The expanded clay balls They can be used in many ways in the gardening world. In addition, being an all-natural component, it is ideal when you want to create a colorful garden or an organic garden in your home.
In this article, we’ve compiled all the information you need to know about the benefits these tiny, porous, lightweight balls have on your plants. So if you want to use them correctly, you just need to follow some of our tips.
Did you know that at clay ballsthey are also known as clay balls and were actually created for use in the construction industry?
The name of baked clay balls was given by ancient gardeners because the clay balls are subjected to more than 1200 degrees to obtain this particular texture.
Moreover, the expanded clay balls They have the quality of retaining water and at the same time serve as a decorative element. Surely you have seen them in decoration magazines or in a celebrity documentary. Isn’t it great that now you can have them too?
Contents
Benefits of clay balls
The clay balls They usually have a small size, which makes them ideal for placing in any type of pot. At the same time, these balls are very durable and can be found in brown or reddish tones.
In fact, they are often used for retain moisture for your plants for a longer period and are beneficial for all crops as they have a neutral pH.
Then we show you some of its main advantages:
- They are very resistant and undeformable.
- By using them you will save water because they retain moisture inside. In fact, it cuts the frequency of watering your plants in half.
- Provides gradual hydration to your plants avoiding waterlogging thanks to its draining action.
- Brings aeration and lightness to the substrate of your pots.
- Prevents the proliferation of weeds on the surface of the substrate.
- Its color and rounded shape make it the perfect decorative element for pots and gardens.
How to use clay pebbles?
If you like to have your plants well hydrated, but you don’t know how to use the clay balls, don’t worry. Here you will learn how to use them correctly and effectively.
The first thing you need to know is that the expanded clay balls They can be used both in professional agriculture and in home gardening.
Note that:
- There are people who use them as the only substrate in crops that lack soil. Although if you prefer, you can mix them between the substrate so that it is more airy and maintains humidity properly.
- Clay balls are ideal for plants that require increased drainage, like cacti.
- You can use them as decoration on the substrate of your pot to give it a unique decorative touch.
- They can be used for bonsai, although it is more professional to use the well-known akadama substrate.
However, our advice is that before placing the clay balls in their final location, soak them for 24 hours.
This way they will be fully hydrated and can provide the food your plants need for much longer.
What are clay balls used for?
As we have already commented, clay balls are the essential element for good drainage. However, you must place between 2 and 5 cm of clay balls at the bottom of your pot if you want adequate drainage and no excessive water loss.
You can even use a piece of geotextile fabric between the expanded clay balls and the substrate you place on it to separate them.
You can use this clay exclusively to create a substrate for succulents or combine it with other porous materials such as coconut fiber, perlite or vermiculite.
In some cases, especially where pets are digging in the pots, a layer of these clay balls can be placed, or gravel or rocks can be used.
This method is usually used on a regular basis because it is easier to replace the clay in your pots when transplanting.
On the other hand, if you have decided to mix the clay balls With the substrate, it is essential that you add 10% marbles and 90% substrate. With this you will be able to create the perfect mixture and you will prevent the roots of your plants from rotting. In addition, you will promote the aeration of the roots and their growth.
Expanded Clay Substrate Balls 20l.
- Reduces water consumption by creating a layer between the substrate and the air which reduces evaporation
- Prevents the appearance and growth of weeds in the soil by creating a physical barrier to their germination
- Maximizes water efficiency by improving water infiltration and making rain or applied irrigation 100% beneficial to the plant
- Made in Spain
And if you have orchids at home, you should place clay balls extended on the top layer of your pot. This will help regulate the air and provide consistent watering.
If you have decided to go on vacation for a few days, it is best to place the clay balls on the pot, but also on the saucer. This way you will take advantage of the moisture that the plant drains without wasting a single drop of water.
As you can see it is very easy to use clay balls in gardening. So if you liked some of our instructions, what are you waiting for to put them into practice? You’ll see how it doesn’t take you long to do it.