Hydroponic flower cultivation methods and precautions
I. Definition of hydroponic flowers
Hydroponic flowers are a new generation of high-tech agricultural projects that use modern bioengineering technology, employing physical engineering, chemical engineering and biological engineering methods to domesticate and induce ordinary flowers so that they can grow normally in water. It adopts original modern biological improvement technology, enabling flower plants originally adapted to terrestrial environments to rapidly adapt to aquatic environments through short-term scientific domestication, improvement and cultivation. With hydroponic flowers, the upper part is full of luxuriant flowers and leaves, while the lower part has fish playing about; the ornamental value is strong, allowing you to enjoy the flowers, view the roots and admire the fish. Green, eco-friendly, clean and low-maintenance, which is why hydroponic flowers are also called "lazy person's flowers".
II. Research on seedling cultivation of hydroponic flowers
The process of hydroponic cultivation of flowers is actually a process of aquatic mutagenesis, referring to the process of promoting the formation of aerenchyma between the plant and root tissues under the stress of an anaerobic environment, stimulating the rapid formation of unique molecular mechanisms and physiological-biochemical responses within the plant under anaerobic stress, thereby achieving a process of forced adaptation and active adaptation. In this process, the creation of anaerobic signals is the key signal for closing and opening the formation of aerenchyma, the formation of metabolic mechanisms and physiological-biochemical changes. Oxygen free radicals, ethylene signals, hormone signals and signals are all direct signals or cascade reaction signals produced under anaerobic conditions. Under the action of these signals, the expression of related genes is initiated, thereby achieving the adaptive transition and metabolic-morphological transformation of plants from terrestrial to aquatic environments.
Common woody flowers in Hunan include: sago palm (Cycas revoluta), gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), Radermachera sinica, Ficus concinna, rubber plant (Ficus elastica), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), Pachira aquatica, Dracaena fragrans, weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans), camellia (Camellia japonica), kumquat (Fortunella margarita), Schefflera octophylla, croton (Codiaeum variegatum), Rhapis excelsa, English ivy (Hedera helix), Photinia × fraseri and five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora).
Herbaceous flowers mainly include: (1) Foliage ornamental flowers: Monstera deliciosa, snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), Asparagus setaceus, golden-striped lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), Hosta plantaginea, Spathiphyllum, pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Syngonium podophyllum and Dieffenbachia. (2) Perennial root flowers: carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), Asparagus setaceus, African daisy (Gerbera jamesonii), chrysanthemum, calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis) and gladiolus (Gladiolus gandavensis). (3) Bulbous flowers: hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis), cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), tulip (Tulipa gesneriana), narcissus (Narcissus tazetta), calla lily, tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), clivia (Clivia miniata), etc. (4) Succulent flowers: Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), mountain shadow palm, cactus (Cactaceae), jewel flower (Graptopetalum paraguayense), etc., and Sempervivum. (5) Others: Oncidium, Cymbidium sinense, spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Tradescantia zebrina, Reineckea carnea, Phalaenopsis and fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida).
Herbaceous and woody hydroponic flowers are mainly concentrated in the following families: (1) Araceae: pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Aglaonema modestum, Dieffenbachia, Aglaonema commutatum 'Silver King', Aglaonema commutatum 'Golden Queen', Philodendron 'Congo', Calathea makoyana, mini Monstera deliciosa, Monstera deliciosa, Alocasia, Scindapsus, Philodendron, Philodendron panduriforme, Philodendron 'Imperial Green', Syngonium podophyllum, Alocasia macrorrhizos, Anthurium andraeanum, jade gem, etc. (2) Commelinaceae: Tradescantia pallida, Tradescantia spathacea, Lophatherum gracile, Tradescantia zebrina, etc. (3) Liliaceae: Aloe, Aloe arborescens, Haworthia fasciata, spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Cordyline fruticosa, Dracaena, Dracaena angustifolia, Sansevieria trifasciata, Agave, golden-striped lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), sea onion (Urginea maritima), silver-edged Aglaonema, silver-edged Ophiopogon, etc. (4) Crassulaceae: Aeonium, Sedum spectabile, Cotyledon undulata, jewel flower (Graptopetalum paraguayense), Kalanchoe, etc.
