Method One: Leca-pon on the Surface
In this method, leca-pon is spread only on the surface of the pot or pre-prepared growing substrates. Depending on the pot size, all three granule sizes—fine, medium, and coarse—can be used.
Advantages:
Aesthetic surface appearance
Prevention of water runoff during irrigation
Control of harmful insects
Reduction of surface evaporation (mulching)
Method Two: Leca-pon as a Drainage Layer
Pour 3 to 8 cm of leca-pon at the bottom layer of the pot, depending on the cultivation depth and pot size, and then plant the plant on top. This creates a proper drainage layer that supports plant growth.
Advantages:
Proper drainage
Method Three: Leca-pon on Surface and as Drainage
This is a combined method of Method One and Two, allowing the plant to benefit from both approaches.
Advantages:
Aesthetic cultivation surface
Proper drainage
Prevention of surface water runoff
Reduction of surface evaporation (mulching)
Control of harmful insects
Method Four: Mixing Leca-pon into the Growing Medium
In this method, depending on the pot size or plant coverage, the appropriate size of leca-pon should be mixed with the growing medium.
Advantages:
Reduced weight of the growing medium and pot
Moisture retention and reduced watering needs
Optimal root aeration
Method Five: Leca-pon on Surface, Drainage, and Mixed with Substrate
The best way to use leca-pon in soil-based cultivation is this method, which combines the previous methods.
Advantages:
Aesthetic cultivation surface
Proper drainage
Prevention of surface runoff
Reduction of surface evaporation (mulching)
Control of harmful insects
Reduced weight of the growing medium and pot
Moisture retention and reduced watering needs
Optimal root aeration
Method Six: Leca-pon in Hydroponic and Aquaponic Cultivation
These methods are also known as soilless or water-based cultivation. In this approach, plants are grown entirely in leca-pon and water, with nutrients supplied through a nutrient solution.
Advantages:
Lightweight growing medium
Control over growth stages
Water conservation
Application methods
Application methods with leca-pon vary depending on the use:
Planting method with leca-pon in apartment pots: The area where the pot will be replaced should have suitable conditions, including adequate humidity, moderate temperature, and no direct airflow.
Coarse, medium, and fine leca-pon granules should be thoroughly washed separately with warm water and then placed in a clean, dry area to reduce some of their moisture.
Hold the plant inside the pot by the stem between two fingers according to the pot size, if possible, and gently invert the pot. Tap the bottom of the pot a few times to remove the plant along with its surrounding soil.
Pour some lukewarm water into a spray bottle and mist the soil and roots from a distance of 20 cm, so the soil gradually loses its shape and the roots can be partially freed from the soil.
Fill the bottom of the pot or flower box for better drainage with coarse granules, 2 to 8 cm thick depending on the pot size.
If you intend to use compost for plant nutrition, always remember that the bottom of the pot or flower box must have drainage holes. Then, prepare a mixture of compost and fine leca-pon granules in a 2:1 ratio. After misting the entire mixture, spread it in a layer 2 to 30 cm thick—depending on the pot size—over the coarse granules. This mixture serves as the root medium.
Keep in mind that if you decide to use a complete liquid fertilizer instead, your pot or flower box must not have drainage holes. In that case, spray a mixture of liquid fertilizer and lukewarm water onto the leca-pon every 2 to 3 months.
Gently place the plant’s roots on the medium and cover the lower part of the roots with fine leca-pon granules.
Carefully add medium-sized granules around the roots—without damaging them—until the stem base is reached.
The surface of the pot or flower box can be decorated creatively using all three granule sizes.
After planting in leca-pon, it’s best to mist the plant daily with lukewarm water for one week. However, watering frequency may vary depending on the plant species.
Planting method with leca-pon in urban green spaces, building landscapes, and landscaping areas:
The planting method using leca-pon in urban green spaces, building landscapes, and landscaping areas is exactly the same as the previous method, with the only difference being that the granule size varies depending on the condition of the roots at the time of planting (fine roots or strong roots).
Planting method with leca-pon for creating rooftop gardens (Roof Garden) and green walls (Green Wall):
Given the rapidly growing population and the decreasing per capita green space, especially in densely populated cities, rooftop greening has become increasingly important and widely welcomed by citizens. It is important to note that since the weight of the green roof and walls directly rests on the structure, this work must be carefully planned, using a suitable and lightweight substrate, and carried out by skilled professionals. In this regard, the best substrate that meets all the necessary requirements is leca-pon.
Planting method with leca-pon in greenhouse cultivation, hydroponic (Hydroponics), and aquaponic (Aquaponics) systems:
