How to grow hydroponic plants? Daily management methods and precautions
1. Temperature
The generally suitable growing temperature for hydroponic plants is within 5-30°C; too low or too high both have a great impact on plant growth;
2. Light
Newly hydroponic plants need diffused light, not direct sunlight. What is diffused light? It is natural light coming in through windows and other places, naturally diffused indoors. Generally, plants only need appropriate light to grow; they do not necessarily have to be exposed to the sun;
3. Nutrient solution
Generally, you can just use the special hydroponic nutrient solution sold on the market, and mix the appropriate concentration according to the instructions, for example, dilute 400 times or 1000 times; do not get the ratio wrong. When preparing it, let tap water sit for two hours to half a day until its temperature is close to room temperature and the chlorine and other substances in the water have volatilized completely, then add the concentrated nutrient solution according to the ratio, and it becomes a nutrient solution suitable for growing hydroponic plants. As for concentration, it is better to be dilute than strong.
4. Changing the water
Changing the water means replacing the water in the bottle that has nutrient solution added. Generally, in spring and autumn, change the water once every 5-10 days; in summer, change it about once every 5 days; in winter, change it once every 10-15 days; the specifics depend on the actual situation.
Note: Once the water spoils, it must be replaced immediately; when changing the water, please expose half or one third of the plant's roots. Plants also breathe; when there is little oxygen in the water, it is not easy for them to absorb it, and the roots can easily suffocate.
5. Cleaning
Each time you change the water, rinse the plant's roots and container with clean water, and prune dead branches, withered leaves and rotten roots. Under normal growth conditions, hydroponic plants will periodically rot some roots and then grow new roots, so it is normal for newly cultivated hydroponic plants to have rotten roots. Just use sterilized scissors (disinfected with alcohol cotton or heated over a flame) to prune the rotten roots. Sometimes some old roots can also be pruned to promote the growth of new roots. But be very careful not to damage the water roots, otherwise it will affect the plant's growth. The roots of hydroponic plants, the white and tender roots above, 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 is very dry. This is unfavorable for plant growth, so in daily care please spray the leaf surface with clean water to maintain humidity; you can spray clean water twice a day.
Daily management methods and precautions 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 has hot summers, so outdoor hydroponic plants should be moved indoors to cool down.
2. Light
It is the natural light coming in through windows. In summer, avoid direct sunlight; diffused light is best. What is diffused light? It is natural light coming in through windows and other places, naturally diffused indoors. Generally, plants only need appropriate light to grow; they do not necessarily have to be exposed to the sun;
3. Nutrient solution
For plants that have just been set up for hydroponics, it is not suitable 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 special hydroponic nutrient solution.
4. Changing the water
Generally, in spring and autumn, change the water once every 5-10 days; in summer, change it about once every 5 days; in winter, change it once every 10-15 days. Note: when changing the water, please expose half or one third of the plant's roots.
5. Cleaning and hygiene
Each time you change the water, rinse the plant's roots and 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 surface with clean water to maintain humidity. You can choose a small spray bottle for spraying, preferably twice a day. When the indoor temperature is below 5°C, pay attention to keeping the plants warm.
Key maintenance and management points for indoor hydroponic plants
Hydroponic plants are a method of plant cultivation. Unlike traditionally 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. Nowadays, some people even keep a few goldfish in hydroponic plants on the market, which gives an even better decorative effect. So what hydroponic plants are there, and what cultivation 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, using bioengineering technology and physical, chemical and biological engineering methods to domesticate ordinary plants and flowers. Because they are convenient to carry and care for, cheap, clean, and have healthy growing flowers and leaves, and can achieve the scene of enjoying both fish and flowers, they are loved by most people. China's market is very worrying! Because fake hydroponic technology exists……
Hydroponic technology originated in some developed Western countries. When hydroponic technology was introduced to China, essential changes occurred. Some merchants in China, for the sake of profit, do not go through artificial domestication and bioengineering methods, and directly put cleaned plants into water to save costs. In this way, the plants may not die at the time, but after a few days the leaves of the hydroponic plants begin to 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 is placing plants in nutrient solution, and the nutrient solution is formulated through professional hydroponic technology. The plants are produced through artificial domestication or seedling cultivation, and the survival rate is as high as over 95%. If later professional care is added, it can be said that they are guaranteed not to die. So only hydroponic plants cultivated by people with true hydroponic technology will not die. Everyone is reminded to ask and look more when buying hydroponic plants, so as not to buy fake hydroponic plants.
Hydroponic plant maintenance techniques
1. Choosing containers: According to the specific conditions of the flower hydroponic plant material you want to use, such as variety, form, specification and flower color, choose substitute bottles, pots, vats and other containers that can complement and bring out the best in that flower and tree variety. According to the principles of choosing hydroponic containers mentioned earlier, buy or process and 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 casually, so as not to affect the image of the hydroponic flowers and the beauty of indoor decoration. Achieve unity and harmony between the container, flowers and the room environment, so as to achieve a relatively ideal ornamental effect.