III. Induction of aquatic roots in hydroponic plants
Hydroponic technology is the process of inducing the formation of aquatic root systems in plants and enabling them to grow and develop normally in nutrient solution, so the formation and growth of aquatic roots is the core of this technology. Hydroponic flowers use comprehensive technical measures such as modern physics, chemistry and biotechnology to place different flower varieties in root-promoting substrates; the rooting speed is greatly influenced by environmental conditions and their own biological characteristics. First, the difficulty of aquatic root formation differs among plants: herbaceous types are fast and easy, while woody types are slow and difficult; plants with large intercellular spaces are easy, while those with slow growth and tightly arranged cells are difficult; shade-loving wet-to-terrestrial plants are easy, such as Araceae plants, while sun-loving drought-tolerant terrestrial plants are difficult, such as peach trees. The morphology of aquatic roots also varies among different plants, but there are regular similarities: compared with terrestrial root systems, aquatic roots are mostly fibrous root systems, and root hairs are few or degraded; this is because the aquatic environment causes physiological changes in plants. Therefore, creating a suitable aquatic environment is the focus of our technology; only in a suitable aquatic environment can the continuous formation and development of aquatic root systems be promoted. For example, dissolved oxygen in water is a necessary condition for root respiration; once oxygen is lacking, aquatic root formation will be inhibited or even turn brown and rot, so oxygen must be monitored and controlled in real time by computer during the mutagenesis process.
In addition, suitable water temperature, appropriate nutrient solution concentration and water level all affect the cultivation of aquatic roots, and these must all be achieved through computer control. These technologies are the core of hydroponic technology for all plants; without computer control, it is difficult to achieve aquatic root cultivation, especially for the cultivation of mutagenized plants. Root induction under hydroponic conditions produces relatively high root activity. The central column of terrestrial plants does not change significantly under aquatic conditions, but the cells of the cortical parenchyma produce cracks, forming aerenchyma similar to rice roots to adapt to the aquatic environment. The morphology, structure and physiological activity of aquatic-induced roots all undergo corresponding changes under partially submerged conditions to adapt to normal growth under hydroponic conditions. Induction methods mainly include the use of temperature, light, water, regional dissolved oxygen, and nutrient solution and hormone treatments to find the optimal induction environment. The difficulty of aquatic mutagenesis also differs among different flowers.
IV. Induction methods in root induction include:
(1) Substrate treatment: Through research on the stomatal parameters of spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) under treatment conditions of ceramsite-irrigated nutrient solution, perlite-irrigated nutrient solution, pumice-irrigated nutrient solution, general nutrient solution hydroponics and soil cultivation, the experimental results show that the stomata of spider plant leaves are elliptical or round, and the guard cells are half-moon shaped. Stomata distributed near the leaf tip and middle are noticeably more numerous than those at the leaf base and leaf margin; the degree of stomatal distribution is relatively small at the leaf base, and stomatal density gradually decreases from the leaf tip to the leaf base, showing: leaf base < leaf middle < leaf tip. Comparing the stomatal parameters of the lower epidermis of the middle leaf section of spider plant under different substrate cultivations: the single stomatal area in soil cultivation is the smallest, significantly lower than that of general nutrient solution hydroponics, pumice-irrigated nutrient solution and ceramsite-irrigated nutrient solution treatments; the maximum stomatal index of the middle leaf section treated with soil cultivation is significantly higher than that of nutrient solution hydroponics, pumice-irrigated nutrient solution and ceramsite-irrigated nutrient solution treatments.
(2) Plant growth regulator treatment: Natural plant hormones and synthetic hormones are organic substances with similar physiological effects, so synthetic hormones have been widely used in horticultural plant production to control plant growth, preserve flowers and fruits, increase yield value, maintain freshness and storability, promote cutting rooting, and improve grafting survival rate, among other aspects, playing a quite important role. Commonly used hormones generally include NAA (naphthaleneacetic acid), IAA (indoleacetic acid), IBA (indolebutyric acid) and ABT (rooting powder). Research shows that [concentrations] are the optimal treatment concentrations for hydroponic ivy cuttings; newly synthesized phosphonate compounds can significantly increase the rooting rate, root number and root length of chrysanthemum cuttings; [they] have the best effect on the hydroponic rooting of hibiscus. Plants commonly used in hydroponic experiments include Aglaonema modestum, oleander (Nerium oleander), Phalaenopsis, Anthurium and many others. At the same time, root pruning, shading and water level also have certain effects on root induction. In the hydroponic process of succulent flowers, the roots induced after cutting off the original main root are more suitable for the hydroponic environment than untreated original roots, and roots induced with root shading grow better than those induced without shading.
