The correct method for promoting root growth in hydroponic flowering plants

Hydroponic flowers use modern bioengineering technology, applying physical, chemical and biological engineering methods to domesticate ordinary plants and flowers so they can grow in water for long periods, forming a new generation of high-tech agricultural projects. With hydroponic flowers, fragrance fills the room above while fish swim freely below - hygienic, eco-friendly and low-maintenance, so hydroponic flowers are also called “lazy person's flowers”.

1. For large, already mature plants that have reached an ornamental effect, clear water can be used for induction, such as cactus, sago palm (Cycas revoluta) and stump bonsai types. For these plants, our cultivation goal is simply to maintain the original tree shape. Gravel and perlite can only be used inside the planting cup as a medium to fix the plant or hold the root crown, while the induction of water roots and aerenchyma must take place in a water environment. As for plants that have already completed the root-promotion stage, if they are moved to the induction pool, the root crown can be wrapped in sponge and planted into the planting hole, or placed in a planting cup and planted into the planting hole, depending on the variety.

2. In terms of effect, the nutrient stress caused by clear water can better accelerate the formation of root aerenchyma and the development of water roots, but from a cultivation standpoint, a nutrient solution of appropriate concentration is still preferable in the water, as this relates to the fertilizer tolerance of the plants after induction. For cactus, removing soil roots during induction is necessary. Since cactus is a succulent plant, drying it for a period before induction is more beneficial for root promotion, because root promotion in succulents has very strict water requirements in the seedbed - too much easily causes rot, too little affects the efficiency of root promotion.

Methods for changing water and washing roots in hydroponic flowers

Many flower-growing enthusiasts now like to try hydroponic flowers. Some are bought directly from the market, but whether bought or grown yourself, regular water changing and root washing are especially important for hydroponic flowers. Below we introduce the methods for changing water and washing roots in hydroponic flowers.

In the management techniques for hydroponic flowers, changing water and washing roots is an important part of ensuring good growth. So why do hydroponic flowers need water changing and root washing?

First, the conditions for plant growth are mainly water, nutrients and air. The water and nutrients in hydroponic flowers can absolutely guarantee their needs, but the oxygen content in the water will gradually decrease as the flowers grow. When it decreases to a certain level, it will affect flower growth due to lack of oxygen, so the water must be changed to replenish new oxygen.

Second, the roots of hydroponic flowers growing in water absorb nutrients from the water on the one hand, and on the other hand discharge some organic substances, as well as waste or toxins, into the water, where they settle. In soil cultivation, these organic substances mainly dissolve nutrients in the soil that are not easily absorbed by the roots, while waste and toxins are distributed in the soil spaces or flow out through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, and will not be absorbed by the roots to affect the normal growth of the flowers. But hydroponic containers have no bottom holes, so these organic substances, waste or toxins all settle in the water and are very easily taken up again by the plants, creating a vicious cycle of absorption, excretion, re-absorption and re-excretion, which is very unfavorable to the normal growth of the flowers and the performance of their normal physiological functions.

Third, of the nutrient fertilizer often added to the water for hydroponic flowers, apart from the portion of mineral elements absorbed by the roots, the rest remains in the water. When the residual substances reach a certain amount, they will also cause certain harm to the flowers. Fourth, the roots of hydroponic flowers that grow in water for a long time will produce a kind of mucus. When there is a lot of mucus, it not only affects the roots' absorption of nutrients but also pollutes the water. For the above reasons, hydroponic flowers must be managed with regular water changing and root washing.

So how do we master the techniques and timing of water changing and root washing?

Generally: change the water when it gets dirty, and about once every 20 to 30 days is best, though of course this should also be adjusted flexibly according to circumstances:

First, carry out regular water changes according to different flower species and their adaptability to hydroponic conditions. Some flowers, especially aquatic or moisture-loving flowers, are very suited to the hydroponic environment and after being planted in water can quickly continue to grow new roots from the original root system and grow well. For these flowers, the interval between water changes can be longer. But some flowers are not very suited to the hydroponic environment after being planted in water; their recovery and growth are slow, and the roots may even rot after water planting. For these flowers, in the initial stage of entering the hydroponic environment, the water should be changed frequently, even once every 1-2 days. Only after new roots have sprouted and normal growth has resumed can the frequency of water changes be gradually reduced.

