Although some gardeners are still somewhat skeptical about the hydroponic method, it has long been widely used in the home, despite the fact that it requires quite a significant expense.
The idea behind the method is quite simple: in order for plants to grow and bloom, they need light, air, water, heat and nutrients. Soil is not so necessary if the roots can obtain the minerals necessary for plant growth from the nutrient solution.
Required equipment
The plant is placed in a special hydropot. It consists of an outer decorative vessel and an inner one. The inner vessel is usually made of plastic. Its bottom and walls are equipped with holes so that the roots can receive enough oxygen and minerals. The inner vessel is filled with a substrate into which the plant is planted. Expanded clay with a granule size from 2 to 16 mm is usually used as a substrate. It is chemically neutral and due to its porous structure provides good water and breathability. A liquid level indicator is also installed in the inner vessel. This pot is placed in an outer vessel containing a liquid nutrient solution. The outer vessel must be absolutely waterproof, stable, comfortable and beautiful. Plastic containers are the most common, but there are also ceramic ones and those made of metal (plastic-coated only) or wood (plastic- or film-coated).The liquid level indicator is a plastic tube with a float inside and a scale showing the level of the nutrient solution in the outer vessel (minimum - 0, optimal - 1, maximum - 2).
Proper watering
An important advantage of the hydroponics method is that there is no need for frequent watering. After all, the plant is in a vessel with a certain supply of water, so it requires less moisture than when grown in soil. This is especially convenient if you are going to be away for a long time. You can know exactly when you need to add water by looking at the liquid level indicator. Thanks to this, any errors in watering are eliminated. The solution level in the outer vessel should be 2-3 cm below the bottom of the inner vessel. It is best to add water when the indicator float is at “minimum”. This does not mean that the nutrient solution has been completely used up. As a rule, its layer is another 1-2 cm. So even in this case, you can wait 1-2 days to water. Then fill the outer pot warm water, so that the fluid indicator stops at the “optimal” mark. Water should be added to the maximum level only in exceptional cases - for example, when you are going to leave for a long time. If you do this regularly, there is a danger of root rotting due to lack of oxygen.
Although watering plants when growing hydroponically is so simple, problems can still arise in this case if the liquid level indicator is blocked by roots or expanded clay granules. Then, despite the fact that you regularly water the plant, the indicator will always be at the “minimum”. If you are in any doubt, carefully remove the inner pot and check the index.
Feeding plants grown hydroponically
Conventional fertilizers are not suitable for hydroculture due to their composition. Firstly, they often contain too few trace elements, and secondly, the risk of overdose would be too great. After all, the soil, to some extent, serves as a shock absorber and can prevent damage that excess salts would cause to the plant. In the case of hydroculture, the plant is much more likely to suffer from too high a salt content in the nutrient solution.Specialized stores have large selection liquid or mineral hydrofertilizers, which in composition and action are specifically designed for hydroculture.
Depending on the package directions, they should be added to the nutrient solution at intervals of four to eight weeks. The so-called ion-exchange fertilizers are especially convenient. As mentioned in the chapter " Proper watering", in the usual tap water in addition to other substances, it also contains small amounts of calcium (Ca) and chlorine (Cl). Because these particles have an electrical charge, they are called ions. Ion exchange fertilizers (Lewatit) consist of small synthetic resin balls containing mineral ions.
When fertilizer enters the nutrient solution, mineral ions are displaced by water ions and become available to the plant. Hard water is best suited for using ion-exchange fertilizers, since it contains ions suitable for exchange. An important advantage of this type of fertilizer is that mineral ions of mineral substances enter the nutrient solution gradually. A portion of fertilizer is enough for 4-6 months, and excess minerals with correct dosage practically does not occur.
You can use synthetic resin particles in powder or tablet form. If the volume of the outer pot is large enough, you can place the Lewatit in a so-called nutrient battery, which is simply placed at the bottom of the outer pot in a pre-prepared tray.
At first there were problems when using Lewatitya with soft water. Such water does not contain enough calcium ions necessary for metabolism. As a result, too few minerals enter the nutrient solution. However, with the advent of Lewatitya HD 5 plus, ion-exchange fertilizers have appeared that can be used with water of any degree of hardness, that is, with soft water too.