(3) Water cutting method: Generally used for plant species that root easily and grow quickly in aquatic environments, such as Monstera deliciosa, Scindapsus, lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), red gem, Dutch iron (Yucca), Alocasia macrorrhizos, five-color iron, pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Reineckea carnea, gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), narcissus (Narcissus tazetta), etc. Select healthy, pest-free, robust branches, wipe with an alcohol cotton ball, use scissors to cut at an angle below the node, insert into water, and carry out hydroponics after rooting. When cutting branches, if the branch has aerial roots, the aerial roots should be well protected and inserted into the water. The root system of water cuttings grows in water; the root system is complete and robust, beautiful in color, not easily rotted and grows relatively vigorously.
(4) Root trimming method: This method is mostly used for already-formed plants. Different root removal methods are adopted according to the difficulty of rooting of the plant, including: complete root removal, root removal and no root removal, and root trimming methods. Some species are plants that do not root easily in water, such as palms, Chamaedorea elegans, Beaucarnea recurvata, etc. Larger plants such as Monstera deliciosa, Alocasia macrorrhizos, etc., and flowering ornamental plants such as azalea (Rhododendron), camellia (Camellia japonica), Daphne odora, kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana), Amaryllis, Lychnis, calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Euphorbia milii, etc., often do not have their roots removed. Select ornamental, healthy, robustly growing flowers that have already been formed under soil cultivation or other media cultivation, move the potted plant with roots, remove the soil, then rinse the soil off the roots with water and cut off part of the roots and all rotten roots, then carry out hydroponics. When cleaning the roots, it is suitable to use running water, then soak in potassium permanganate solution, benzalkonium bromide or carbendazim and other surface disinfectants for minutes to sterilize, and finally fix the plant in a prepared container with stones or perlite and add water to cover the roots. At the beginning, change the water once a day to maintain dissolved oxygen in the water, and at the same time clean the container and roots, 1/2--1/3; after a week, the water-changing frequency can be reduced until the cultivated flowers grow white aquatic roots, indicating that they have adapted to the aquatic environment; afterwards, the water can be changed once a day or even at longer intervals. For plants that root relatively easily, such as Campsis, the roots can also be removed after washing, then disinfected and hydroponically cultivated. For cactus balls, after complete root removal, dry them and place them on a container filled with water; the bottom of the cactus ball must not touch the water, and new roots are induced by relying on the evaporation of water in the container.
(5) Method of stripping tiller buds: Suitable for plant flowers that easily sprout tiller buds at the root collar, such as Lychnis, boxwood (Buxus), privet (Ligustrum), oleander (Nerium oleander), Phalaenopsis, bromeliads, etc. The method steps are simple and the survival rate is relatively high. Select robust and healthy tiller buds, cut them off along the root collar with a knife; buds longer than cm are all usable, cut into a horseshoe-shaped cross-section, retain the top tip and leaves, protect the integrity of the tiller bud roots, wash off the soil attached to the roots, put the root portion into water for cultivation, with [the rest] exposed above the water.
(6) Method of taking stolons: Some flower plants can produce multiple stolons during growth, and these stolons have nodes, with roots and buds growing at the nodes, such as strawberry (Fragaria), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), pineapple, etc. Using this characteristic of flower plants, small plantlets on the stolons can be cut off for hydroponics, which is especially simple.
How to choose hydroponic flowers? Key points for choosing hydroponic flowers
How to choose hydroponic flowers? When choosing hydroponic flowers, the most important thing is to go by your own preferences; you should know that what you like is the most important. Of course, under this premise, the flower must be able to adapt to the local environment. Today the editor will discuss the key points for choosing hydroponic flowers from several aspects, hoping it can be of some help to everyone.
1. Personal preferences
If you have no requirements for what kind of flowers to grow hydroponically, you can choose varieties with strong adaptability, simple cultivation and management, and the ability to improve the environment, such as snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), peace lily (Spathiphyllum), Monstera deliciosa, lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), etc., all of which are good choices. If you do have requirements for flowers, you can choose according to your own preferences and economic ability. If it is only a pure liking, has no value for the environment, and requires special environmental conditions and relatively high cultivation techniques, then it is best not to choose such varieties.
2. The environment where the flowers are placed
For planting or placing in large spaces, you can choose tall hydroponic flowers; otherwise, choose plants with a small plant shape. If economic conditions permit, you can purchase plants with graceful posture and a height and size that match the home space.
3. Habits of hydroponic flowers
Before choosing household hydroponic flowers, you should understand the flower's growth characteristics, growth speed, and information such as roughly how tall and large it can eventually grow.
