Why You Should Replant Your Monstera with Leca and BestGreen Potting Soil
- Norsag
- Dec 10, 2025
- 3 min read
Monstera Deliciosa, aka Delicious Monster, is one of the most iconic houseplants out there. With its bold, split leaves and dramatic presence, it's a must-have in any indoor jungle. But as stunning as it is, Monsteras have one major requirement when it comes to staying healthy: a well-balanced root environment.
The combination of LECA and BestGreen potting soil results in a cleaner, better-draining, and more root-friendly setup for your Monstera.
What is LECA?
LECA, Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate, is made by baking natural clay to high temperatures, causing it to expand into lightweight, porous balls. These round clay pellets are widely used in hydroponics and semi-hydroponic growing systems, but they're also brilliant as a drainage layer or full growing medium for many houseplants.
Benefits of LECA:
Excellent aeration: The porous structure allows roots to breathe.
Improved drainage: Water flows through easily, reducing root rot.
Holds moisture: Retains water inside the pellets, slowly releasing it to its roots.
Reusable & clean: Rinse and reuse it, with no soil mess or gnats.
Root visibility: Use in a clear pot to monitor root health directly. (Only applies if LECA is the primary medium)
Why you should combine LECA with BestGreen Potting Soil:
Instead of going fully semi-hydro, you can decide to blend the best of both worlds. By adding a layer of LECA at the base of the pot and using BestGreen potting soil above it, you create a root zone that offers:
Enhanced drainage at the base
Moisture and nutrient retention in the soil layer
A cleaner, healthier environment for the Monstera's roots
This method is great if you want the drainage benefits of LECA without giving up the familiar feel and nutrition of high-quality soil. And BestGreen potting soil is a solid match: airy, rich, and designed for houseplants that like moisture without being waterlogged.
TIP: This combo is especially helpful for tropicals like Monstera, Philodendron and Alocasia.
Replanting a Monstera with LECA and BestGreen: Step-by-Step
What you will need:
Your Monstera
A vase or pot
A spade
LECA
BestGreen
Steps:
Step 1: Prep the LECA
Rinse the LECA thoroughly to remove all the clay dust. Optional: soak it in clean water for a few hours. This helps saturate the pellets, so they don't pull moisture away from the soil.
Step 2: Remove the Monstera from its old pot
Gently take the plant out and loosen the root ball. If there are some compacted roots and a few mushy ones near the bottom (likely from the trapped moisture), trim those off.
Step 3: Add LECA to the bottom of the pot
Pour in about 3-5cm of LECA at the base. This creates a natural drainage layer and keeps excess water away from the roots.
Step 4: Add BestGreen soil and replant
With the LECA layer set, mix some excavated soil with BestGreen soil using the ratio 1:1. Add a base layer of the BestGreen soil mixture, place the Monstera in the centre, and gently fill in more of the soil mixture around the roots. The soil should feel soft and airy (perfect for Monsteras that like to grow fast and wide).
Step 5: Water Thoroughly
Give the plant a deep watering until water flows through the drainage holes. The LECA will help distribute the flow, preventing runoff and promoting even moisture retention.
Ongoing care tips for your Monstera after planting:
Water when the top 2-3cm of soil feels dry
Check the LECA layer during watering (if it smells or stays too wet, flush it)
Monitor for root growth and repot if it gets root-bound
Keep it in bright, indirect light for best growth.
Wipe the leaves occasionally to remove any dust.
Rotate the plant for even growth.
TIP: Use a stake or moss pole to support growth, your Monstera will love it!
Replanting a Monstera using a LECA and BestGreen potting soil mix is a simple upgrade, and one that will pay off. The combination creates an ideal root environment with better drainage, airflow, and stability than regular soil alone.
If you’re looking for a way to upgrade your plant care routine without going fully semi-hydro, this is a great place to start.
Let us know if you try this method, or if you’ve experimented with LECA in other ways!
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