Contents
What is Lechuza PON substrate
Lechuza PON is a mineral substrate used for indoor and outdoor plants, including in water reservoir systems. The mix contains zeolite, pumice stone, and lava; some variants also include slow-release mineral fertilization.
It is not universal soil and does not work the same for every plant. Its value lies in its stable structure: the mineral particles leave spaces between them, allowing roots to receive both water and air simultaneously.
Mineral structure: water, air, and nutrients
Pumice stone and lava contribute to drainage and a structure that resists compaction. Zeolite can retain some water and nutrient ions, then gradually release them. These properties can make watering easier to control but do not eliminate the risk of overwatering.
The mineral substrate does not decompose as quickly as an organic one. However, dust, salts, and dead roots can accumulate over time; rinsing and periodic checking remain useful.
For which plants it may make sense
PON can be useful for plants with roots that appreciate an airy structure: many aroids, citrus, bonsai, mature indoor plants, or specimens grown in pots with reservoirs. Epiphytic orchids require caution: some can be grown in an adapted mineral mix, but they should not be abruptly moved from bark or sphagnum just because PON seems cleaner.
Choose the granularity, pot, and watering according to the species. A mineral substrate does not compensate for insufficient light, lack of ventilation, or a pot without drainage.
Limits and transition
Do not change everything at once. A plant grown in organic soil or moss has roots adapted to a certain moisture rhythm. Remove only the substrate that comes off easily and monitor the roots after transplanting.
Adjust fertilization. If the substrate contains initial fertilization, do not automatically add another dose. Observe growth, rinse the substrate periodically, and adapt fertilization to the species and season.
PON and self-watering pots
In smart pots, PON can transport water by capillarity, but only after roots have reached the absorption zone. Do not fill the reservoir from day one. First, follow the Lechuza pot usage guide, including the growth phase and the pause after the “min.” mark.
Key idea: PON is a cultivation tool, not an autonomous system. The plant remains the one that tells you if light, water, and fertilization are appropriate.
Choose the substrate based on the plant, pot, and watering method. See the plant substrate collection.