How to grow hydroponic plants? Key points for indoor care and management

Hydroponic plants are a method of growing plants. Unlike the traditional way of growing plants in soil, it involves adding the nutrients plants need to water and growing the plants in water. Hydroponic plants have better ornamental value, and now some shops even keep a few goldfish in with hydroponic plants, giving an even better decorative effect. So what kinds of hydroponic plants are there, and what growing techniques are there? Below, the editor will introduce them one by one.

How to tell real hydroponic plants from fake ones

Hydroponics is a developing industry in China. Bioengineering technology uses physical, chemical and biological engineering methods to acclimatise ordinary plants and flowers. Because they are convenient to carry and care for, cheap, clean, and have healthy leaves and flowers, and can achieve the scene of enjoying fish and flowers together, they are loved by most people. The Chinese market is quite worrying! Because fake hydroponic techniques exist...

Hydroponic technology originated in some developed Western countries, and when it was introduced to China it underwent a fundamental change. Some Chinese merchants, for the sake of profit, skip artificial acclimatisation and bioengineering methods and directly put washed plants into water to save costs. This way the plants do not seem to die at the time, but after a few days the leaves of the hydroponic plants gradually turn yellow, and finally the hydroponic plants slowly die. This is not only irresponsible to customers, but also harmful and of no benefit to the real hydroponic industry.

True hydroponics, however, places plants in a nutrient solution, and the nutrient solution is blended through professional hydroponic technology. The plants are produced through artificial acclimatisation or seedling cultivation, with a survival rate as high as over 95%. If professional aftercare is added, it can be said that they are guaranteed not to die. So only hydroponic plants cultivated by people who truly know hydroponic technology will not die. I remind everyone to ask and look around more when buying hydroponic plants, so you do not buy fake hydroponic plants.

Hydroponic plant care techniques

1. Choosing containers: According to the specific variety, form, specification and flower colour of the flower hydroponic plant material you intend to grow, choose substitute bottles, pots, vats and other containers that can complement and bring out the best in that flower and tree variety. Following the principles of hydroponic container selection mentioned earlier, buy or make them yourself so that they are appropriate to use and elegant to look at. Never just grab whatever container is at hand and use it carelessly, so as to avoid affecting the image of the hydroponic flowers and the beauty of the indoor decoration. Achieve unity and harmony between the container, the flowers and the room environment, so as to achieve a relatively ideal ornamental effect.

2. Removing soil and washing roots: When soil cultivation is changed to hydroponics, the work of removing soil and washing the roots must be done well. Everyone knows that soil cultivation is organic nutrition, while after changing to hydroponics it is completely changed to inorganic nutrition cultivation. The organic matter in the soil and attached to the root system must be strictly washed clean, so as not to affect the normal growth of the hydroponic flowers and cause infection by pests and diseases. Take the selected flower plant, dig it out from the soil or gently tip it out of the flower pot. First use your right hand to gently lift the stem, and your left hand to gently support the root system. Then switch to your right hand and gently shake, slowly patting so that the soil at the roots falls off and all the roots are exposed. Then soak in clean water for 15-20 minutes, and use your hands to gently rub and wash the roots. After 2-3 changes of water for washing, until the roots are completely free of soil and the water used to wash the roots is clear and transparent without mud or sand, only then are they considered washed clean. But pay great attention: some flower roots are hard and twisted and interlocked, and much soil is in the gaps. When necessary, use a bamboo skewer or wooden stick, or a screwdriver, to dig it out. Not a bit of soil may remain. This is one of the important steps for successful hydroponics, and it must not be neglected.

3. Temperature: The suitable growing temperature for hydroponic plants is above 5 degrees and below 30 degrees. In other words, as long as the temperature is fairly comfortable for people, the plants will also feel fairly comfortable, and they can grow normally. Even in winter, they can still have lush branches and leaves, adding vitality for us.

4. Light: Mainly scattered light. What is scattered light? It is natural light coming in through windows and other places, naturally scattered indoors. Generally, plants only need appropriate brightness to grow; they do not necessarily have to be exposed to the sun. In summer, direct sunlight should also be avoided as much as possible.

5. Nutrient solution: Generally, everyone can just use the special hydroponic nutrient solution sold on the market, and mix a suitable concentration according to the instructions, for example diluting 400 times or 1000 times. Do not get the ratio wrong. When preparing it, leave tap water to stand for two hours to half a day, until its temperature is close to room temperature and the chlorine in the water has volatilised completely, then add the concentrated nutrient solution in proportion, and it becomes a nutrient solution suitable for growing hydroponic plants.

