The benefits of OR ECA® are numerous: it's lightweight, porous, and it allows for excellent aeration and water retention, which can be beneficial to plant root health. It's also inert, which means it doesn't affect the pH of the surrounding environment. However, because OR ECA® doesn't contain any nutrients, it's necessary to provide a nutrient solution for plants growing in this medium. It can also be more expensive than traditional potting soil and requires a different care routine, which can be a challenge for those new to using it.