The trend of putting your plants in hydroponics and no longer using soil is increasing. What are the benefits of hydroponics? How does this work? And what should you pay attention to? We give you tips and tricks so that you 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 the important nutrients, so the plants don't lack anything. But back to the houseplants. It is an ever-growing trend among these, as hydroponics has many advantages.
Advantages:
- You don't need to water your plant as often since they have a consistent water supply
- Your plant is no longer as susceptible to pests
- Root rot or mold can also no longer form
- The expanded clay is reusable and does not have to be constantly bought new
- There is no mess when repotting, like repotting with soil
- Almost any houseplant can be grown hydroponically, even cacti
Disadvantages:
- You have to fertilize your plant regularly and more because it cannot get all the vital nutrients from the soil
How do you plant your plant from soil in a hydroponic system?
Materials for hydroponics:
- expanded clay
- Plastic pot (inner pot)
- Planter
- Water level indicator that fits into the inner pot
- Your plant
Prepare plant
First, take your plant out of its normal pot and thoroughly remove all of the soil. It's best to rinse the roots under water so that no soil remains on the roots. Otherwise these can cause root rot.
Prepare expanded clay
The expanded clay is usually dirty and dusty. Before using it for the first time, it is recommended to wash it thoroughly. You can do this in a bucket and pour out 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 to stew. 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 it up to the edge of the pot. Then place the filled inner pot in the planter and water your plant until the water level indicator shows an optimal height. And your first hydroponics is ready.
Watering and fertilizing
Your plant should be watered every two weeks depending on its needs. Always pay attention to the water level indicator. If it drops to minimum, you have to add water until it reaches optimum again. 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 display is at maximum. Regular fertilization 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 earth crops. If there is no information on the fertilizer, halve the normal dosage.
Our FARBIO® organic microcomplex is a premium fertilizer with nanoparticles and is suitable for use on your green and house plants in hydroponics and soil. The particularly practical thing is to apply it to the leaves with a spray bottle.
