Hey phriends! I have a ficus elastica that is growing like mad! It's roots are starting to come out the top so I want to repot it.

My current roster of appropriately sized planters don't have the best drainage, so I was looking at alternatives.

Has anybody actually used Leca Balls before? Reviews? Tips

Thank you

I do all the time. Its really interesting stuff - you will have to do some experimenting to see how it works for you. Its great for holding air spaces open and doesn't decompose so works well in epiphytic orchid mix. But, I have also used it in cactus mix, terrestrial orchid mix and in my hoyas, so, for those plants, I am relying on it to keep the soil mix dry and porous.

I have also used it straigth for some orchids (don't tell BigBill) and as a medium for water cress in my pond. Its biggest detractant is it floats.

DaisyI said:I do all the time. Its really interesting stuff - you will have to do some experimenting to see how it works for you. Its great for holding air spaces open and doesn't decompose so works well in epiphytic orchid mix. But, I have also used it in cactus mix, terrestrial orchid mix and in my hoyas, so, for those plants, I am relying on it to keep the soil mix dry and porous.

I have also used it straigth for some orchids (don't tell BigBill) and as a medium for water cress in my pond. Its biggest detractant is it floats.

Very interesting! Could you theoretically put it at the bottom of your planter and then pack soil on top? To help aerate the soil in a way? The planter I have only has a small hole at the bottom so I would love if this was a good option.

No because anytime you put layers like that in a pot, you create a perched water table. Essentially, you move the bottom of the pot upwards into the root space. The soil on a perched water table (usually the bottom of the pot), must reach saturation before moisture moves through. The opposite of what you are trying to accomplish.

Can you drill more holes?