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  • Expanded Clay Balls

    9 items left

    Expanded clay balls are pellets of inert clay that have been fired to create small marble-sized balls that can be used in hydroponic growing systems. Also sometimes known as LECA (lightweight expanded clay aggregate) or hydroton.

    Applications

    Expanded Clay or LECA (lightweight expanded clay aggregate) is an excellent growing medium which can be used in aquaponic farming, hydroponic growing systems, and conventional soil-based agriculture too.

    Suitable medium for use in flood and drain or nutrient film technique hydroponic systems.

    Note: Requires an initial wash to rinse clean. Soak for a few hours and stir around before draining.

    For more information on growth mediums, check out our blog post on hydroponic growth mediums.

    Specifications

    • Clay balls range from 8mm-16mm in diameter
    • Packaged in cardboard (to reduce plastic waste)
    • Easy to use and mess-free
    • Neutral pH
    • Inorganic and inert
    • The surface of the clay has tiny holes all over its surface. This allows better root aeration and increases the available surface area for nitrate crunching bacteria to grow (perfect for aquaponic systems).
    • The nutrient water will dry out before the nutrients have the chance to turn to algae.

    Customer Reviews

    Based on 29 reviews
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    S
    Samantha S.
    100% Would recommend

    Whilst I don't use the Leca in its typical fashion as I love soil; I use it to create a drainage layer/ reservoir for my alocasias that like to stay moist, and as a replacement for orchid bark in my potty mix to make it more chunky; and the product as been excellent. Very high quality, haven't had any issues at all.

    B
    Bel
    Highly recommend

    Looks amazing!

    G
    Gabrielle T.
    Expanded Clay Balls

    Very easy to use, love that there is no mess! Easy to clean - just rinse in a colander!

    T
    Tim M.
    Clayballs review

    This is the first time I’m using this type of product and so far I’ve been happy with the results. The plants are surviving.

    L
    Lyzyll S.
    Love this product!!

    Honestly I was a bit skeptical this product, but I really loved it using it with hydro plants and a plant topper to prevent pests does the trick. Would 100% reccommend.

    K
    Kelly West
    Expanded Clay Balls

    Seem to be helping my orchids and air plants - they are all flowering!
    The also look great in pots

    A
    Amelia Badrul
    Leica

    Still very new with this medium, so far having fun experimenting it as a toper, at the bottom of soils and for hydroponic plants . Will definitely purchase when running low

    M
    Moira Slater
    Leca Balls

    As I expected. Good service from Gathera as always

    K
    Kristyna Moravec
    Great product

    Easy to use, looks great and orchids are already looking much happier. Makes seeing the water level easy while also keeping my orchids well watered.

    L
    Lorraine G.
    Great balls of clay

    I really like this growth medium. It is light and inert - excellent for passive hydroponics. Once I washed and soaked the clay balls they worked in wicking pots very well, and so far my plants (African violets, a palm, and propagated spring onions) are very happy. I've been using them for these perennials, but they claim to be able to be successfully re-used for successive annuals also - as long as you clean them carefully between plantings. My house is now 95% potting mix free, and it's bye-bye to the bugs, dirt, and the digging of my curious cat. Very happy.