6. Changing water: Changing water means replacing the water in the bottle to which nutrient solution has been added. Generally, in spring and autumn change the water once every 5-10 days; in summer change it once about every 5 days; in winter change it once every 10-15 days (after tap water has stood for half a day, add the concentrated nutrient solution in proportion). Changing the water is to ensure the oxygen supply in the water. Fresh water contains more oxygen, and plants will grow more healthily. If the water is not changed for a long time, the plants can still hold on for a period. For example, sometimes when everyone goes on a business trip or holiday and is away from home for ten days to half a month or even a month, soil-grown plants would long since have had enough and died, while hydroponic plants, as long as you increase the amount of water, can still hold on. But if the time is too long and the water in the bottle is very stale or has deteriorated, it will affect the growth of the hydroponic plants and, in serious cases, cause their death. Note: when changing the water, please leave half or one third of the plant's roots exposed.

7. Cleaning: Each time you change the water, rinse the plant's roots and the container with clean water, and prune dead branches, withered leaves and rotten roots. Under normal growth conditions, hydroponic plants will regularly have some roots rot and then grow new roots. So when you find rotten roots, do not panic first; just use sterilised scissors (sterilised with alcohol cotton) to prune away the rotten roots. Sometimes some old roots can also be pruned away to promote the growth of new roots (note: this should be done under the guidance of professionals). But be sure not to damage the water roots, otherwise it will affect the plant's growth. The white, tender roots on the root system of hydroponic plants are the water roots. Some grow directly from the base of the stem, and some grow from the main root. They are all responsible for the plant's absorption function, so be sure not to damage them.

8. Moisture retention: In winter there is very little moisture in the air, especially in the north, where indoors it is very dry, which is unfavourable to plant growth. So in daily care please spray the leaf surfaces with clean water to maintain humidity. You can spray clean water twice a day.

Water-changing techniques for hydroponic plants

1. At around 20-25°C (spring and autumn), change the water once about every 10-15 days. When the temperature is low, the water-changing interval can be appropriately extended; when the temperature is high, it should be shortened.

2. When growing flowers and fish together, change the water frequently. It is best to buy a micro air pump of about 3 watts that uses very little electricity, and aerate appropriately; this can greatly extend the water-changing interval (generally water can be changed once every 1-2 months).

3. Tap water can be used, but it is best to let it stand for one to two days. Directly using mineral water or purified water is also fine. The temperature difference between the original water and the new water should not be too large. A 6ML sachet of nutrient solution mixed into 2.25L of clean water in a large cola bottle is then ready for use. A 300ML bottle of nutrient solution: mix one bottle cap of the original liquid into 2.25L of clean water in a large cola bottle, then use. The diluted nutrient water has a shelf life of 6 months; keep it away from sunlight in normal storage.

4. Due to the adsorption and metabolism of the root system and the activity of algae, after a period the root surface will be covered with foreign matter, which can be carefully rinsed off with water when changing the water. If there are old dead roots, they should be removed when changing the water.

5. The water in the bottle should not be too much; it is suitable for about 2/3 of the root length to be immersed in the water.

6. In winter when it is below 10 degrees and in midsummer when it is above 35 degrees, the concentration of the nutrient solution used should be reduced (generally to 1/3-1/2 of normal), or only clean water should be used for growing.

Precautions for hydroponic plant care

1. Note that the plant's roots cannot be completely soaked in the water. The root system needs 5-10 cm exposed in the air. If the root system is entirely soaked in water, the roots cannot absorb oxygen and will die from lack of oxygen; the roots exposed in the air can take in some oxygen.

2. Change the water frequently to maintain the dissolved nutrients in the water.

3. The ingredients of the hydroponic nutrient solution should be mixed in appropriate proportions, and the concentration must not be too high!

4. During growth, hydroponic flowers are easily limited by oxygen deficiency stress and nutrient imbalance, which often leads to poor growth phenomena such as root rot and leaf yellowing in hydroponic flowers, and the water quality then deteriorates, further affecting the growth and ornamental value of the hydroponic flowers. Therefore, in the growth process of hydroponic flowers, solving the balanced supply of oxygen and nutrients in the nutrient solution is the most critical link.

What are the common indoor hydroponic plants? Key points for caring for hydroponic plants

Growing aquatic plants indoors can not only beautify the indoor space but also purify the indoor air. Most importantly, it will not make the indoors full of soil, so it is much loved by modern people. More and more people like to grow hydroponic plants in their homes. Generally, there are many types of hydroponic plants. So what exactly are the common indoor hydroponic plants? What are the key points for caring for hydroponic plants? Let us follow the editor to learn about them.

