Keramzite - an optimal environment for plants

What is expanded clay?

Expanded clay, also known as expanded clay or LECA, is a versatile plant substrate made from natural clay. At high temperature, the clay expands and forms small, round and light pellets, which are porous and provide excellent aeration for plants.

The advantages of Keramzita

• Neutral pH : This makes it an ideal substrate for various plants, as it does not alter the natural pH balance of the soil.
• Reusable : Unlike many other plant substrates, expanded clay can be cleaned and reused for many growth cycles. This saves transporting (and buying) large quantities of soil.
• Light and easy to work : The light nature of expanded clay makes it easy to transport and work with. This facilitates the process of planting and transplanting plants.
• Improved root health : The spherical shape of expanded clay pellets ensures free and uniform root growth. This reduces the risk of root shrinkage and promotes healthier growth of the whole plant.
• Better aeration and drainage : The porous structure of expanded clay allows excellent aeration of the root system, which also stimulates healthy root development. Its ability to retain moisture while providing excellent drainage helps prevent rot and other root system problems.

How is it used?

As a preparatory step, rinse the pellets thoroughly to remove dust/dirt. This step ensures that the substrate is clean and ready for planting. After that, you can use expanded clay in the following ways:

1. As a soil additive : Mix expanded clay with your regular soil to improve aeration and drainage. The usual ratio is one part expanded clay to two parts soil, but you can adjust it according to the specific needs of your plants. Call us if you need advice.
2. Hydroponic systems : Soak the tiles in water with a pH of 3-4 for 24 hours. Then rinse it and ready to use.
3. Fill the containers with expanded clay and plant the seeds or seedlings directly in the substrate. Ideal for Wilma systems.
4. Mulching : Spread a layer of expanded clay over the soil around the base of the plant. The advantages are improved retention of moisture in the soil below it and regulation of the temperature in the pot (for outdoor plants); weed control and reduced soil erosion (again with outdoor plants).

When growing only on expanded clay, constant recirculation of the nutrient solution is used. It should have a pH varying between 5.5 and 6.5. EC values ​​(electrical conductivity/nutrient composition) are relative to the life span of the plant. The temperature of the water is also of great importance - it should be between 19 and 21 degrees Celsius, and at 20 degrees the water has the greatest aeration. Aeration is extremely important for the roots to breathe.

What expanded clay should I buy?

Keramsite from different sources is not the same. Different manufacturers use different sources of clay, resulting in differences in the quality of the materials. You can't go wrong with Plagron or Atami expanded clay, which have proven themselves uncompromisingly over the years, but be careful about buying bulk expanded clay from unknown manufacturers.

One of the main disadvantages is that such substrates are of unknown origin, are often "dirty" and require prior cleaning.

Euro Pebbles from Plagron come pre-washed and can be used repeatedly. We still recommend washing them, as they may become dusty during transport.