Caring for plants grown hydroponically
Of course, plants grown in a nutrient solution have the same needs as plants growing in soil. However, it is still worth paying attention to some features in care.
Changing the Nutrient Solution
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To clean, remove the inner vessel and remove the water level indicator. Rinse the vessel and expanded clay with warm water for five minutes. Also clean the outer vessel and the fluid level indicator. Then put everything back, fill the outer pot with fresh water and add fertilizer.
Plant hygiene
When growing plants in a nutrient solution, it is necessary to promptly remove dead parts of the plants and ensure that they do not fall into the solution.
Water temperature
When growing plants using hydroponics, problems often arise due to the temperature of the nutrient solution being too low. The optimal temperature for water is 20C. However, if a pot with a plant stands on a stone windowsill and without any wooden stand, then in the cold season the temperature of the solution may become below critical.
Possible difficulties
The most common pests are thrips, different types aphids and spider mites. You are unlikely to have to deal with diseases caused by fungi or bacteria. If the outer vessel is made of glass or plexiglass, the nutrient solution may bloom. In this case, the solution must be changed and some kind of light-proof container additionally inserted into the outer vessel.
Transfer
Even if you have chosen enough when purchasing big pot Over time, the plant's roots may require more space. Replanting is necessary if the roots occupy almost the entire vessel, so that there is almost no space left for expanded clay. It is recommended to choose a large enough inner container from the very beginning so that the plant does not have to be replanted too often.
New expanded clay should be moistened before replanting. Of course, the same expanded clay can be used several times. It is unlikely to contain any pathogens, and it just needs to be washed properly. But first, place a small layer of fresh expanded clay in the inner vessel. Place in pot plant, trim too long roots with scissors.
The plant should be at approximately the same depth as before transplanting. Then carefully fill the pot with expanded clay. At the same time, tap the pot on the tray two or three times so that the expanded clay is properly distributed among the roots. If you want to place several plants in one pot, make sure that their requirements for location and acidity level of the nutrient solution are approximately the same.
Reproduction
Of course, you can also grow self-propagated plants using hydroponics. It is only important to make sure that there is no soil left on their roots and that it does not fall into the nutrient solution. It is best to take plants that have taken root in a glass of water and place them in a nutrient solution as described above.
Place the pot in a warm and bright place, but not sunny place and for the first two to three weeks after transplantation, keep the plants under film to protect them from excessive moisture evaporation.
Transplanting plants from soil to hydroculture
Young, well-growing and healthy plants are primarily suitable for transplanting from soil to hydroculture. Since when grown hydroponically, plants should develop thick, fleshy roots (instead of the usual thin fibrous ones), some problems may arise when transplanting.During this transition period, the plant becomes as tender as an unrooted cutting. The best way to proceed is as follows:
- The day before transplanting, water the plant thoroughly.
- Remove the plant from the pot and free the roots from lumps of soil.
- Rinse the roots with warm water until there is no soil left on them.
- Trim rotten, damaged or too long roots with scissors or a knife.
- Place the plant in a hydropot as described above.
- Fill the outer vessel with lukewarm water without adding fertilizer (so that the liquid level indicator stops at the “optimal” mark).
- To protect the plant from excessive evaporation of moisture, cover it with plastic wrap for two to three weeks.
- Start fertilizing when the liquid level indicator drops to "minimum".
What plants can be grown hydroponically?
Until now, this method has been used mainly for growing ornamental foliage plants. However, for lovers of variegated colors, we can also recommend several types of decorative flowering plants. True, some types of plants are especially demanding and more difficult to care for.Least suitable for growing hydroponically:
- Plants that form tubers or rhizomes - because if improperly watered, they rot very quickly (for example, cyclamen).
- Short-lived plants that will have to be replaced too quickly (for example, exacum).
- Plants that need to be cleaned frequently: for example, tall begonia or balsam will have to be constantly cleared of wilted flowers or leaves so that they do not get into the nutrient solution.
- Plants whose roots grow very quickly - as they will have to be replanted often (for example, cyperus or chlorophytum).
- Plants that require cool temperatures during the dormant period to flower. In this case, the temperature of the nutrient solution becomes below critical. Hydrangea, clivia or azalea may react to this by rotting the roots.
