How to Do Hydroponic Growing at Home? Detailed Methods and Steps

SummaryYou can choose ordinary pots such as plastic pots or unglazed clay pots for home hydroponics. The seedlings to be transplanted must not carry soil; carefully wash the root soil off in clean water, then place the roots in diluted nutrient solution, let them fully absorb nutrients, and then plant them. A small amount of small stones should be placed around the plant so it will not topple over. During the flowering plant's growth period, an appropriate amount of nutrient solution and water can be applied according to growth conditions, with proper light given, and good management of temperature, humidity, and so on.

Home Hydroponic Growing Techniques

1. Ordinary pots such as unglazed clay pots and plastic pots can be used for hydroponics. Before growing, mix the raw materials of the various substrates at a ratio of 1:1, or place them separately into plastic pots.

2. When the seedlings grow 3-5 leaves, transplant them into pots for growing. Before transplanting, first place the soil-covered root system in clean water and gently rub and wash away the root soil, being careful not to damage the roots, then place them in a solution diluted 5-10 times compared with normal-strength nutrient solution, and soak for about 10 minutes so the roots can fully absorb nutrients.

3. After transplanting, cover the area around the plant with a small amount of quartz sand or small stones so the plant stands upright and will not topple over, then water around the plant with 0.5-strength nutrient solution until nutrient solution flows out from the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot.

4. During the growing process, water once every 1-3 days, and apply diluted nutrient solution once every 7-10 days. After the plant recovers its growth vigor, apply normal-strength nutrient solution.

5. The frequency and amount of nutrient solution applied should be determined according to the flower species, plant size, different growth stages, different seasons, placement location, and so on. When growing potted flowers indoors, during the growth process nutrient solution can be applied once every 7-15 days. For flowers grown hydroponically, routine care and management are basically the same as for soil cultivation; both require giving good environmental conditions such as light, temperature, and humidity according to the flowers' habits.

6. During the seedling stage, water once every 15-20 days; during the flower's dormant period, water once every 15 days. Generally, for sun-loving flowers in flower pots with an inner diameter of about 20 cm, apply about 100 milliliters of nutrient solution each time; for shade-loving flowers, the amount should be reduced. If a long-acting flower fertilizer is applied, the amount should follow the instructions.

7. When first applying nutrient solution, pay attention to using an appropriate amount; it is better to use less rather than more. Applying too much nutrient solution can easily cause hazards such as scorched leaves. When growing flowers hydroponically, in addition to mastering the timing and amount of nutrient solution application, you also need to water according to the water requirements of different flower varieties, so as to keep the substrate in the pot moist and promote vigorous flower growth.

8. To prevent nutrient solution loss, you can choose non-leaking containers for growing. A container relatively suitable for home hydroponics consists of two parts: set up 1 flower pot with substrate, place the flower seedling in it, then set up 1 non-leaking container holding nutrient solution.

9. During growing, before the plant roots extend into the nutrient solution, water appropriately, then apply a small amount of dilute nutrient solution every 5-7 days. After the roots extend into the nutrient solution, normal management can begin.

10. During this period, nutrient solution and water can be added regularly according to the flowers' growth habits. The nutrient solution needs to be completely replaced once a month, and the container holding the nutrient solution should be cleaned thoroughly. Usually, the amount of nutrient solution in the container should be about 2/3 of the container's depth. If too much is added, there will be no air space, causing the roots to be entirely soaked in the nutrient solution, and the plant will develop root rot due to lack of oxygen.