The trend to put your plants in hydroponics and not to use soil is increasing. What are the benefits of hydroponics? How does this work? And what should be considered? We give you tips and tricks so that you too can easily convert your plants into hydroponics.
What does hydroponics mean?
Hydroponics, as the name suggests, is the cultivation of plants in water. This system is often used today when growing food. Water is not as heavy as soil and can therefore also be used well for vertical gardens. The water is mixed with all important nutrients, so the plants lack nothing. But back to the houseplants. It's a growing trend for these, as there are many benefits to hydroponics.
Advantages:
- You don't need to water your plant as often since they have a continuous water supply
- Your plant is no longer as susceptible to pests
- Even root rot or mold can no longer form
- The expanded clay is reusable and does not have to be bought again and again
- When repotting, there is no mess like when repotting with soil
- Just about any houseplant can be grown hydroponically, even cacti
Disadvantages:
- You need to fertilize your plant regularly and more as it cannot get all of its vital nutrients from the soil
How do you grow your soil plant in hydroponics?
Materials for a hydroponic culture:
- expanded clay
- plastic pot (inner pot)
- planter
- Water level indicator that fits inside the inner pot
- your plant
prepare plant
First, take your plant out of its normal pot and thoroughly remove all of the soil. It is best to rinse the roots under water so that no dirt remains on the roots. Otherwise, they can cause root rot.
Prepare expanded clay
The expanded clay is mostly dirty and dusty. Before using it for the first time, it is advisable to wash it thoroughly. You can do this in a bucket and pour off the dirty water. To be absolutely sure that there are no germs or pests on your expanded clay, you can also boil it and then let it cool down.
planting
Now it's time for the potting. Place the water level indicator in the inner pot and start filling it with expanded clay. Just like with normal potting with soil, you then place your prepared plant in the expanded clay and fill up to the brim of the pot. Then place the filled inner pot in the cachepot and water your plant until the water level indicator shows an optimal level. And your first hydroponic culture is ready.
watering and fertilizing
Your plant should be watered every two weeks as needed. Always pay attention to the water level indicator. If it drops to minimum, you have to add water until it is back to optimum. You don't have to water your hydroponics as often as plants in soil. If you go on vacation for two weeks, you can water your plant more so that the indicator is at maximum. Regular fertilizing is very important. The expanded clay contains no nutrients. You have to compensate for this deficiency with a fertilizer suitable for hydroponics. The dosage is lower than for soil crops. If there is no information on the fertilizer, halve the normal dosage.
Our FARBIO® organic micro-complex is a premium fertilizer with nanoparticles and is suitable for use on your green and indoor plants in hydroponics and soil. The particularly practical thing is the application with the spray bottle on the leaves.
