Classically, many flower pots within the home still have the potting soilas a filler on which plants should thrive. For many plants potting soil is not the ideal soil. It is used out of habit or ignorance even where clay granules a real advantage. With us you will learn how clay granules is used, for which plants it is suitable and how the repotting succeeds.

Clay granules instead of potting soil?

When using clay granules Most people think of exotic plants. Especially exotic plants like orchids or tillands love the humid climate of hydroponics. In any case, orchids need particularly bright, translucent pots, plenty of space for their aerial roots and a high level of humidity. The granules here ideally support the care. But what about ordinary green plants? Can a ficus get in clay granules feel good? And what about popular room palms like yucca or kentia palm? All these plants are in nature, unlike the orchid, firmly anchored to the ground, are of sand or earthsurrounded and need a firm footing. Nevertheless, a filling with clay granules an excellent way to provide the potted plant even better with water and nutrients. This is mainly due to the nature of the clay granules.

Nutrients and water supply in hydroponic culture

A hydroponic culture with clay granules works differently than the usual potting soil, both in the construction of the pot, as well as in the care. Granules are filled in closed vessels. The water may accumulate on the ground so that it can be absorbed by the clay granules. Via a level indicator placed in the pot it is now possible to read how high the water is and when it has to be re-poured. As a rule, pouring with average receptive granules is about three times rarer than with potting soil. The better the grain, the better the water can be passed on and used by the plant. Fertilizers should be added every four to eight weeks. The granules themselves contain no nutrients. However, it must be changed less often than earth, because it does not consume.

Repotting plants in clay granules

If a plant, which was previously in a pot filled with earth, to be repotted, must above all be handled carefully and slowly. There are plants that should remain in a soil ball through their fine root nets, which is inserted into the granules. However, most plants can be carefully dug out of the ground and cleaned. The closed, new and clean pot can then be filled slowly around the intact roots with clay granules. The plant must sit firmly at the end and can not be pulled out by gentle jerking. Only then is an ideal supply guaranteed. Even flowering plants can be repotted in a hydroponic culture.

The best granules

Tongranulat is sold by different suppliers in different quality levels. The granules of Seramis stand out from the offers positive, as they are suitable for various plants and offered in large packs cheap. The clay granulate is well processed and pollutant-free. For orchids and exotics, Seramis offers special granules, partly pre-fertilized. But the clay granules from Bellandris and Dehner also convince with their clean and efficient processing. If a green plant does not tolerate repotting in clay granules, it may be worthwhile to use a different granulate mixture, to test it more frequently or to reduce the filling level of the water. Often the jamming wetness is responsible for the discomfort of the plant, which was previously accustomed to the difficult intake in potting soil. Thus, by gentle habituation even sophisticated indoor plants in hydroponics with clay granules feel well.