Yes, it's highly recommended that you wash Leca before using it for the first time.
Leca is often covered in dust when it's purchased, and this dust can cause issues for your plants if not removed.
By washing the Leca, you remove any dust or debris and ensure that your plants are getting a clean, healthy growing medium.
You'll want to wash enough Leca to fill your pot up to about an inch under the top.
This will give your plant enough space to grow and allow for proper drainage.
Don't fill the pot all the way to the top, as this can cause the clay balls to spill out of the pot when you're handling your plant.
Yes, you can reuse Leca after washing it.
Just be sure to wash it thoroughly before each use to remove any debris or build-up.
Over time, Leca can break down and become less effective at draining water, so it's a good idea to replace it every few years.
The best way to wash Leca is to fill a bucket with enough clay balls to fill your pot up to about an inch under the top.
Then, fill the bucket with water and wash the clay balls thoroughly.
When they're clean, move them into a second bucket, leaving the dirty water in the first bucket.
Throw the dirty water away and repeat the process until the leftover water is (almost) clean.
This could take 4-5 cycles.
While you can wash Leca in your sink, it's not recommended as the clay dust can clog your sink and potentially damage your pipes.
It's best to do the washing process outside or in a designated area that's easy to clean up.
No, you don't need to add anything to the water when washing Leca.
Plain water is all you need to remove any dust or debris from the clay balls.
The easiest way to tell when the Leca is clean enough to use is by looking at the water.
If the water is still murky or discolored, then the Leca needs to be washed further.
If the water is clear or only slightly cloudy, then the Leca is clean enough to use.
It's best to dispose of the dirty water in a designated area, such as a garden or yard.
You can also filter the water through a fine mesh screen to remove any debris before pouring it out.
Leca is suitable for many different types of plants, including indoor and outdoor plants.
However, some plants prefer different growing mediums, so it's important to do some research on your specific plant's needs before using Leca.
It's recommended to wash Leca before each use to ensure that it's clean and free of debris.
Over time, Leca can break down and become less effective at draining water, so it's a good idea to replace it every few years.