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The method of growing plants without soil on nutrient media has been known for a long time. It is known that for the first time in Russia in 1896, at the All-Russian Industrial and Art Exhibition in Nizhny Novgorod, K.A. Timiryazev demonstrated plants growing in a beautiful glass house. The plants were in vessels filled with a solution of mineral salts. At that time, this method was considered “blasphemous” and was not widely used in laboratory research. In 1929, at the University of California, W.F. Gericke carried out the industrial cultivation of vegetable crops in aqueous solutions of mineral salts. He called this method hydroponics (from the Greek - water and work).
Once you have mastered a few basic concepts, you will be able to grow almost all varieties of plants with much less labor than in soil. In case of using automated systems circulation of the solution (some of which are very easy to assemble at home), the labor costs for watering and fertilizing the plants disappear altogether. The very name of the method indicates that the habitat of plants becomes not earth or a solid substrate, but water. Expanded clay and gravel granules are needed to strengthen the roots of the plant, which absorb nutrients and water from the solution that fills the space between the granules.
Modern tableware
For growing plants using the hydroponics method, it consists of two parts: an external container filled with water and nutrients, and an internal one, most often plastic. Inner cookware must have holes. The plant is located in the inner part, and its roots are covered with granules. Unlike flowerware used for traditional method growing, dishes intended for the hydroponic method should be very voluminous so that the plant does not need to be replanted frequently. After all, when replanting, you can damage the roots, which in this case are not protected by a clod of earth. Granules of various sizes, obtained from clay at temperatures above 1000 ° C, have a constant structure, are not affected by acids, are unusually porous and light.
Previously, pumice, burnt slate, granite chips and basalt were used as filler, but these are now a thing of the past. You should not use cheap fillers purchased at a building materials store. The high content of salts and impurities in such fillers does not allow them to be used effectively in hydroponics. For this method, primarily granular materials from specialized flower shops are suitable, and they may have different names. Due to the fact that the structure of expanded clay differs from the structure of the earth, and the roots of the plant feel free in it, the life of the plant depends on the level of water and the contents contained in it. nutrients. If there is too much nutrient medium, then the roots will not have enough oxygen and they will begin to rot. If the level of the nutrient medium drops very low, the expanded clay will dry out, the roots will not receive nutrition and the plant will dry out.
Fertilizers can either be in the form of a traditional hydroponic growing medium (liquid or granular) placed in an external container, or use Levatite HD 5 ion exchanger, which is small synthetic resin beads. In addition, so-called “fertilizer batteries” are used (flat plastic trays placed under the inner container feed the plant for 5-6 months). The nutrients contained in the synthetic resin begin to flow only as a result of the dissolution of salts and root secretions, and the ion exchanger works only in a dry environment. In liquid hydroponic media, which act differently than ion exchangers, water performs the same function as in traditional cultivation potted plants, its pH should be above 6.5. With this method of fertilization, the content harmful substances and root secretions are constantly increasing, so every 4-6 weeks (the exact timing can only be established in practice) it is necessary to change the entire nutrient medium and wash the granules. When using ion exchangers, such an operation is not necessary. Water added to plants should have a temperature of at least 16° C. Most plants feel best at a temperature of 20-25° C, but the warmer nutrient medium, the lower the oxygen content in it. We have already said that the results of the hydroponic method of growing plants depend on the level of the nutrient medium. Since the top layer of expanded clay remains dry even when there is still enough water in the outer container, the level of the nutrient medium in the inner container can only be determined using an optical device.
In older models outer wall The dishes had a special peephole. Currently, the medium level is determined using a tube with a float. The "minimum", "maximum" and "optimum" marks indicate the level of the remaining environment. But, alas, this method is also imperfect. The device will stop working or give incorrect readings if algae or roots become entangled in the tube or a bead of levatite becomes clogged in it. Therefore, before adding the solution, you need to make sure that the device is working correctly. Under normal conditions, the nutrient medium is replenished only when the float is at the minimum level, however experienced gardeners Even in this case, it is advised to wait another day or two so that a sufficient amount of oxygen reaches the roots.
You need to add the solution not to the “maximum” mark, but to the “optimum” mark, so that not all roots float in the liquid. Only when the owner is going to leave the apartment for a long period of time, the solution is added to the highest level. To this day, there is only one system that guarantees the accuracy of readings - this is Dr. Bleicher's "hydrotank". The solution is contained in a plastic rotating drum, in which the filling hole is located at the bottom, which ensures that the solution is constantly replenished as it decreases. There are "hydrotanks" various sizes, colors and shapes.
