Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregates (LECA) is the baked clay balls. These are also called as Hydroton, clay pellets, expanded clay balls, exfoliated clay balls, expanded clay beads, hydroponics organic expanded clay pellet, Hydro culture expanded clay aggregate etc. They’re produced by heating clay up to 2000°F (1200°C), making the gases inside expand to look like a sponge or honeycomb. They are porous and absorb water and nutrients added to the water, but they are inorganic and will not break down or rot. Unlike other potting mediums, such as soil, Cocopeat, bark, or peat moss, they do not provide any nutrients themselves.

The bubbles in the clay balls are perfect to absorb water and air. The thin clay walls are porous and let water seep in and out thus making them ideal air moisturizers. The capillarity of these bclay balls sends the inside stored water to the surface for evaporation to continue

Leca allows ample air and oxygen to reach the roots of the plant, encouraging healthy root growth,

Advantages of using LECA-:

•  Leca balls allow plenty of airflow and oxygen through to reach the plant’s roots. This encourages the growth of your plant’s roots to be healthy. It is also reduces fungus and bacteria growth.
• The Leca balls absorb the nutrient and deliver it to the plant’s roots. 
• Leca balls provide a good aeration to the soil and help retaining the required moisture.
• Leca balls are Sterile, natural, reusable and fairly inexpensive.