🌱 A high-quality inert hydroponic substrate
Plagron's Euro Pebbles are made from 100% pure, salt-free clay, fired at very high temperatures in an open kiln. This manufacturing method gives them their characteristic irregular shape, which is cleaner and firmer than most competing clay pebbles, making them one of the most popular hydroponic substrates for demanding growers. Inert, free from diseases and pests, they do not decompose over time and do not alter the composition of your nutrient solution, allowing you to maintain total control over EC and pH values at all stages of cultivation.
💧 Perfectly balanced water retention and oxygenation
The porous internal structure of the clay pebbles allows them to absorb and gradually release water and nutrients as needed by the plant. Capable of retaining approximately 15 to 20% of their weight in water, they guarantee a substrate that is both draining and hydrated, in which roots can develop freely without the risk of asphyxiation or rot. The significant spaces left between the pebbles ensure optimal oxygen circulation around the root system, promoting vigorous growth and higher yields, particularly in recirculating cultivation systems.
🪴 Hydroponics, aquaponics, soil, and coco : a truly versatile substrate
Plagron Euro Pebbles were originally designed for hydroponic cultivation, where they serve as the main substrate in trays and pots, but they also find their place in a multitude of other uses. In aquaponics, their 100% inert nature ensures they do not interfere with the water chemistry of the system. In soil or coco cultivation, simply mix 10 to 20% of them with the main substrate to permanently improve its structure, drainage, and aeration. Placed as a layer at the bottom of pots, they form a draining zone that prevents water from stagnating in contact with the roots, and spread on the surface to a depth of 2 to 3 cm, they act as a mineral mulch, limiting evaporation and slowing down weed growth.
🌿 Usage and commissioning tips
Before first use, it is important to rinse the pebbles thoroughly with clear water to remove the fine clay dust formed during transport, especially if you are using them in a hydroponic or aquaponic system where clear water is essential. To stabilize the pH before planting, you can also soak them for 24 hours in your nutrient solution, with a pH regulated around 5.5. Once in use, in hydroponics, expect at least two waterings per day, including at night, as the high porosity of the substrate makes overwatering practically impossible, but conversely exposes plants to a risk of desiccation if irrigation stops. Fertilization can begin from day one, as the substrate is inert and releases no nutrients on its own.
♻️ Reusable clay season after season
One of the great advantages of Plagron Euro Pebbles is their almost unlimited lifespan. At the end of each growing cycle, simply remove plant debris and old roots, then soak the pebbles for 24 hours in an enzymatic solution with a pH regulated to 5.5, before rinsing them thoroughly again with a light nutrient solution. This allows you to store and reuse them for several consecutive years without them losing their draining properties. This reusability makes Plagron expanded clay a particularly economical and ecological investment in the long run.
📦 Technical Specifications
The product comes in a 10-liter bag, containing expanded clay pebbles with a granulometry between 8 and 16 mm (with a 90% tolerance) weighing approximately 4 to 5 kg. The substrate is composed of 100% natural clay, with a dry matter content of 97% on gross product, zero organic matter, conductivity between 0.15 and 0.8 mS/cm, a water retention capacity of 0.3 ml/g, and a pH (H2O) between 6.8 and 8.3. It complies with the French standard NF U 44-551 relating to growing media (supplier reference: PG-ARG10). Plagron, a renowned Dutch manufacturer, is one of the European leaders in the market for substrates and fertilizers for indoor and outdoor hydroponic cultivation.