Converting plants from potted soil to hydroponics
Brings positive results especially in young plants. The roots of the plant should be washed very thoroughly under running water so that not a single lump of earth remains on them. Residues of organic substances can cause the process of rotting of aquatic crops. Diseased, dried out or too long roots should be removed. After placing the plant in the inner container, it is filled with expanded clay. In the first weeks, the water level should be minimal, and only clean water without fertilizers should be used. Hydroponics itself begins when new roots appear, adapted to the new aquatic environment. Plants grown hydroponically are propagated from cuttings from the same plant or plants growing in the ground. Cuttings are grown in water or on expanded clay so that in the future there is no need to transfer them to hydroponics.
Many flowering plants are well grown using hydroponics, and since their range in the trade is not diverse enough, propagation by cuttings from existing plants looks very promising. Still, it is difficult to say whether it is worth growing plants using this method. On the one hand, there are no problems with watering (even in the absence of the owner for a long time) and applying fertilizers, there is no need to frequently replant plants, etc. On the other hand, such plants cannot be taken out onto the balcony or into the garden without first taking care of a protective device against rain, which can disrupt the water balance. It is difficult to grow plants that are dormant in winter using hydroponics, i.e. needing less water and a colder environment, since the temperature of the solution in this case drops below a critical level. The only solution is to constantly maintain a very low fluid level, which forces owners to be on guard at all times.
Pests
Pests that attack plants grown hydroponically are best controlled with internally acting preparations, such as the Wacker SystemSchutz D. This drug destroys aphids, scale insects, thrips, but does not affect spider mites, which, like thrips, love the dry air of our apartments in winter period. To combat spider mite pflanzenspray hortex, litetan-zimmerp-flanzenspray, zimmerpflanzenspray N are effective. Experiments have shown that these drugs effectively act on aphids and scale insects. Unfortunately, these drugs are harmful to the leaves of tender plants. When growing plants hydroponically, predatory mites can be used to control spider mites.
1. Clear the roots from the green lump
2. Wash away the remaining soil
3. We plant the plants in an internal container and fill it with expanded clay - the planting depth is greater than with traditional forms of cultivation
4. Fill the dishes with water to the number “1” or the “optimum” mark
How to transplant plants from soil to hydroculture?
Soak the earthen ball in water for several hours room temperature. (for example, in a bucket). After this, carefully separate the soil under water, and then gently wash the roots with a light stream of water at room temperature. After cleaning the roots from soil residues, straighten them downwards and, holding the plant, cover the roots with the substrate (it is not necessary for the plant to directly touch the water layer with its roots - the solution will rise up through the capillaries of the substrate, reaching the roots; subsequently they themselves will grow to the required depth). After this, pour plain water on top of the substrate, fill required level water into a vessel and leave the plant for about a week. Only after this can the water be replaced with a solution. Important: Do not pour the solution immediately after transplanting!
A simple recipe for preparing a solution
To prepare one liter of solution, you will need two components (a 5-ml syringe, sold in every pharmacy, is well suited for dosage): 1. 1.67 ml of complex fertilizer "Uniflor Bud" or "Uniflor Growth" (depending on the type of crop - "Bud" is more for fruiting and flowering, and "Growth" is for the growth of green parts of plants) per liter of water. Uniflor fertilizers are produced in St. Petersburg.2. Add 2 ml of a 25% solution of calcium nitrate (to prepare the solution, dilute 250 g of tetrahydrate calcium (not potassium!) nitrate in 1 liter of water). This amount of KS is given for soft (such as St. Petersburg or distilled water). The final amount of calcium in this dilution is approximately 100 mg/l. In the case of hard water, it is recommended to find out (from local water utilities or sanitary epidemiologists) the concentration of calcium per liter of water and add the appropriate amount of calcium. Attention! Do not mix concentrated solutions 1 and 2 before diluting them with water! It is better to use different syringes for solutions 1 and 2, or be sure to rinse the syringe before measuring another solution. Thus, you will receive 1 liter of a solution of normal concentration (see the “concentration” paragraph.
Materials for the article are taken from sources: From the book “Flowers in our House” by Helmut Yantra.