4. Level of cultivation and care
Before choosing hydroponic flowers, consider how much time and energy you have to manage them. For example, if you are an office worker, you can choose flowers that are easy to cultivate; such flowers also have a wider range of environmental adaptability, such as snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana), Tradescantia zebrina, Aglaonema modestum, etc. If you have some flower-growing experience and more time for management, you can try cultivating flowers with stricter environmental requirements, such as Maranta, certain tropical orchids, Chinese orchids (Cymbidium), cacti and succulents, and woody plants.
What hydroponic flower plants are there, hydroponic flower knowledge and tips
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Hydroponic flowers are a type of flower with excellent ornamental value. They mainly use modern bioengineering technology and physical, chemical, biological and other engineering and technological means to domesticate ordinary plants and flowers so that they can grow in water for a long time. This is a new generation of high-tech agricultural projects. With hydroponic flowers, the upper part is full of fragrance, and the fish below can play freely. They are not only hygienic and eco-friendly but also very low-maintenance, so hydroponic flowers are also called lazy person's flowers. They are a good helper for home decoration and are suitable for placement in the living room, bedroom, balcony, study and courtyard.
✤Characteristics of hydroponic flowers
The ornamental value of hydroponic flowers is very strong. They not only have artistic vase shapes, but also white aquatic root systems and substrates of various colors. What is even more peculiar is that flowers and fish can be cultivated together, integrating multiple ornamental effects such as flower viewing, leaf viewing, root viewing and fish appreciation. Moreover, hydroponic flowers are cultivated in water without soil, so pests, diseases, fungal and bacterial contamination are also very few. Water and nutrient management are also more convenient, care is simple and there is no need to water frequently, and they can beautify the space.
✤What hydroponic flowers are there -- variety introduction
1. Many plants, common and uncommon in our daily lives, can be hydroponically cultivated, including general green plants and beautiful flowers. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus), Asparagus setaceus, African daisy (Gerbera jamesonii), tulip (Tulipa gesneriana), calla lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica), Ficus concinna, Dracaena fragrans, Spathiphyllum, Sinningia speciosa, cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum), Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis), gladiolus (Gladiolus gandavensis), orchids, Aglaonema, Schefflera octophylla, hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis), chrysanthemum and some potted flowers all have very good hydroponic results and can be called excellent artworks.
2. Flowers and plants that can be hydroponically cultivated also include Monstera deliciosa, Aglaonema, clivia (Clivia miniata), camellia (Camellia japonica), jasmine (Jasminum sambac), fuchsia (Fuchsia hybrida), five-needle pine (Pinus parviflora), Philodendron, rubber plant (Ficus elastica), Dracaena fragrans, azalea (Rhododendron), kumquat (Fortunella margarita), Matthiola, Phalaenopsis, begonias, ferns, palms, etc. Some foliage plants can also be hydroponically cultivated, such as Crassulaceae species Aeonium, Sedum spectabile, Araceae species Philodendron 'Congo', Alocasia, Anthurium andraeanum, Guangdong spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), as well as other types such as Paphiopedilum and Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera truncata), totaling more than a hundred species.
✤Knowledge and tips on hydroponic flowers andprecautions
1. When preparing nutrient solution for hydroponic flowers, metal containers must not be used, and they must certainly not be used to store nutrient solution. For aesthetics and to benefit the growth of plants and flowers, it is best to use glass, enamel and ceramic vessels as containers. Also, attention must be paid to the water used when preparing nutrient solution. If tap water is used, the tap water must be treated to prevent harmful substances in the water from harming the plants; a small amount of humate compounds or sodium edetate needs to be added.
2. When hydroponic flowers are cultivated as potted plants, the cultivation water in the pot generally needs to be changed once every one or two months. Tap water can be used, but be sure to let the tap water sit for a period before use to keep the root temperature stable. Moreover, most hydroponic flowers are shade-tolerant and neutral flowers suitable for indoor cultivation, and they also have different requirements for light. For hydroponic plants with appropriate light, temperature and nutrient solution concentration, the whole root or root tip is white.
Conclusion:There are many types of hydroponic flowers, and they are highly ornamental, beautiful and elegant. Placed in transparent glass bottles in the living room, bedroom, balcony, study and courtyard, they are excellent decorations and artworks. They can not only add color to home life, but also better highlight the owner's unique taste. The above is the editor's introduction to what hydroponic flower plants there are and some knowledge and tips, hoping it can help friends who like hydroponic flowers.