How to Fertilize Hydroponic Flowers? A Detailed Guide to Practical Fertilization Techniques

Hydroponic flowers are a new-generation high-tech agricultural project that uses modern bioengineering technology and applies physical, chemical and bioengineering means to domesticate ordinary plants and flowers so that they can grow in water for the long term. Hydroponic flowers use water as the medium, and the fertilizer used is formulated from a variety of nutrient elements (macronutrients and micronutrients). However, the macronutrients that flowers need, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, are almost absent, and the micronutrients contained are far from enough to meet the normal needs of the flowers. Therefore, timely, effective and reasonable fertilization is a very important management measure for hydroponic flowers. So let us now take a look together at how to master the fertilization characteristics, fertilization timing, fertilization amount and fertilization techniques for hydroponic flowers.

1. Selection of Fertilizer

Hydroponic flowers need a special nutrient solution, and it is generally not advisable to mix it yourself. Soilless cultivation nutrient solutions are formulated according to the proportion, concentration and acidity of the nutrients that flowers need; besides containing the macronutrients plants require, they also contain other micronutrients. When using a nutrient solution, you should strictly follow the instructions, control the fertilization concentration, and never apply it blindly, so as to avoid fertilizer burn. The purchased nutrient solution should be stored in a dark place at low temperature, and never stored in metal containers. Different flowers also have different requirements for fertilizer nutrient elements. Generally, foliage plants should be given mainly nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented with phosphorus and potassium fertilizer; flowering plants, especially during their flower bud differentiation and flower bud development stages, should be given mainly phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, supplemented with nitrogen fertilizer.

2. Fertilization Timing

Hydroponic flowers should be fertilized in spring and autumn, when growth is vigorous; fertilization is generally not advisable in winter and summer. If flowers show poor nutrition in summer that affects their growth, a 0.1% urea solution can be sprayed on the leaves.

3. Fertilization Concentration

When fertilizing, strictly control the fertilization concentration, because all the nutrient elements applied are dissolved in the water; when the concentration reaches a certain level, it will cause fertilizer burn to the flowers, thereby affecting their growth and even causing the entire plant to die. ① The fertilization concentration differs from flower to flower. Flowers such as Nephthytis (Syngonium podophyllum), mini Monstera (Monstera deliciosa 'Borsigiana'), and red philodendron (Philodendron 'Red Emerald') are relatively tolerant of fertilizer and can be fertilized more heavily; flowers with slender roots, such as Sihai Bo (Achimenes), spiderwort species (Tradescantia), begonia species (Begonia), and coleus (Coleus), have poor fertilizer tolerance and should be fertilized more lightly. ② For hydroponic flowers, the concentration applied should also be decided according to the strength of the plant's growth vigor; generally speaking, plants with strong growth vigor have greater fertilizer tolerance and can be fertilized relatively heavily, while the opposite applies for lighter fertilization. When indoor hydroponic flowers are undernourished, fertilization should be stopped or the fertilization concentration reduced, so as to avoid fertilizer burn.

4. Dealing with Fertilizer Burn

If, after fertilizing, the flower's branches and leaves appear weak and listless, the leaves lose their luster, and the root system rots and smells foul, these are the signs that fertilizer burn has occurred. Once the above situation appears, you should promptly cut off the rotted roots, replace the water with clean water and keep the plant in a dark place for care, changing the water once a day, and inspect the flower's roots, promptly cutting off rotted roots, until new roots sprout again, then return to normal care.