During the holidays, the most pressing question for all flower lovers is: who can you trust with green pets while you’re away? Especially in the summer, when some plants need to be watered and sprayed every day! Great solution in this case, it may be necessary to transfer plants to hydroponics- a method of growing plants in which instead of soil, an artificial substitute is used - sand, gravel, etc., periodically moistened with a solution of mineral salts.
Hydroponic method growing indoor plants hygienic and quite simple - recently it has been gaining more and more popularity among lovers of indoor plants. Moreover, the experience of growing plants “on water” has already proven its advantages compared to the traditional (soil) method.
Benefits of hydroponics
. The flowering of ornamental plants and the productivity of fruit and plants increases several times. Flowers grow strong and healthy, and much faster than in soil.
. Convenience of plant care.
“Water”, and in our case, change the nutrient solution, needs to be much less often, sometimes only once a month. In addition, the transplant process is greatly simplified perennial plants: you just need to transfer the plant into a large bowl and add the required amount of substrate.
. The absence of factors critical for the plant such as drying out, lack of oxygen, lack or overdose mineral fertilizers, a number of soil pests and diseases, etc., characteristic of the conventional soil method.
The only disadvantages include the relative complexity of the design and the rather high cost.
But this factor can be easily circumvented by using available means or even doing without some of them.
Homemade hydroponic growing methods
1. The plant is located directly in a vessel with a nutrient solution. Water is added as the solution evaporates, and the entire solution is replaced with fresh one at certain intervals. Indicated for plants such as fern and tradescantia. A significant disadvantage of this method is that not all plants tolerate it, since it is difficult to supply the roots with oxygen.
2. The second method, the main and most effective - using special ones that can be buy in specialized stores or make it yourself. A hydropot is a structure consisting of two pots inserted into one another: the inner, smaller one, with holes, is used for the substrate, and the outer, larger, decorative one is used for the nutrient solution. If you buy a pot from a store, it will be equipped with a liquid level meter (float).
Plants that can be grown hydroponically.
For hydroponics Almost all plants are suitable, and if you comply with a number of requirements for lighting, thermal conditions, etc., which for various types Since plants are individual, absolutely any plant can be grown using soilless technology.
It is best to grow on hydroponics ferns, schefflera, scindapsus, chlorophytum, ficus, philodendron, phalangium, fatsia, common ivy, hoya. When growing flowers from cuttings or seeds, we recommend using asparagus, anthurium, coleus, begonia of all varieties, cissus, dracaena, monstera, etc.
Some nuances when growing in a hydroponic system exist with succulents (crassula), heathers (azalea, camellia), and bromeliads. Let's leave this for professionals, as well as for those who are not looking for easy ways.
Converting a plant to hydroponics
Let's consider the construction option the simplest design for hydroponics yourself.
Containers
We will need 2 pots, different in size. The inner pot may be made of plastic. Make several small holes in the bottom. The outer pot must be opaque and 2-3 cm larger in diameter than the inner one.
Substrate
We will use as a substrate that holds the roots of the plant, although, of course, this is not the only good material for hydroponics (there is also zeolite, sand, gravel, etc.). Before use, the expanded clay is thoroughly washed under running water. hot water, to facilitate the process, you can use a sieve.
Water, nutrient solution
It must be remembered that initially, when transplanting a plant into hydroponics, you must use only water. If you immediately pour a nutrient solution into the pot, it will damage the plant. The water for preparing the solution must be soft and clean, without impurities. Settled or purified water is suitable; you can use distilled, rain or frozen water.
As for the nutrient solution, you need to select your own solution for each crop used (), but you can also use universal ones. Some gardeners use standard complex fertilizers as nutrient solutions. This can be done, but very carefully. Firstly, complex fertilizers should be used in a concentration of 1/4-1/2 of the norm, which is recommended for liquid fertilizers. Secondly, fertilizers often lack iron, so it will need to be added separately.
At first, only water is used during transplantation, and only after 7-12 days it will be possible to replace the water with a nutrient solution. We advise particularly careful gardeners to use a low concentration solution at first, and only after 10-12 days transfer the plant completely to a nutrient solution.
Work progress
1. Carefully, so as not to damage the roots, remove the plant from the ground. To do this, you may have to soak the pot with the plant in water for a couple of hours (for example, in a bucket).
