All About Pon

What is pon?

Pon is a great growing media that I love using (especially with hoyas). Pon consists of the following minerals: zeolite, pumice, and lava rock. It has a great air to water ratio of about 55% air to 45% water. This allows for good air flow which reduces root rot and disease. Since pon is soilless, it is less likely to attract pests as well. 

How does pon work?

The minerals in pon absorb water through capillary action. They also maintain a good pH and may act as a buffer to fertilizer and other nutrients added. The small and irregular size of the minerals encourages a strong branching but shallow root system allowing plants to be maintained in smaller pots than soil.

How to use pon?

Pon is treated similarly to LECA, but there are a few distinct differences. The capillary action of pon is stronger than LECA. This means pon has to have a smaller reservoir of water. I would say only about 1/6-1/4 the size of pot versus about 1/3 for LECA. A slightly bigger reservoir can be used to establish a plant to pon but then backed off a bit as the plant roots. A synthetic fertilizer should be used like in most semi-hydroponic systems. I continue to like Dyno-Gro Foliage Pro and the General Hydroponics Flora Series. Pon needs to be flushed every so often like LECA as well. 

Advantages of pon

• does not break down which allows it to be used over and over again
• water props can be transferred easily with minimal shock
• pH balance is easier to maintain
• less frequent watering
• less pests and diseases

Disadvantages of pon

• more expensive than most soil mixes
• must learn a new way of watering
• too large of reservoir can rot the roots
• may not work for all plants (hoyas and some aroids love it)

How to make pon

Mix an even 1:1:1 ratio of zeolite, pumice, and lava rock. I like the following products and a bag of each will give a good ratio and last a long time. (I am an Amazon Affiliate and make commission on these products which is used to create more educational blog posts)

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