What are the common indoor hydroponic plants:

Speaking of common indoor hydroponic plants, generally there are many types of hydroponic plants, but not many are suitable for home growing. The main ones are lucky bamboo, spider plant, golden pothos, ivy, asparagus fern, hyacinth and several others. Let us look at the detailed introduction below:

1. Lucky bamboo:

An evergreen upright shrub of the genus Dracaena in the Liliaceae family, very suitable for indoor hydroponic flowers. The leaves of lucky bamboo are emerald green, the stems are straight, and round like bamboo. The leaves are ovate with pointed tips, and the base of the leaf stalk clasps the stem. It is an extremely shade-tolerant plant and still grows well and stands tall and strong under weak light conditions. It can be placed indoors for a long time to enjoy its leaves, and does not need special care. As long as there is enough water, it can grow vigorously. When growing hydroponically, cut the lucky bamboo stems into small sections of more than 20 cm as cuttings and insert them into water. As long as 1/3 of the cutting can be immersed in the water, it can take root and survive.

2. Spider plant:

A perennial evergreen herbaceous flower of the Liliaceae family with clustered, linear leaves, with vertical yellow-white stripes at the edges or in the middle. In summer and autumn, slender, flexible, drooping stolons emerge from between the leaves, and tender leaves and aerial roots sprout at the tips or nodes, with white flowers. Spider plants can be grown indoors in water. They can not only purify the air, but are also beautiful in appearance and easy to manage. Dig out a potted spider plant, remove the soil from the roots, cut off old roots and rotten roots, keep the fibrous roots, and put it into a container bottle. Fill the bottle with clean water and flower nutrient solution, and let the spider plant's roots grow immersed in the water.

3. Golden pothos:

A plant of the genus Philodendron in the Araceae family, belonging to the climbing vine foliage flowers. It likes warm, humid environments. The vine can reach several metres in length, with aerial roots at the nodes, and the leaves grow larger and larger; the leaves are alternate and evergreen. The pothos stems are slender and soft, and the leaves are delicate and elegant. Growing it in water is very simple: ensure the water is changed once every 2 to 3 days, together with a simple nutrient. Golden pothos has high ornamental value. Its trailing stems hang down naturally, and it can both purify the air and make full use of space, adding lively lines and bright colours to dull cabinet surfaces.

4. Ivy:

A plant of the genus Hedera in the Araliaceae family, it is the most ideal variety for indoor and outdoor vertical greening. An evergreen vine, its branches and tendrils are slender and soft, with aerial roots, and it climbs on other objects. The leaves are alternate, and the leaf blades are triangular-ovate. The demand for potted ivy is increasing day by day. It is a typical shade plant, can grow in a fully lit environment, and grows well under warm and humid climate conditions, but is not cold-tolerant. Growing it in water is simple, and its vitality is strong.

5. Asparagus fern:

A genus Asparagus plant in the Liliaceae family, a perennial evergreen herbaceous flower. The stems are slender and weak, and the branches are fine and leaf-like, spreading horizontally. The flowers are small and white. The berries are spherical and black. After the fruit ripens, it presents a scene of dots of red amid dense green, elegant and lovely. The plant is strongly shade-tolerant. Placed at the bedside or on a desk, it is elegant and dignified, and is a very good indoor flower. Asparagus fern is also an ideal material for setting off cut flowers. In recent years, hydroponic asparagus fern has been successfully developed, and placing it in a room is even more elegant.

6. Hyacinth:

Hyacinth, also known as Dutch narcissus, belongs to the genus Hyacinthus in the Liliaceae family. It is a perennial herb with a spherical or flattened spherical bulb, covered outside with a skin flag in purple-blue or white, etc. The leaves are basal, thick, and strap-shaped and lanceolate. The flower stem is drawn out from the centre of the leaf stem, with a raceme inflorescence. The flowers are delicate and beautiful, colourful, dazzling and pleasant and with a fresh fragrance. It likes a sunny and cool, humid environment, and is suitable for both potting and water growing. When growing it in water, place its bulb in a hydroponic nutrient solution; its appearance is clean and its ornamental value is strong.

The above is a simple introduction to what the common indoor hydroponic plants are. I believe that after the above introduction, everyone will have a further understanding and knowledge of indoor hydroponic plants. Of course, there are also some key points to note in the care process of home hydroponic plants, so as to ensure a long life for home hydroponic plants. Let us look at the introduction below about the key points for caring for hydroponic plants:

Key points for caring for hydroponic plants:

1. Temperature:

The suitable growing temperature for hydroponic plants is above 5 degrees and below 30 degrees. In other words, as long as the temperature is fairly comfortable for people, the plants will also feel fairly comfortable, and they can grow normally. Even in winter, they can still have lush branches and leaves, adding vitality for us.

