When it comes to modern indoor gardening, PON (Lechuza PON) has taken the spotlight. Unlike traditional soil, PON offers a clean, low-maintenance way to keep your plants healthy and thriving. It’s especially popular for those who love houseplants but dread the constant upkeep soil requires. Whether you’re new to the PON game or a seasoned pro, knowing which plants love this substrate can make all the difference. Below, we’ll explore 8 plants that thrive with PON, offering tips and insights on how to use it effectively to nurture them.
1. String of Hooks (Senecio radicans): Thrive with Pon
The String of Hooks, with its fascinating hook-like leaves, is a stunning choice for anyone looking to add a unique trailing plant to their collection. This plant loves bright, indirect light and thrives in PON, provided you avoid overwatering.
Here’s the catch: do not use a reservoir. The roots of this plant are prone to rot if left sitting in water. Instead, water lightly and let the PON dry out between waterings. This will mimic the plant’s natural habitat, where it’s used to dry, well-draining environments. Photo by: the.suburban.servant
One thing to watch for with the String of Hooks is root rot, which can happen easily if the PON is too wet. Keep a close eye on the substrate and avoid leaving any water at the bottom of the pot.
2. Cacti: Thrive with Pon
Cacti should be watered sparingly, and it’s vital to let the PON dry out completely between waterings.
Once the PON is dry, give your cactus a small drink, but never flood the pot. Cacti store water in their stems, and too much moisture in the root zone will cause problems. This plant does well in bright, direct sunlight, making it perfect for sunny windowsills.
3. Hoya Linearis: Thrive with Pon
The delicate, trailing beauty of the Hoya Linearis is mesmerizing. Known for its long, soft stems, this plant thrives in PON, but there’s a trick to keep it happy: keep a reservoir up to where you think the roots end and let it dry before refilling it.
With PON, you can easily manage the moisture levels by filling the reservoir just enough to keep the roots hydrated. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and benefits from regular misting to keep the humidity levels up.
Just be mindful not to let the reservoir dry out for too long, as Hoya Linearis appreciates a bit of consistency.
Photo by: the.hoya.chronicles
4. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
The Fiddle Leaf Fig is a beloved houseplant, known for its dramatic, oversized leaves. It can thrive in PON if you follow one key rule: use a small reservoir and let it dry out completely before refilling.
Fiddle leaf figs don’t like to sit in wet conditions for long, so allowing the PON to dry out mimics their natural environment and helps prevent root rot.
When the reservoir dries out, give the plant a good soak, but then let the reservoir completely empty before refilling. This cycle will encourage healthy root growth and prevent common problems like fungal infections or yellowing leaves. Position your Fiddle Leaf Fig in bright, indirect light for the best results. Photo by Kadarius Seegars
5. Alocasia Black Velvet
The Alocasia Black Velvet is a plant that looks as luxurious as its name suggests, with its deep green, velvety leaves. When using PON for this plant, leave a reservoir that sits at the end of where you think the roots are. However, be cautious: Alocasias are prone to root rot, so regular monitoring is essential.
One way to avoid rot is to repot the plant when you notice the roots beginning to fill the pot. Giving it more room and fresh PON can prevent the common problem of root rot. Keep the reservoir moderately filled, and only top it off once the existing water has nearly evaporated.
6. String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus)
Like the String of Hooks, the String of Pearls is a trailing succulent that loves a dry, well-drained environment. PON is a perfect substrate for this plant, but again, don’t use a reservoir. It’s best to water lightly, and only when the PON has completely dried out.
String of Pearls enjoys bright, indirect light and can tolerate a bit of neglect, making it a low-maintenance option for busy plant lovers. Too much water, however, will lead to the plant’s downfall, so stay vigilant with your watering schedule. Photo by: kelly sikkema
7. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
The Jade Plant is a classic choice for indoor gardening, known for its plump, glossy leaves. When grown in PON, it thrives because of the excellent drainage and minimal water retention. Jade plants prefer dry conditions, so much like other succulents, do not use a reservoir.
Allow the PON to dry out completely before watering again. When you do water, give it a thorough soak, but ensure that the reservoir stays empty, to avoid soggy roots. The Jade Plant enjoys bright light and can even tolerate some direct sunlight, making it ideal for sun-filled spaces.
8. Rhaphidophora Decursiva Dragon Tail: Thrive with Pon
The Dragon Tail is a striking plant that adds a touch of the exotic to your indoor jungle. After a period of dormancy, I am happy to report that this plant flourishes in PON. After repotting into PON, my Dragon Tail took off! Leave a reservoir that touches the end of the roots and refill after completely dried out .—this is key to encouraging healthy growth.
Dragon Tails prefer a stable environment with bright, indirect light. The PON substrate allows you to maintain perfect moisture levels, and it supports the plant’s root development without the risk of waterlogging. Just make sure you wait until the reservoir has dried before watering again to avoid potential root rot. Photo by: huella_selvatica
9. Failed Attempts with Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Now, let’s talk about some plants that didn’t quite work out with PON. Peace Lilies are usually pretty forgiving, but in my case, they didn’t fare well with this substrate. I had high hopes, but unfortunately, my Peace Lily ended up rotting. I believe the issue was too much moisture. If I could do it again, I would definitely take rooting cuttings from the plant and grow them directly in PON instead of converting the entire plant from soil to this substrate. Photo by: Chinmay Dhope
Peace Lilies prefer moist conditions but can be finicky when it comes to root health. This experience taught me that not all plants are ideal for PON, and sometimes propagation is a better route than direct transfer.
10. Calathea Orbifolia: Thrive with Pon
Another plant that didn’t fare well in PON was the Calathea Orbifolia. I thought it would be a perfect candidate for PON, but much like the Peace Lily, it rotted. These plants thrive in high humidity and moist soil, but the combination of the PON and the reservoir just didn’t seem to work out. Again, if I were to try it again, I would take rooting cuttings and grow them in PON rather than converting the whole plant. photo by: monko_the_plant
Calathea Orbifolia is known for its stunning round leaves and intricate patterning, so it’s definitely worth trying to grow in your home. Just be careful with how you introduce it to PON!
Final Thoughts on Using PON with These Plants
The success of your PON journey depends on choosing the right plants and understanding their specific watering needs. For many of the plants listed here, PON offers the perfect balance of drainage and moisture retention. However, as I’ve learned with the Peace Lily and Calathea Orbifolia, not every plant thrives in this substrate. With proper care and attention, though, you’ll find that many of your favorite houseplants will flourish in PON, offering a cleaner, easier way to grow them indoors.
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