A Monstera is a perfect plant to grow in Leca, because it's quite sensitive to overwatering and Leca helps you to avoid overwatering your plants.
When you're water propagating your Monstera, it's easy to create root rot because the roots can't breathe under water.
Leca helps to provide the moisture and the oxygen, so the roots stay healthy.
You should water your Monstera in Leca when the Leca is no longer able to absorb new water from the pot.
This is when you should add more water to the pot, until the water touches the Leca again.
This is usually once every 14 days, but depends on how much Leca you're using and how big the pot is.
Leca is short for Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate, which is a growing medium made from expanded clay pellets.
Leca works by absorbing water and nutrients, which are then available to the roots of the plant.
It is pH-neutral and provides good drainage and aeration to the roots.
Whether Leca is better than soil for growing Monstera plants depends on individual preferences and circumstances.
Leca can provide better drainage and aeration, which can help prevent overwatering and root rot.
It can also make it easier to control watering frequency and the amount of nutrients that the plant receives.
However, some growers prefer the natural look and feel of soil, and Leca may require more initial setup and maintenance.
The benefits of using Leca for Monstera plants include better drainage and aeration, easier control over watering and nutrient levels, and a reduced risk of overwatering and root rot.
To prepare Leca for use with a Monstera plant, first rinse the pellets thoroughly to remove any dust or debris.
Soak the pellets in water for at least an hour, then drain and rinse again.
Place a layer of Leca pellets at the bottom of the pot, then add the Monstera plant and fill in the gaps with more Leca pellets.
Leca can be used with any type of Monstera plant, although some growers may prefer soil for certain varieties.
It is important to make sure that the pot size and Leca depth are appropriate for the plant's size and rooting needs.
Monstera plants grown in Leca may require more frequent fertilization and monitoring of nutrient levels than those grown in soil.
It is important to avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause salt buildup in the Leca pellets.
Common mistakes to avoid when growing a Monstera in Leca include using too little or too much Leca, not rinsing or soaking the pellets properly, over- or under-watering the plant, and not providing enough nutrients.
Leca pellets should be replaced every 2-3 years or when they become compacted or discolored.
To tell when it's time to replace the pellets, check the root system of the plant and look for signs of decay or damage.