Have you ever encountered a situation where your plants are waterlogged and the roots are rotten despite careful care? An effective solution is to use clay pellets (lightweight gravel) – a type of substrate that helps improve ventilation, maintain moderate moisture and help protect the plant’s roots. But are terracotta pellets really suitable for all types of plants?
This article will help you understand the characteristics, effective usage and suitable plant groups for this special substrate!
What is clay pellets (lightweight gravel)?
Terracotta, commonly known as lightweight gravel (English name: LECA – Light Expanded clay aggregate ), a type of growing medium made from clay fired at high temperatures (about 1100 – 1200°C). The firing process makes the core of the soil pellets have a hollow structure (denser than honeycomb), increasing the ability to retain moisture and air.
Physical and chemical properties of fired clay pellets
Physical properties
- Light, spongy: Helps increase ventilation for the substrate.
- Hard to decompose: Unlike coconut fiber or sawdust, clay pellets do not decompose over time.
- Good drainage: Avoid waterlogging which causes root rot.
- Moderate moisture: Provides moisture to the roots without causing waterlogging.
Chemical properties
- Inert, free of pathogens: Baked at high temperature so it does not carry harmful bacteria or fungi.
- Does not affect soil pH: Suitable for many types of plants.
Uses of clay pellets (lightweight gravel)
- Increase drainage for growing medium, helps to limit root rot.
- Make a pot liner helps prevent waterlogging.
- Use completely hydroponic growing, replace traditional growing media.
- Natural moisturizer for potted plants or garden.
- As decorative coating Helps retain moisture and prevent rapid evaporation.
Advantages and disadvantages of terracotta pellets compared to other types of ornamental growing media
What kind of plants are clay pellets (lightweight gravel) really suitable for? Why?
Terracotta pellets are especially suitable for the following groups of plants:
- Ornamental plants, indoor plants (Monstera, Philodendron, Alocasia, Anthurium): These plants like moisture but need good drainage, the clay pellets help maintain moisture without causing waterlogging.
- Hydroponic plants (Potato, Peace Lily, Singapore Banyan): Baked clay pellets help fix roots, creating a stable environment when combined with nutrient solution.
- Bonsai tree, tree with small root system: Baked clay pellets help drain water quickly, limiting waterlogging of the roots. However, you should choose a small size (3-5mm) to suit the root system.
- Plants for balcony and terrace: These plants are often exposed to the elements, and the terracotta pellets help maintain moisture without overwatering.
Note: Terracotta not suitable with cactus, succulents or other succulents, due to large pellet size, not suitable for mixing with potting soil or lining the bottom of pots.
Tips for using clay pellets
- Choose the right size of clay pellets: Plants with small roots need small sized clay pellets, while large plants can use larger ones.
- Combined with other substrates: To increase moisture retention, you can mix the clay pellets with coconut fiber, peat moss or humus.
- Periodic nutritional supplements: Because clay pellets do not contain nutrients, fertilizer or hydroponic solution is needed to ensure healthy plant growth.
Top 5 ways to use clay pellets effectively
1. Pelvic floor lining
Use a 3-5 cm thick layer of clay pellets at the bottom of the pot to create a drainage layer, avoiding water stagnation that causes root rot.
2. Mix with growing medium
Mix baked clay pellets with potting soil in a ratio of 20-30% to increase porosity, helping roots grow healthily.
3. Hydroponics
Terracotta pellets can be used entirely for hydroponic growing, helping to stabilize plant roots and provide adequate moisture.
4. Aquaponics
In the system Aquaponics, baked clay pellets help keep plant roots moist and create an ideal environment for beneficial microorganisms to grow.
5. Surface coating
Using terracotta pellets to cover the pot surface helps retain moisture, limit water evaporation and create high aesthetics.
Which terracotta pellets are suitable?
There are many types of terracotta pellets on the market such as Thai terracotta pellets, Taiwanese terracotta pellets, etc., of which Vietnamese terracotta pellets are produced by Dang Gia Trang and are commercially sold under the brand name SFARM more popular
In addition, there are currently types of growing media on the market. Seramis – called by users as high-quality terracotta pellets, gradually becoming popular and trusted by many people. Seramis is also produced from clay granules (raw material quite similar to terracotta pellets).
Baked clay pellets are a useful growing medium, suitable for many types of plants from kiểng lá to the tree aquatic. However, not all types of plants are suitable for use. When you know how to choose and use them properly, you will help your plants grow healthier. If you are looking for a sustainable, easy-to-use and safe growing medium for plants, terracotta pellets are the ideal choice. Try applying them today to see the difference!
