I have heard several funny questions geared towards hydroculture, especially on garden forums, and many times through the email. But one of the questions that left me in stitches was “What are those meatball thingies?” The inquirer was, of course, referring to the clay pebbles used in hydroculture.

I’d never linked the pellets with meatballs but now that I look at them, they do in fact look like them, especially in photos. I guess what sidetracked me from that ‘obvious’ resemblance is the fact that my husband called them ‘Cocoa Puffs’ from the get-go and the image of that has been stuck in my head ever since.

And while I’m not here to teach my reader to go “cuckoo” over clay pellets, the way the Cocoa Puff’s cereal mascot - Sonny the Cuckoo Bird - tells you that you’ll go “cuckoo” for Cocoa Puffs, I will provide you with some information about what clay pellets are. Because even though they are not a popular cereal, and certainly aren’t meatballs, they are one of the most important aspects of a hydroculture system and worth learning about.

Hydroton is clay aggregate that is one of the best choices for anchoring houseplants in hydroculture setups; they are the growing medium of choice. These highest-quality pellets – manufactured in Germany - are porous, retain moisture and transfer moisture to the roots by capillary action. They are light in weight. In fact, they are so light in weight that some float in the water. They do not compact, are inert, sterile, ph neutral, contain no nutrients and are completely reusable; you can clean and sterilize them after use.

The clay is formed into pellets and then fired in rotary kilns at 1200°C, which causes it to expand inside, like popcorn, and become porous. The pellets drain freely and don’t hold excess water, providing good oxygen levels around the root area. This growing medium called LECA (Light Expanded Clay Aggregate) also provides the necessary support for the plant along with its ability to absorb the correct amount of water and oxygen. Healthy and beautiful plants are guaranteed with this optimal ratio of water and oxygen.

In hydroculture there is absolutely no soil involved and hydroton is the substitute for it; it takes the place of soil. Hydroton clay pellets are a popular hydroculture/hydroponics medium around the world. Because of their reusability, they are considered an ecologically sustainable medium. Most of the time all you need to do it rinse and reuse. For additional cleansing, wash the pellets in a white vinegar solution (or with hydrogen peroxide), rinse them a few times with clean water and start using them again. You can also sterilize them in a mild bleach solution (1/2 cup per gallon of water); remember to rinse well with water before putting them to use.

If you are shopping for clay aggregate – locally or online – or gathering information, there are a few names applied to this medium to help in your venture:

• Hydroton
• Hydroton Expanded Clay Media
• Hydroton Clay Pebbles
• Hydroton Growing Media
• Hydroton Clay Pellets
• Fired clay Pebbles
• Grow Rocks
• Hydroton Expanded Clay Pellets
• Leca (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregrate)

I only use Hydroton clay pellets (the most commonly available for hydroponics/hydroculture) but there are a number of other brand names available, mainly on the internet. Most of the manufacturers are in Western Europe and every single one of them will claim that their product is somehow exceptional in performance. Aside from a slight visual distinction in the tint of the clay, it’s a fair bet to say that they all – more or less – function equally in hydroculture.


Eye Candy For Some, Eyesore For Others

As you will have figured out by now, I use glass containers for my plants, which allows me to keep an eye on the water level without a water gauge. Aside from the practical purpose of the glass containers, I love their look and the diversity of available containers to choose from. And I’ll take it one step further and say that I even like the look of the clay pellets visible through the glass. But that’s me. You might think the look of the clay aggregate is an eyesore.

If you are using complete hydroculture setups (inner/outer pots) the clay pellets are not necessarily a problem because they’ll be almost entirely concealed within the opaque containers. To hide the top layer of clay that is the only part that is visible, you can place coloured or shiny stones, river rocks or pebbles on top of it. You’ll no longer be able to see the clay pellets and you’ll add a decorative touch to your potted plant.

If you are using glass containers and any type of transparent planters, there is only one thing I can think of that may help conceal the clay pellets. Insert an inner pot (culture pot) inside your glass container that is smaller in diameter. Fill the excess space in-between the two containers with coloured or shiny stones, river rocks or pebbles, or anything you find appealing. As long as it’s not anything that will release harmful chemicals into your plant’s container, let your imagination be your guide.


Oh, by the way...

For those that are just dying to know, I will satisfy your curiosity:
Yes, the question “What Are Those Meatball Thingies” came from a woman :)

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