What Is Arlita or Expanded Clay for Plants?

Expanded clay, commonly used as a substrate, decoration, or padding for plants, is produced through the firing of clay.

The process begins by extracting raw material from the earth, which is then subjected to high temperatures of around 1000 °C in a rotary kiln. As a result, the clay expands in size, significantly reducing its density and rendering it incredibly lightweight.

Let's delve into the specific characteristics of expanded clay in greater detail:

• Granule size: expanded clay is typically available in the form of small, spherical granules ranging from 2 to 10 millimeters in size.
  
  
• Color: the granules of expanded clay exhibit colors ranging from red to brown.
  
  
• Chemical inertness: expanded clay is chemically inert, meaning it does not provide any nutrients to plants or support biological activity. It remains stable and does not alter the composition of the surrounding soil.
  
  
• Porosity: although expanded clay has fewer pores compared to other materials, it still possesses some level of porosity, which contributes to its drainage and aeration properties.
  
  
• pH Level: with a neutral pH ranging from 5 to 7, expanded clay does not significantly affect the natural pH of the soil in which it is used.
  
  
• Longevity: the baked nature of expanded clay ensures its long-lasting durability, allowing it to remain intact for several years without disintegrating or breaking apart. Let us take a closer look at the specific characteristics of expanded clay:

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Let's explore the various uses of expanded clay, a versatile and inert material that offers several benefits for soil structure and plant growth:

• Substrate aeration: One of the key advantages of expanded clay is its ability to prevent soil compaction and provide structure. It keeps the soil aerated by allowing oxygen to permeate through the interstices, promoting healthy root growth.
  
  
• Root development: Expanded clay creates recesses that retain oxygen, facilitating the development of roots which require this element for optimal growth.
  
  
• Prevents flooding: Excess water accumulation around roots can lead to rotting. By using expanded clay as a draining material, the risk of this consequence is minimized, as it effectively drains excess water.
  
  
• Pot decoration: The aesthetic appeal of clay balls makes them suitable for decorative purposes, enhancing the visual appeal of potted plants. They can be placed on the surface of pots to create an attractive display.
  
  
• Maintains optimal moisture levels: Expanded clay can be utilized as mulch or a top layer, known as "mulching." It helps to prevent water evaporation from the soil, enabling spaced irrigation and maximizing the utilization of applied water. This is particularly beneficial during hot summer months when water evaporation rates are high. For guidance on creating a plant mulch, refer to our article on how to make a padding for plants or mulching.
  
  
• Weed control: Another advantage of using expanded clay as mulch is its ability to suppress weed growth. By acting as a protective layer, it prevents weeds from germinating and thriving in the potted environment. Furthermore, its lightweight nature ensures that it does not compact the underlying substrate.

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Expanded clay serves as an excellent medium for hydroponics, providing a substrate in which plants can thrive. In hydroponic systems, plants require a medium that retains oxygen, and expanded clay fulfills this requirement. Simply place the clay in the hydroponic container and position the plant within it, with water added only at the bottom of the container.

Furthermore, expanded clay can be incorporated into universal substrate mixes to enhance their composition. A suitable substrate mix can be prepared by combining equal parts of peat and earthworm humus, along with a handful of clay. This mixture is ideal for plants that do not require a specific substrate composition.

When it comes to cacti and succulents, a well-draining soil is essential. Expanded clay can be used in this context to improve soil structure and reduce water retention.

Expanded clay is also suitable for use as a mulch. Simply apply a top layer of expanded clay on the substrate to serve as mulch, which helps in reducing water evaporation and maintaining moisture levels.

For drainage purposes, expanded clay balls can be placed at the bottom of pots without drainage holes or directly on the ground during transplanting. This allows water to drain away from the roots rather than accumulating.

In the context of bonsai cultivation, expanded clay can be utilized to meet the high water demands of bonsai trees while ensuring proper drainage.

Lastly, it is worth mentioning that expanded clay can be reused for other plants. To do so, it is important to wash the clay between uses and apply it to the new plant, thereby maximizing its longevity and sustainability.

You might be interested in this other article on what is akadama soil for bonsai.

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