Expanded clays as growing media for Croton in pot culture

Abstract

A trial was carried out on the use of mixes with expanded clays as substrates in the cultivation of Croton ( Codiaeum variegatum L. v. aucubaefolium). Four types of expanded clay were used: «Leca» 2-3 mm, «Leca» 3-8 mm, «Agrileca» (new type) 0-3 mm and «Agrileca» 3-8 mm; the expanded clays are mixed with a commercial peat compost (50%, 33,3% and 20% by volume; ratios 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4). Analysis made on the chemical and physical properties of the mixes shoved good values; the expanded clays increased the free porosity in the mixes; «Agrileca» showed lower pH and salinity if compared to the «Leca» expanded clay. Growth was good with all mixes, but the best growing results in Croton were obtained with the mixes containing «Agrileca» (both 0-3 mm and 3-8 mm) and the peat compost at the ratio of 1:2 v/v.