A Mixed Bag: My Experience with Lechuza Pon

Hello fellow plant enthusiasts!

I recently came across Lechuza Pon while browsing online, and since I'm currently living in Germany where they're made, I thought it was worth giving it a try (their self-watering pots impressed me, so I finally ordered some soil). After visiting the volcanic island of Lanzarote, where plants literally grow on rocks with no soil at all, not even for grapes, I realized the importance of mineral soil, so I was curious to try it out.

I ordered this substrate on Amazon for around 15€ (prices change due to discounts and promotions), and it arrived in a pretty big, puffy package. Not flat like most soil packets, but nice and chunky. Inside, there are these colorful granules with a pretty strong smell.The substrate consists of high-quality mineral components, free from harmful and polluting substances:

ZeoliteGerman purified pumiceGerman volcanic rock (lava), which continuously provides the plant with ironHigh-quality fertilizers

Based on the description, this must be some kind of miracle soil where everything will grow and thrive without any extra effort...

I'm really impressed with how this potting soil reduces the plant's vulnerability to diseases.It's amazing how it continuously provides the plant with essential minerals and nutrients.One of the things I love about this potting soil is that you don't need to repot the plant - just leave the roots intact.The high-quality fertilizer in this soil lasts a long time, so you won't need to fertilize your plant for months.The organic composition breaks down completely, leaving no residue behind.The soil absorbs nutrients and water quickly, getting them straight to the roots where they're needed.It maintains the right pH balance in the soil, which is essential for healthy plant growth.This potting soil also protects your plant from fungal infections and pests.And the best part? It won't compact or become waterlogged, even after repeated watering.My first plant in this soil was a cutting from a Strickeria Nicolai. But after a month, I didn't see any growth, so I decided to transplant it.

I tried using Lechuza for repotting my discounted Sansevieria, and the idea was that the mineral soil would be perfect for succulents. But if it works with small plants, the biggest offset kept toppling over or even coming out with the roots (Sansevieria doesn't have big roots, anyway). So, I had to repot it in regular soil. During my attempts to replant Sansevieria with Lechuza, I noticed a significant drawback compared to regular soil: small roots get damaged by the granules during the repotting process. Another plus that everyone mentions when using Lechuza is the orderliness of planting and later care, but I don't agree: the granules still scatter if the pot falls (or you accidentally spill them), just like regular soil, and you have to collect them with a scoop and a brush. Honestly, I still don't get the point of this substrate - for whom and for what it's suitable in its pure form. Not my cup of tea! If you have a successful experience, please share it in the comments, as I have a lot more to test. LECHUZA PON offers an ideal balance of moisture and air, suitable for any type of plant: cacti, palms, orchids, leafy and flowering plants, citrus and fruit trees (45% moisture/55% air).

<\/a> <\/div><\/div> I've actually figured out a way to use it. I mix it with a general potting mix and add some orchid substrate and Lechuza (about a third of each), and it's ready to go! No need to spend extra on specialized mixes for aroids and the like. I also added the remaining orchid substrate, just in case. <\/a> <\/div><\/div> <\/a> <\/div><\/div> With this mix, my Anthurium Andre and Strelitzia Nikolaus are thriving. I think Spatiphyllum would love it too, but it was a bit of a diva and didn't take off, so I'm not sure yet. <\/a> <\/div><\/div> I repot my Conda in a mix with Lechuza, and I don't fertilize it because the granules are supposed to contain enough nutrients. But over time, the pebbles turn yellow, and I think I can start fertilizing again, but it's not going to be anytime soon. The granules of LECHUZA-PON substrate are coated with a clean organic fertilizer that breaks down completely, is safe for nature, people, and animals. 1 liter of LECHUZA-PON contains 3g of NPK fertilizer. The fertilizer contains magnesium and other essential micronutrients and has a duration of action of 6 to 12 months.<\/p> <\/blockquote>

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I've been playing around with Lechuza pon as a mineral substrate for making special soils, and I have to say, it's a decent option. However, I'm not entirely convinced it's worth the extra cost. Plus, I'm still figuring out how to water plants in this soil - it's a bit tricky to determine when it's time to water. In the end, I think it's only suitable for plants that don't need frequent watering, like succulents. One thing I did try was adding a layer of it on top of my existing soil, and it does look pretty neat. Maybe I'll try transplanting my plants into it full-time eventually. (By the way, the pebbles do turn a uniform yellow color over time, so they're not super decorative.) I'll continue to experiment with this soil, but I'm not sure if I'll end up buying it again. I'll give it a conditional thumbs-up, but only if it's within your budget.

Thanks for reading!

Happy plant parenthood! 🪴

Check out my reviews of other plants I've grown:

🌿 Zamiokulcas - my first plant in emigration, where there's little sunlight. How I grew a lush bush in just a few months.

🌿 Kalanhoe - an unpretentious and affordable plant that will bloom all year round with proper care.

I've gotta say, I picked up the Hoytia Kerri on sale because of the cute little pot it came in - the heart-shaped planter instead of a Valentine's Day card.

xa0

I'm really loving my Friesia, it's such a stylish and low-maintenance plant.