2. Removing soil and washing roots: When changing from soil cultivation to hydroponics, the work of removing soil and washing roots must be done well. As everyone knows, soil cultivation is organic nutrition, but 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 cleaned off, so as not to affect the normal growth of hydroponic flowers and the infection of pests and diseases. Take the selected flower plant, dig it out from the soil or gently pour it out of the flower pot. First use your right hand to lightly lift the stem, and your left hand to lightly support the root system, then switch to your right hand and gently shake, slowly pat, so that the soil around the roots falls off and all the roots are exposed. Then soak in clean water for 15-20 minutes, and gently wash the roots with your hands. After changing the water and washing 2-3 times, until the roots are completely free of soil and the water used to wash the roots is clear and transparent without mud or sand, it is considered washed clean. But be very careful: some flowers have hard root systems that are tangled and knotted, and much soil is in the gaps. When necessary, you can use a bamboo skewer, wooden stick or screwdriver to dig it out. Not a bit of soil must 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°C and below 30°C. In other words, as long as the temperature feels relatively comfortable to people, the plants will also feel relatively comfortable, and they can grow normally. Even in winter, they can still have lush branches and leaves, adding vitality for us.
4. Light: Mainly diffused light. What is diffused light? It is natural light coming in through windows and other places, naturally diffused indoors. Generally, plants only need appropriate light to grow; they do not necessarily have to be exposed to the sun. In summer, also try to avoid direct sunlight.
5. Nutrient solution: Generally, you can just use the special hydroponic nutrient solution sold on the market, and mix the appropriate concentration according to the instructions, for example, dilute 400 times or 1000 times; do not get the ratio wrong. When preparing it, let tap water sit for two hours to half a day until its temperature is close to room temperature and the chlorine and other substances in the water have volatilized completely, then add the concentrated nutrient solution according to the ratio, and it becomes a nutrient solution suitable for growing hydroponic plants.
6. Changing the water: Changing the water means replacing the water in the bottle that has nutrient solution added. Generally, in spring and autumn, change the water once every 5-10 days; in summer, change it about once every 5 days; in winter, change it once every 10-15 days (after letting tap water sit for half a day, add the concentrated nutrient solution according to the ratio). 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 also hold on for a period. For example, sometimes when everyone goes on a business trip or vacation, and is not at home for ten days to half a month or even a month, soil-cultured plants can no longer stand it and die quickly, while hydroponic plants can still hold on as long as you add more water; but if the time is too long, and the water in the bottle is very stale or spoiled, it will affect the growth of hydroponic plants, and in severe cases, it will also cause their death. Note: when changing the water, please expose half or one third of the plant's roots.
7. Cleaning: Each time you change the water, rinse the plant's roots and container with clean water, and prune dead branches, withered leaves and rotten roots. Under normal growth conditions, hydroponic plants will periodically rot some roots and then grow new roots. So when you find rotten roots, do not panic. Just use sterilized scissors (disinfected with alcohol cotton) to prune the rotten roots. Sometimes some old roots can also be pruned 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 roots of hydroponic plants, the white and tender roots above, 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 is very dry. This is unfavorable for plant growth, so in daily care please spray the leaf surface with clean water to maintain humidity; you can spray clean water twice a day.
Hydroponic plant water-changing techniques
1. At about 20-25°C (spring and autumn), change the water about once 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 keeping flowers and fish together, change the water frequently. It is best to buy a micro air pump of about 3 watts with very low power consumption, and aerate appropriately, which can greatly extend the water-changing interval (generally once every 1-2 months).
3. Tap water can be used, but it is best to let it sit 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. After 6ML bagged nutrient solution is mixed into the clean water of a 2.25L large cola bottle, use it. After 300ML bottled nutrient solution has one bottle cap of the original liquid mixed into the clean water of a 2.25L large cola bottle, use it. The shelf life of the diluted nutrient water is 6 months; keep it away from sunlight in normal times.
4. Due to the adsorption and metabolism of the root system and the activity of algae, after a period of time 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 water.
6. In winter below 10°C and in midsummer above 35°C, the concentration of the nutrient solution used should be reduced (generally 1/3-1/2 of normal), or only clean water should be used for growing.
Precautions for hydroponic plant maintenance
1. Note that the plant's roots cannot be completely soaked in water; the root system needs 5-10 cm exposed to the air. If the root system is completely soaked in water, the roots cannot absorb oxygen and will die from lack of oxygen; the roots exposed to the air can replenish some oxygen.
2. Change the water frequently to maintain the dissolved nutrients in the water.
3. The nutrient solution components for hydroponics should be properly proportioned, 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 rotten roots and yellowing leaves in hydroponic flowers, and the water quality then deteriorates, further affecting the growth and ornamental value of 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.