What is PON?
PON is a premium, soil-free growing medium made from lightweight, mineral-based ingredients. It’s airy, long-lasting, and perfectly balanced to support strong root development—without compacting over time. Think of it as a clean, low-maintenance alternative to traditional soil—ideal for beginners, plant lovers, and semi-hydro growers alike.
Why Use PON?
Perfect for Semi-Hydro
Great for LECA-style growing, self-watering pots, and passive hydroponic setups.Ideal for Terrariums
Clean and pest-resistant, it keeps your terrariums breathable and free from mold or soil breakdown.Better Drainage & Aeration
Prevents root rot by allowing water to drain and roots to breathe.Reusable & Mess-Free
Doesn’t decompose like soil. Just rinse and reuse!Pest-Resistant
No organic matter = fewer fungus gnats.Loved by Aroids, Hoyas & More
Especially suited to chunky-rooted and moisture-sensitive plants.
What Does “PON” Stand For?
While “PON” is often used as a nickname in the plant world, it originally comes from Lechuza-PON, a mineral-based substrate created by the self-watering planter brand Lechuza.
The name is sometimes said to stand for:
Particulate Organic Neutral
or Premium Organic Neutral
But these aren’t official definitions. Today, PON refers more to a style of soilless mix—a blend of mineral ingredients like:
Zeolite (retains nutrients and moisture)
Pumice or Perlite (aeration and drainage)
Lava Rock (adds structure and minerals)
Optional Additives: slow-release fertilizer, activated charcoal, etc.
It’s become a go-to choice for semi-hydroponic, clean, and low-maintenance plant care.
Regular PON vs Chunky PON – What’s the Difference?
We offer two PON textures to suit different plant needs:
Regular PON
Finer particles
Great for smaller pots, younger plants, or plants with fine roots
Excellent water retention and root contact
Ideal for terrariums or tight root zones
Chunky PON
Larger particles and more airflow
Better for bigger pots, mature plants, and those with thicker, chunkier roots (like Aroids)
Helps prevent overwatering in larger setups
A favourite for root rot-prone plants
🪴 Not sure which to choose?
When in doubt:
Go Regular PON for delicate or small-rooted plants
Go Chunky PON for bigger roots or airflow-loving plants
