---
title: "I’m thinking of switching to aquaponics and SEMI-HYDRO and with PONS…"
description: "I’m thinking of switching to aquaponics and SEMI-HYDRO and with PONS LECA for some of my non-orchid plants… I’m wondering about the costs (short v long term),…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lZ7uAE3pQ86jnFGxrCwLrg/64270d7157559159dbbb77d1"
community: "Anything about plants"
author: "ADDeejay"
published: "2023-03-31T16:42:25.967Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lgNt6ykmAmFP5X3MzkmWP0KvJ-xJp6mnlIovqkor52c/5c67f4ff6046438c86aaada370ad0e74.webp?size=large"
---

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# I’m thinking of switching to aquaponics and SEMI-HYDRO and with PONS…

_Posted by ADDeejay on 2023-03-31_

I’m thinking of switching to aquaponics and SEMI-HYDRO and with PONS LECA for some of my non-orchid plants… I’m wondering about the costs (short v long term), pros and cons, possible alternatives to leca. Anyone use semi-hydro? Everything just goes bad with soil. Lol. #dirtfree

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/lgNt6ykmAmFP5X3MzkmWP0KvJ-xJp6mnlIovqkor52c/5c67f4ff6046438c86aaada370ad0e74.webp?size=large)

## 2 comments

### 9s commented on 2023-04-01

It really depends on the plant. Some plants do great in hydro. Alocasias, orchids, peace lilies, most pothos.

Other plants that require longer dry periods will not.

If soil is the problem, I recommend reading up on how to make your own. Store bought soil can usually be amended to be fluffier than needed with just more perlite and orchid bark. If you’re intent on trying hydro, stick to plants that don’t need a long drying period/plants that require more consistent watering. I don’t really like leca because I feel like if you forget to water at all, it’ll vampire your roots. Never tried pon. But I do have some alocasia in pure perlite sitting in a saucer and that works for me.

#### ADDeejay replied on 2023-04-02

I always make my own now but storing it, checking it, getting it everywhere, needing different kinds… id rather look into water for the ones possible. I live in a small apartment with terrible storage and a toddler lol. I do need to fluff up my soils though as they all just feel heavy.

Interesting about the perlite. Wasn’t aware that could be done.

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