--- title: "I’ve been experimenting with Fluval Stratum in a semi-hydro setup…" description: "I’ve been experimenting with Fluval Stratum in a semi-hydro setup where the outer cup has LECA and water and the inner cup (with lots of drainage) is filled…" url: "https://getplanta.com/community/Bj97ko_SSEaaIq6YAweltQ/bpgNdhf5ZjwTAVVorRzO20" community: "Hydroponics & Semi-hydroponics" author: "Helen" published: "2025-09-22T05:52:41.328927Z" language: "en" image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v2/cloudinary/global_data/communities/lgmqkipx5b7o9dzx6wzd.jpg" --- [Community](https://getplanta.com/community.md) / [Hydroponics \& Semi-hydroponics](https://getplanta.com/community/Bj97ko_SSEaaIq6YAweltQ.md) # I’ve been experimenting with Fluval Stratum in a semi-hydro setup… _Posted by Helen on 2025-09-22_ I’ve been experimenting with Fluval Stratum in a semi-hydro setup where the outer cup has LECA and water and the inner cup (with lots of drainage) is filled with Fluval, and the LECA wicks moisture up — my Monstera adansonii has thrived in it with gorgeous new growth. I’m wondering though, can plants stay in this setup long-term if I replace the Fluval as it breaks down and fertilize regularly, or is it more of a temporary solution? I’ve also heard great things about Alocasia in semi-hydro and I’m debating whether to move my Alocasia Jacklyn — I got her about a month ago with 3 leaves, she pushed out a 4th, and now one of the older leaves is dying (which I know is pretty common for Alocasias). She’s showing tons of roots at the bottom, so should I move her into Fluval now, wait until I see another new leaf, or just not risk it? ## 7 comments ### plantypolak commented on 2025-09-22 you can definitely keep your monstera adansonii in a semi hydro set up especially if you fertilize and clean the leca regularly i have a monstera thriving in leca and had adansonii propagating in leca for months before i potted her up (for aesthetic purposes) as for the alocasias i’m not sure i know they’re very picky and only managed to keep one alive in a mini greenhouse #### JenThon🪴🪷 replied on 2025-10-15 I really think it depends on the type of Alocasia. My Scalprum LOVES it. My Adinsonii, not so much. ### Phil commented on 2025-09-22 I have moved 6 of my alocasias to semi hydro. It’s been about 3 months now. They are doing better than in soil. My Jacklyn not as well as the others. She only has three leaves. But none are getting tall. I need to research them about size. I had pretty much given up hope on them. But the one dragon has about 8 leaves. You can check out my Planta but have not updated them for a while. The one that is thriving is Polly but that’s in soil. I think 5 leaves on mother plant plus four new plants from corm’s along side. And Polly is so much taller than the other alocasias. Research needed. I have Wavyleaf planters coming today and will be moving most to the new planters. #### JenThon🪴🪷 replied on 2025-10-15 I think what happens with SH, is some types put a lot of energy into developing deep roots, not leaves. #### JenThon🪴🪷 replied on 2025-10-15 So you have the Polly in chunky soil but in self watering? #### Phil replied on 2025-10-15 Polly is in chunky soil but not self watering. Still putting out new leaves. And have moved four other Alocasias to the Wavyleaf planters now. All seems to be going well. I really like the new planters. Have ordered more, but they are backed up and not shipping till end of month. Plus going thru tariffs adds another week. I need to check but I think they added on tariff charges this last order. They are already expensive. But the only planters made just for leca. #### Phil replied on 2025-10-15 Yep just checked. They added $4.15 in “duties” because of changes the end of August. --- _Source: the Planta community (https://getplanta.com). Reading is open to everyone. To post, comment and like, get the Planta app: https://getplanta.com/download_