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The Flower Show
September 12, 2026

Basics of Growing Houseplants in a Semi-Hydro, Soil-Free Medium with Aneesa Uqdah

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Say goodbye to dirt and hello to healthier houseplants! 

Discover the benefits of growing houseplants in LECA (Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate), a clean, semi-hydroponic medium that can help prevent root rot, reduce soil pests, and simplify watering. In this beginner-friendly workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of transitioning plants from soil to LECA, including selecting substrates as soil replacements, choosing pots and containers, preparing plants for the switch, and providing proper nutrients and care. The workshop will also cover helpful resources and best practices, giving participants the knowledge and confidence to grow healthier houseplants with less guesswork. 

Aneesah Uqdah comes from a long line of plant enthusiasts and, together with her sisters, is a frequent award-winning competitor at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show. She gardens in the urban oasis of Jannatain Community Garden in Philadelphia's Nicetown and Tioga neighborhood, where she cultivates a wide variety of plants and shares her love of gardening with the community. When she's not tending the garden, Aneesah enjoys expanding her collection of houseplants and transforming vintage cabinets into custom lighted greenhouses that bring the joy of indoor gardening into her home.

aneesah uqdah 1
Aneesa Uqdah

SPECIAL NOTES:
Participants will meet onsite at Jannatain Community Garden, located on a residential street adjacent to a row home with a metal gate. Please gather at the gate at the start of the tour.

Parking is available on nearby residential streets. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation to and from the garden.

This program will be held rain or shine. There is no rain date.

Produced in partnership with

Date

September 12, 2026

Time

12:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Cost

Free

Location

Jannatain Community Garden. 1522 Rowan Street, Philadelphia PA, 19140