Introduction to the methods of changing water and washing roots in hydroponic flowers

Alocasia (Alocasia amazonica)

Many flower and plant enthusiasts are no longer satisfied with flowers grown in soil pots, and many are trying fresh cultivation methods such as hydroponics. However, to grow hydroponic flowers well, the prerequisite is to know clearly when to change their water and wash their roots. So why do hydroponic flowers need water changing and root washing? Is there any reasoning behind it?

I. Reasons for washing roots and changing water in hydroponic flowers

First, the conditions for plant growth are mainly water, nutrients and air. The water and nutrients in hydroponic flowers can absolutely guarantee their needs, but the oxygen content in the water will gradually decrease as the flowers grow. When it decreases to a certain level, it will affect flower growth due to lack of oxygen, so the water must be changed to replenish new oxygen.

Second, the roots of hydroponic flowers growing in water absorb nutrients from the water on the one hand, and on the other hand discharge some organic substances, as well as waste or toxins, into the water, where they settle. In soil cultivation, these organic substances mainly dissolve nutrients in the soil that are not easily absorbed by the roots, while waste and toxins are distributed in the soil spaces or flow out through the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot, and will not be absorbed by the roots to affect the normal growth of the flowers. But hydroponic containers have no bottom holes, so these organic substances, waste or toxins all settle in the water and are very easily taken up again by the plants, creating a vicious cycle of absorption, excretion, re-absorption and re-excretion, which is very unfavorable to the normal growth of the flowers and the performance of their normal physiological functions.

Next, of the nutrient fertilizer often added to the water for hydroponic flowers, apart from the portion of mineral elements absorbed by the roots, the rest remains in the water. When the residual substances reach a certain amount, they will also cause certain harm to the flowers.

Finally, the roots of hydroponic flowers that grow in water for a long time will produce a kind of mucus. When there is a lot of mucus, it not only affects the roots' absorption of nutrients but also pollutes the water. For the above reasons, hydroponic flowers must be managed with regular water changing and root washing.

So how do we master the techniques and timing of water changing and root washing?

Usually change the water when it gets dirty, and about once every 20 to 30 days is best, though of course this should also be adjusted flexibly according to circumstances.

Carry out regular water changes according to different flower species and their adaptability to hydroponic conditions. Some flowers, especially aquatic or moisture-loving flowers, are very suited to the hydroponic environment and after being planted in water can quickly continue to grow new roots from the original root system and grow well. For these flowers, the interval between water changes can be longer. But some flowers are not very suited to the hydroponic environment after being planted in water; their recovery and growth are slow, and the roots may even rot after water planting. For these flowers, in the initial stage of entering the hydroponic environment, the water should be changed frequently, even once every 1-2 days. Only after new roots have sprouted and normal growth has resumed can the frequency of water changes be gradually reduced.

Haworthia (Haworthia fasciata)

II. Water quality requirements for hydroponic flowers

Purified water is best, though tap water is also acceptable. Because the oxygen dissolved in water decreases as the salt concentration increases, and purified water is desalinated water with low salt content, it is suitable water for hydroponic flowers. Besides its low salt content, purified water also has the advantages of good transparency and no pollution, making it the most ideal water for hydroponic flowers. In addition, qualified drinking tap water can also be used for hydroponic flowers. Tap water has gone through filtration, disinfection and impurity removal, which to a certain extent reduces the salt content and also contains fewer bacteria; combined with its convenience, it is relatively suitable water for hydroponic flowers. However, tap water is commonly disinfected with liquid chlorine, and excess chlorine harms flower roots. To allow the chlorine gas to be released, it needs to be left to stand for a period before use. River water, lake water, pond water and well water have high salt content and cannot be used as water for hydroponic flowers.

Special reminder:When washing the roots of hydroponic flowers, be sure to be gentle and not rough, so as not to damage the tender roots.

In fact, besides paying attention to root washing and water changing, choosing a container of suitable size is also very important for hydroponic flowers. This is because hydroponic flowers can only show their perfection in a transparent container. So flower enthusiasts must not neglect the choice of container!