I recently repotted five of my plants into LECA to combat a gnat problem. It's been about four days since I made the switch, and one of my plants, a philodendron, seems to be struggling—it feels softer and looks sad, and I'm worried it might be dying. I thought philodendrons could handle LECA just fine, so now I'm questioning everything. Any tips or advice would be super helpful, thanks!
2 Answers
When switching to LECA, it's crucial to wash it thoroughly for a couple of days and make sure all the dirt is gone. Did you do that? Also, using hydroponic nutrients can really help since LECA doesn't provide nutrients by itself. One thing to try is rooting in water first, but since your philodendron already had roots, that's a bit tricky. Just keep an eye on it, and maybe check the moisture levels; sometimes, plants can react a bit to new environments. Good luck!
Don't stress too much! Philodendrons can adapt but sometimes take a minute. Make sure you're not overwatering—LECA holds moisture, so let it dry out a bit between waterings. If it’s feeling soft, check for root rot too. Just keep caring for it and give it some time.
I appreciate the reassurance! I’ll keep an eye on the watering and let it breathe more.
Thanks for the advice! I did wash the LECA, but I didn't think about the nutrients. I guess I should get some and see if that helps!