With hybrid work schedules in place, many Malaysians are spending more time at home and exploring indoor gardening as a creative way to enhance their living spaces.
While traditional gardening often involves outdoor work, a growing trend is indoor gardening—focused on plants that thrive with minimal sunlight and water, making it an ideal choice for those with limited outdoor space.
Perhaps during your shift to hybrid work, you discovered the joys of growing your own greenery indoors. In this post, we introduce you to Pafcal, a cutting-edge Japanese soil-less technology designed to simplify indoor gardening and elevate your home environment.
What is Pafcal?
Pafcal is a Japanese-made, organic, soil-less medium designed to make planting effortless. Developed by Toyota Suntory Company in Japan, this innovative sponge-like material resembles peat soil while offering numerous advantages over traditional soil.
With Pafcal, the goal is not only to simplify the gardening process but also to promote a greener, more sustainable lifestyle.
Why Use Pafcal for Indoor Gardening?
Pafcal’s unique properties make it a standout choice for indoor gardening:
Lightweight & Water Efficient:
Pafcal is 50% lighter than regular soil. Its excellent water retention and release capabilities ensure that plants receive just the right amount of moisture, minimizing water wastage.
Hygienic & Pest-Resistant:
Being bacteria-free, Pafcal resists harmful insects and mold, keeping your pots cleaner and your plants healthier.
Mess-Free & Long-Lasting:
Unlike traditional soil that tends to crumble, Pafcal remains intact, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, with a lifespan of up to 10 years (roughly twice as long as normal soil), you won’t need to replace it even if it dries out.
Just water your plants weekly or whenever the medium feels dry, and the nutrients will keep on nourishing your greenery.
Pafcal vs Normal Soil Compared
How to Use Pafcal for Planting
Now that you know the benefits of Pafcal, here are some practical tips to help you get started:
Pre-Soak Your Pafcal:
Before potting, soak or wet your Pafcal. It can be used on its own or mixed with non-water-retaining materials—avoid combining it with traditional soil.
Layer for Optimal Drainage:
Since many indoor plants prefer a drier medium, place the Pafcal at the bottom of your pot and add a layer of small rocks (such as pumice) on top. This setup acts as a water reservoir, allowing plant roots to access moisture without becoming waterlogged.
Fertilize with Liquid:
For best results, use only liquid fertilizer when growing with Pafcal.
Watering Guidelines:
Outdoor Plants: Water daily to ensure thorough saturation.
Indoor Plants: Water every 2–3 days, or simply when the Pafcal dries out. Keep in mind that indoor watering frequency may vary based on factors like room temperature, air circulation, and humidity.
Pafcal makes gardening both easy and efficient. And let’s not forget the added bonus: more greenery means more oxygen, cleaner air, and an overall boost to your home’s positive vibe!
Indoor Planting Decoration Tips with Pafcal
Ready to bring your indoor garden to life? Here are some creative decoration ideas using Pafcal:
Desk Décor with Transparent Easy Pots:
The easy pot is a transparent container designed to work seamlessly with Pafcal. Its clear design lets you monitor water levels at a glance, ensuring timely refills. Whether on your desk or a shelf, these pots double as natural air purifiers, enhancing both your workspace and overall well-being.
Wall-Mounted Plant Frames:
Consider mounting frames on your walls to display your plants. This innovative design not only maximizes space but also adds a stylish, modern touch to your interior décor. Arrange your plants either flat or upright—whatever suits your aesthetic.
Transform a Wall into a Green Oasis:
For the more adventurous, create a green wall. Though this project requires extra time and effort, it offers a striking way to integrate nature into your home.
Pafcal’s excellent water-retaining properties ensure minimal mess, making it a popular choice for restaurants and cafes—and now, for your home too! A green wall not only looks stunning but also boosts oxygen levels and reduces indoor toxins.
Elevate Your Aesthetic with Contemporary Design:
For an added twist, integrate a modern and minimalist look into your indoor garden by pairing your Pafcal with ceramic planters that boast an industrial finish. This combination not only enhances the visual appeal of your living space but also complements a wide range of interior styles.
Suitable Plants When Potting with Pafcal
While Pafcal works wonders for many species, not every plant is a perfect match. Edible plants and fruits are generally not recommended since Pafcal, though non-toxic, isn’t certified for food production. Instead, consider these three popular options:
Song of Jamaica
Hailing from Jamaica, this vibrant plant livens up any space with its bright leaves. It’s low maintenance and acts as a natural air purifier by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Plus, bundle purchases at HOMA2U.com come with a set of stylish yellow pots!
Strawberry Begonia
Imported from China, Japan, and South Korea, Strawberry Begonia is a pet-friendly option that not only purifies the air but also enhances your living space with a burst of color. It thrives in bright, indirect light and benefits from occasional misting—just avoid direct sunlight to keep it blooming beautifully.
Epipremnum Aureum (Pearls and Jade)
Originating from the Solomon Islands, this plant is celebrated for its air-purifying capabilities—NASA has even recognized its ability to remove toxins such as benzene, xylene, and toluene. Epipremnum is a robust choice for anyone looking to improve indoor air quality while adding a touch of green elegance.
Where to Buy Pafcal Online
HOMA2u is your one-stop marketplace for home improvement products, offering Pafcal along with a carefully curated selection of plants. Discover a range of bundles and starter packs on our website. Enjoy perks such as free delivery across six states in Malaysia with no minimum purchase, plus a flexible payment plan that lets you spread your payments over three months.
Final Thoughts on Pafcal
Pafcal is revolutionizing the indoor gardening experience—making it simpler, cleaner, and more sustainable. Whether you’re a gardening novice or an experienced plant enthusiast, Pafcal offers an innovative solution that suits homes without traditional garden spaces. With a blend of modern technology and natural benefits, it’s never been easier to bring the outdoors inside.
What questions do you have about Pafcal or indoor gardening? Share your thoughts in the comments below!