure allows water to drain efficiently, preventing waterlogging and reducing the risk of root rot.
In addition, expanded clay is an inert material, which means it won’t affect soil pH or nutrient composition. This makes it an ideal option for hydroponic growing systems, as it facilitates nutrient uptake and enhances overall plant health.
Properties and features of expanded clay pebbles or LECA for plants
Expanded clay pebbles stand out for their ability to optimize the growing environment, whether indoors, outdoors, or in hydroponic systems. Their properties make them a versatile and efficient solution to improve plant performance.
- Lightweight and easy to handle.
- Inert, does not change the pH of the growing medium.
- Retains moisture without causing waterlogging.
- Promotes healthy root aeration.
- Excellent drainage, prevents root rot.
- Durable and reusable material.
How to use expanded clay pebbles in your grow setup
Expanded clay pebbles can be used in both indoor and outdoor growing, offering multiple benefits:
Indoor growing
In indoor growing setups, expanded clay can be mixed with other growing media or used as a drainage layer at the bottom of pots. This improves root aeration and prevents overwatering, llowing plants to thrive in controlled environments.
Outdoor Growing
When growing cannabis outdoors, expanded clay pebbles are ideal for improving drainage in compact or clay-rich soils. This helps prevent waterlogging and root rot. Mixed into garden soil, it allows for better water flow and enhances nutrient absorption by cannabis roots.
Hydroponic Systems
Expanded clay in hydroponics is a key growing medium thanks to its ability to maintain excellent oxygenation at the root zone while retaining the necessary moisture. It supports drip irrigation and other hydro systems, ensuring efficient nutrient delivery without waterlogging.
Available formats of expanded clay pebbles to buy
| Product | Size | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Boom Nutrients Expanded Clay | 6 liters | €3.60 |
| Canna Expanded Clay Balls | 45 liters | €22.50 |
Tips for growing cannabis with LECA Clay pebbles
Expanded clay is especially helpful in cannabis cultivation as it offers great drainage and root aeration—critical factors for this plant’s development. It's recommended for use as a standalone substrate in hydroponic systems or as a drainage layer in pot-based grows.
- Mix with other substrates: Combine clay pebbles with coco coir or soil to improve structure and drainage.
- Proper watering: Make sure the LECA is moist but avoid overwatering.
- Maintenance: Clean and reuse the clay between harvests to maintain substrate efficiency.

