Discover the best pots and growing mediums for your semi-hydroponic plants. From budget-friendly DIY options to deluxe self-watering pots, we’ve got the perfect solutions to help your plants thrive.
Recommended Semi-Hydroponic Products
| Preview | Product | Description |
|---|---|---|
 | Standard LECA by Hydroton | Go-to LECA in term of price and quality. |
 | Less absorbent for dry-loving plants | Less absorbent, for dry-loving plants |
 | Lechuza Pon | Best Pon Substrate for the price. |
 | Pumice by Gantessa Stone | Versatile, boosts wicking power |
 | General Hydroponics FloraSeries | Solid nutrient solution for all houseplants. |
 | RapidStart | Promotes root growth and reduces transplant shock |
 | CalMag | Provides essential calcium and magnesium for plant growth |
 | pH Up / Down | Used to raise or lower the pH of nutrient solutions |
 | TDS Meter | Used to check nutrient water PPM. |
 | K-Lite | Combined fertilizer and CalMag |
 | Orca | Contains beneficial bacteria for a healthy root zone |
 | Mr. Fulvic | Enhances nutrient absorption in plants |
 | Self-Watering Pot | Large reservoir, budget-friendly |
 | Transparent Self-Watering Pot | Transparent, easy algae cleanup |
 | Artistical Self-Watering Pots | Stylish, sturdy, water-level window |
 | Hangable & Compact Self-Watering Pots | Versatile, great for tight spaces |
 | Wick-Free Self-Watering Pots | No wick, budget-friendly, easy to check water level. |
 | The Big Pots | Large size, multiple colors |
 | 24oz Deli Containers | Budget-friendly, DIY orchid pot |
 | 32oz Deli Containers | Versatile, great for repurposing |
 | 3″ Net Pots | Ideal for small plants and cuttings |
 | Clear Storage Bin | For storing your LECA/Pon/Others |
Non-Organic Growing Medium Products
This is my go-to LECA, easily found in the U.S. I’ve noticed that it’s pretty much the same as other brands, just with a different label.
Take IKEA’s LECA, for instance—it’s a spitting image of Hydroton. While you can snag some on Amazon, I’d recommend hitting up your local hydroponics shop. Not only will you likely get a better deal, but you’ll also be supporting a local business.
If you’re growing plants that prefer less moisture—think succulents or hoyas—Hydrocrunch is your best bet. The LECA beads in this brand have a special coating, probably added post-firing. This makes them less absorbent than Hydroton, perfect for plants that like it dry.
I keep a stash of both Hydroton and Hydrocrunch to meet the varied needs of my plants.
You can find Hydrocrunch at Home Depot, but again, consider shopping local.
Pumice is another non-organic medium that’s great for plant growth. It shares many of LECA’s qualities but comes in different sizes, affecting its wicking ability.
The larger chunks are what I usually go for, but you can find smaller ones at your local hydroponics store.
These smaller pieces are great for boosting the wicking power of your LECA or for rooting new plants.
The LECA Addict Perfect pot. It features a clear inner pot and an opaque outer one, offering a unique design you won’t find anywhere else.
These are my top Amazon finds, and most of my plants call them home.
What’s to love? First, the large water reservoir gives me peace of mind when I’m away. Second, they’re mess-free and easy to inspect.
The only drawback is they’re not transparent. But a little squinting and swishing will reveal the water level.
Just note, they run a bit small due to the reservoir.
If you’re forgetful about watering, these transparent pots are for you. They’re pricier but well-designed and sturdy.
One caveat: the clear design can lead to algae growth. But thanks to the wicking system, cleanup is a breeze. Just flush and scrub once a month.
These are the crème de la crème of my pot collection. They’re robust, stylish, and come with a see-through water level window. At $5.8 each, they’re roomy enough for 4-6″ plants.
Designed for pegboard hanging, these are perfect for IKEA Milsbo or Fabrikor greenhouses. They’re also versatile—I sometimes just prop them against a window. Ideal for tight spaces!
These are good but not my first choice. You can’t easily lift the plant to check it, but at $4.5 each, they’re a decent middle-ground option. Just make sure the LECA touches the bottom reservoir for proper wicking.
These are upsized versions of the previous pots, priced at $6.5 each. They house my largest plants. While I haven’t found anything cheaper for big plants, IKEA cache pots work well as an alternative. They fit standard net-pots perfectly, thanks to Europe’s love for hydroponics.
Who knew deli containers could double as plant pots?
With a soldering iron, you can easily create drainage holes at the bottom. Pair it with a 32oz deli container, and you’ve got yourself a DIY wicking pot.
These containers are a game-changer, especially for orchid enthusiasts who like to monitor root health.
Instead of splurging on a clear orchid pot, you can get these for just 58 cents each.
These work great as standalone pots or as companions to the 24oz containers. Just add a drainage hole about a third of the way up from the bottom. Priced at 70 cents each, they’re a steal.
Pro tip: Check out your local Pho or noodle joint. They often use these containers, and you can easily repurpose them.
While the 24oz size is rarer, you’ll frequently find the 16oz size, which can also be paired with the 24oz for a drainage setup.
Net pots are a fantastic option for semi-hydroponics. They fit snugly into standard mugs, ramekins, or even disposable cups. Ideal for small plants, orchids, and cuttings, these pots are a dream.
Just be cautious when your plant outgrows the pot; you might need to cut the net to free the roots.
There you have it—some clever potting solutions that won’t break the bank. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking for budget-friendly options, these hacks have got you covered. Feel free to add more sections, and I’ll keep rewriting for you!