2. Light:

Mainly scattered light. What is scattered light? It is natural light coming in through windows and other places, naturally scattered indoors. Generally, plants only need appropriate brightness to grow; they do not necessarily have to be exposed to the sun. In summer, direct sunlight should also be avoided as much as possible.

3. Nutrient solution:

Generally, everyone can just use the special hydroponic nutrient solution sold on the market, and mix a suitable concentration according to the instructions, for example diluting 400 times or 1000 times. Do not get the ratio wrong. When preparing it, leave tap water to stand for two hours to half a day, until its temperature is close to room temperature and the chlorine in the water has volatilised completely, then add the concentrated nutrient solution in proportion, and it becomes a nutrient solution suitable for growing hydroponic plants.

4. Changing water:

Changing water is an important task in hydroponics. Changing water means replacing the water in the bottle to which nutrient solution has been added. If the water is not changed for a long time, the dissolved oxygen content in the water decreases, which will affect the growth and absorption capacity of the root system. In addition, plants discharge some harmful substances during physiological activities. When the water is short of oxygen and the content of harmful substances is relatively high, it will lead to poor growth of the plants, or even death. When changing the water, pay attention to the following issues:

(1) Water-changing time:

Generally, in spring and autumn change the water once every 5-10 days; in summer change it once about every 5 days; in winter change it once every 10-15 days (after tap water has stood for half a day, add the concentrated nutrient solution in proportion). For flowers that have just been started in hydroponics, change the water once every 1-2 days. In summer, plants grow vigorously and the temperature is high, so the water is prone to spoilage and the interval should be shortened. In winter, most plants are in a semi-dormant or dormant state and the temperature is lower, so the water-changing interval can be longer. Overall, a shorter water-changing interval is beneficial to plant growth.

(2) Cleaning of the root system and container:

When changing the water, the root system should be cleaned. Clean water can be used to rinse off the mucus on the root system, and some rotten roots and old roots that have lost their absorption capacity should be cut off. After a container has been used for a period, sediment will adhere to its walls, and it is also prone to growing moss, so it should also be cleaned thoroughly when changing the water.

(3) Depth of the water:

When growing hydroponic flowers, people often immerse the root system entirely in the water, but from cultivation experience, one should not add too much water. Note: when changing the water, please leave half or one third of the plant's roots exposed, leaving a small amount of the root system exposed in the air. In this way the root system can both absorb dissolved oxygen from the water and absorb oxygen from the air.

5. Cleaning:

Each time you change the water, rinse the plant's roots and the container with clean water, and prune dead branches, withered leaves and rotten roots. Under normal growth conditions, hydroponic plants will regularly have some roots rot and then grow new roots. So when you find rotten roots, do not panic first; just use sterilised scissors (sterilised with alcohol cotton) to prune away the rotten roots. Sometimes some old roots can also be pruned away to promote the growth of new roots (note: this should be done under the guidance of professionals). But be sure not to damage the water roots, otherwise it will affect the plant's growth. The white, tender roots on the root system of hydroponic plants are the water roots. Some grow directly from the base of the stem, and some grow from the main root. They are all responsible for the plant's absorption function, so be sure not to damage them.

6. Moisture retention:

In winter there is very little moisture in the air, especially in the north, where indoors it is very dry, which is unfavourable to plant growth. So in daily care please spray the leaf surfaces with clean water to maintain humidity. You can spray clean water twice a day.

Key points for caring for hydroponic plants

1. Temperature

The best temperature for hydroponic plant growth is 5-30°C. Above 35°C, most plants enter a dormant state, and at this time spraying water should be stopped. Chongqing summers are hot, and outdoor hydroponic plants should be moved indoors to be cooled down.

2. Light

It is natural light coming in through the windows; in summer, direct sunlight should be avoided.

3. Nutrient solution

For plants that have just been started in hydroponics, it is not advisable to add nutrient solution immediately. They should be grown in clean water for 10-15 days, and after the plants have adapted to the hydroponic environment, then add the special hydroponic nutrient solution.

4. Changing water

Generally, in spring and autumn change the water once every 5-10 days; in summer change it once about every 5 days; in winter change it once every 10-15 days. Note: when changing the water, please leave half or one third of the plant's roots exposed.

5. Cleaning and hygiene

Each time you change the water, rinse the plant's roots and the container with clean water, and prune dead branches, withered leaves and rotten roots, so as not to pollute the hydroponic environment.

6. Moisture retention and warmth

When the climate is dry, spray the leaf surfaces with clean water to maintain humidity. You can choose a small spray bottle for spraying, and it is best to do so twice a day. When the indoor temperature is below 5°C, take care to keep the plants warm.