LECA – Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate

Say hello to one of the best-kept secrets in modern plant care — LECA! These little round clay pebbles might not look like much, but they’re a total game-changer for anyone wanting cleaner, easier, and more controlled plant care.

What is LECA?

LECA stands for Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate. It’s made by heating natural clay to high temperatures, which causes it to expand and form lightweight, porous balls. The result? A reusable, sterile, pH-neutral medium that plants love.

In New Zealand, LECA is sometimes sold under different names, depending on the supplier or industry. Here are the most common alternative names you might come across:

 Common Names for LECA in New Zealand:

• Clay Pebbles

• Expanded Clay Balls

• Clay Aggregate

• Hydro Clay

• Hydro Balls

• Hydroponic Clay

Why Grow in LECA?

• Less Mess, More Control: Say goodbye to soggy soil! LECA gives you control over watering and root health.

• Root Rot Be Gone: With proper water levels, LECA reduces the risk of overwatering and root rot.

• Better Oxygen Flow: The spaces between the balls allow air to flow freely around roots — ideal for healthy growth.

• Reusable & Low Waste: Just rinse and reuse! Great for the environment and your wallet.

• Perfect for Semi-Hydroponics: Ideal for aroids like Alocasia, Philodendron, and Anthurium.

• Add to your favourite chunky soil mix to give a little more chunk.

• Adding a layer of LECA at the bottom of your pot when planting in Pon improves drainage and creates a buffer zone that helps prevent root rot.

How to Prepare Your LECA (Quick Tips)

1. Rinse thoroughly – LECA can be dusty straight out of the bag. Rinse until the water runs clear.

2. Soak for 24 hours – Let it sit in clean water to fully absorb moisture before use.

3. Rinse again – Optional, but helps remove any residual dust.

4. Use with a reservoir – Place LECA in a net pot or container with a water reservoir. 

Pro Tips 

• Use a moisture meter or clear pots to monitor water levels.

• Rinse monthly and change nutrient water to avoid salt buildup.

• Leca contains no nutrients, so feed regularly with GT Foliage Focus or GT Complete Focus

• Transition plants slowly – clean off all soil from roots before introducing them to LECA.

• Not all plants love LECA right away – start with hardy aroids or propagation cuttings to test the waters.

Important Shipping Note:  If you are purchasing some of our heavier products, you may incur additional shipping costs depending on the weight of your order.  We will be in touch if needed.  Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned plant parent looking for a low-maintenance, mess-free growing medium, LECA is a must-have addition to your plant care toolkit.

Add a bag to your cart and give your roots the airy upgrade they deserve!