Transitioning Plants to Leca: How to Boost Growth by Cutting Off Roots

Introduction: Why Transition to Leca?

Leca (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate) is becoming a popular choice for plant enthusiasts looking to create a semi-hydroponic system. It’s ideal for plant lovers who want better control over moisture and nutrient absorption without worrying about overwatering. The unique method of transitioning plants from soil to Leca can offer even more benefits, but it requires some careful steps.
In this article, I’ll walk you through how to move your plants from soil to Leca using two different methods. One of these methods includes completely removing the plant’s roots to encourage new, Leca-specific root growth. This approach is designed to help the plant adapt more quickly and thrive in its new environment.

Step 1: Gathering Your Tools and Plants

Before diving into the process, make sure you have everything ready. Here’s what you’ll need: – A pair of sharp pruning shears – Leca that has been soaking for at least 24 hours – Clean pots with drainage holes – Clonex Clone Solution (or any nutrient solution to help root development)
For this experiment, I used two Philodendron Golden Tiger Tooth plants. These plants have bright neon leaves that make them an excellent choice for testing. One plant will be placed directly into Leca, keeping some of its roots, while the other will have its roots completely removed before transitioning.

Step 2: Preparing the Plants for Transition

The first step is to remove your plants from the soil and clean the roots thoroughly. Start by gently squeezing the plant’s pot and easing the plant out. Be careful not to damage the existing root system. Once you’ve removed the plant, wash off all the soil until the roots are entirely free of organic material. This step is crucial, as any leftover soil can introduce bacteria or mold into the Leca.
Once cleaned, inspect the roots carefully. You may notice that some roots are dark or mushy—these should be trimmed off. Healthy roots should be white or light-colored. If the roots look suspicious or damaged, it’s better to remove them entirely to prevent any risk of rot once the plant transitions to Leca.

Step 3: Choosing Between Two Methods

When transitioning plants to Leca, you can choose between two main approaches: – **Root Preservation:** Keep some of the plant’s existing roots intact. – **Root Removal:** Completely remove all the roots and allow the plant to develop new roots suited for Leca.
In this experiment, I’m testing both methods on my Philodendron plants. I chose one plant to keep some roots and another plant to remove all the roots. Removing all the roots may sound drastic, but most soil roots will die off in Leca anyway. By cutting them off, you can encourage the plant to develop fresh Leca-specific roots, which are better adapted to the semi-hydro environment.

Step 4: Preparing the Leca for Planting

The Leca should be soaked for at least 24 hours before use. This soaking process helps the clay pebbles absorb water, which they will release gradually to the plant’s roots. For plants without roots, this step is even more critical, as the Leca will act as the primary source of moisture.
To start, fill a pot about one-third of the way with soaked Leca. Place the plant (whether with roots or rootless) in the pot and position it upright. If the plant has roots, gently spread them out over the Leca to allow them to grow into the medium naturally. After positioning the plant, backfill the pot with more Leca until the roots (or the base of the stem for rootless plants) are securely covered.

Step 5: Setting Up the Nutrient Solution

Once the plants are in the Leca, the next step is to provide them with a nutrient solution. I recommend using Clonex Clone Solution, as it’s specially formulated to encourage root development. Pour the nutrient solution into a reservoir at the base of the pot, filling it up to about one-third of the pot’s height.
Make sure the solution doesn’t touch the plant directly—Leca will absorb and distribute the moisture to the roots. For the plant without roots, the Leca’s moisture will stimulate the growth of new roots over time.

Step 6: Providing Optimal Conditions for Growth

After potting your plants, it’s important to give them the right environment to thrive. Place the pots on a heat mat and ensure they have access to plenty of light. Heat encourages root development, while light helps the plant maintain healthy leaf growth. Additionally, providing a humid environment will help the plants adjust more quickly.
For the first few weeks, keep an eye on the water levels in the reservoir. Change the nutrient solution weekly to prevent stagnation and ensure the plant continues receiving fresh nutrients and oxygen.

Step 7: Results After 50 Days

After 50 days of observation, I checked on the progress of both plants. Surprisingly, the plant without roots developed a new root system much faster than expected. When I inspected the Leca, I found several fresh, white roots growing from the base of the plant. These roots had adapted perfectly to the Leca environment and were healthy and strong.
On the other hand, the plant that retained its roots didn’t show as much progress. While the existing roots were still functional, they hadn’t produced many new roots. The plant had developed some new leaves, but the root system wasn’t as vigorous as the rootless plant’s.

Step 8: Conclusion: Which Method Works Best?

Based on this experiment, it seems that removing all the roots before transitioning to Leca might actually promote faster and healthier root development. By cutting off the soil roots, the plant is forced to develop new, Leca-specific roots, which are better suited for semi-hydroponic growth. In contrast, plants that retain their soil roots may not adapt as quickly or grow as robustly.
However, I understand that removing all the roots might feel risky, especially for valuable or sensitive plants. If you’re concerned about root loss, you can use the more gradual method, where you transition plants slowly and keep some of the existing roots intact.
For those interested in trying this root-free method, I encourage you to give it a shot and see how it works for your plants. I also discovered someone else who tried this method, and their success inspired me. If you’d like to see more about this approach, check out this video: Transitioning Plants to Leca.
By experimenting with different techniques, you can find the best way to help your plants thrive in a Leca environment. Whether you choose to keep the roots or start fresh, the benefits of using Leca for plant growth are well worth the effort!