2. We wash the roots especially thoroughly under running water at warm or room temperature (or in a bucket) to finally get rid of the soil, because any organic matter remaining on the roots will cause root rot.
3.Now we “work” with the hydroponic structure. Our task is to carefully place the prepared plant in the inner pot. To do this, we first place it in an empty pot at approximately the depth of its location in this pot; With the other hand we fill in the expanded clay until the roots of the plant are completely covered with it.
4. Water the plant with water so that it completely wets the expanded clay and its excess accumulates in the lower part of the installation (larger pot).
5.Add water so that the expanded clay is 1-2 cm in the water.
6. At first we take care of the plant and hide it from direct sun rays and drafts. After 7-12 days, replace the water with a nutrient solution.
Further care consists of maintaining the optimal level of the solution in a timely manner - adding it and replacing it with a new one once a month. The maximum permissible liquid level is when the roots of the plant are immersed in the solution by 2/3, the minimum is 0.5 cm. To reduce the concentration of salts, every third fill should be replaced with plain water.
The substrate is thoroughly washed each time the plant is replanted. For hydroponics replanting, it is better to take cuttings rooted in water.
Hydroponics - it is a way of growing plants without soil. The word comes from the Greek. υδρα - water and πόνος - work, “working solution”. When grown by the hydroponic method, the plant feeds on its roots outside of the soil, which is more or less provided with minerals and is watered clean water, and in a humid-air, highly aerated water, or solid but porous, moisture- and air-intensive environment that promotes the respiration of roots in limited space pot, and requiring relatively frequent (or constant drip) watering with a working solution of mineral salts prepared according to the needs of this plant.
Description
In hydroponics, the root system of plants develops on solid substrates (which have no nutritional value), in water or in moist air (aeroponics). An example of an organic substrate is coconut fiber: it is ground coconut shells and bast, from which iron and magnesium salts have been washed. Nature provided coconut fiber as the initial soil for the roots of a newborn palm tree. Coconut fiber is lighter than water, so when watered it does not sink like soil, but swells, filling with air. Each fiber contains in its thickness large number pores and tubules. The force of surface tension fills the tubules with the working solution, but the root hair drinks the contents and grows nearby. The smooth surface of the fiber allows the root to slide freely from the drained micropore to the next one. Using a network of microtubules, coconut fiber distributes water and air throughout its entire volume. Coconut fiber, as a completely reclaimed, environmentally friendly substrate, is used in many Dutch hydroponic farms to grow perennial plants such as roses.
Land depletion and pollution are not yet obvious, but water shortages are already acute in some regions, for example, the UAE, Israel, Kuwait. In these regions, the problem of irrigation is acute. Currently, up to 80% of all vegetables, herbs, and fruits in Israel are grown hydroponically. The US Army always has in stock everything necessary to deploy hydroponic greenhouses for vegetables and herbs in the field. Hydroponics - perfect solution for hot, arid countries, since by saving water significantly, you can harvest many crops per year.
When grown in greenhouses in northern latitudes, hydroponics also shows excellent results, if there is additional lighting of the greenhouse with lamps.
The development of hydroponics in Russia is associated with growing interest in the so-called. “small farms”, where in a small area you can grow herbs, vegetables, flowers and berry crops on an industrial scale. Modular drip irrigation systems are becoming increasingly popular. They allow you to create short term and at low cost an irrigation system for both traditional land cultivation and hydroponic installations such as drip irrigation.
Benefits of hydroponics
Hydroponics has great advantages over conventional (soil) growing methods.
Since the plant always receives the substances it needs in required quantities, it grows strong and healthy, and much faster than in soil. At the same time, fruit yield and flowering ornamental plants increases several times.
Plant roots never suffer from drying out or lack of oxygen due to waterlogging, which inevitably happens when growing in soil.
Since water consumption is easier to control, there is no need to water the plants every day. Depending on the chosen container and growing system, you need to add water much less frequently - from once every three days to once a month.
There is no problem of lack of fertilizers or their overdose.
Many problems of soil pests and diseases (nematodes, mole crickets, sciarids, fungal diseases, rot, etc.) disappear, which eliminates the need for the use of pesticides.
The process of replanting perennial plants is greatly simplified - there is no need to free the roots from the old soil and inevitably injure them. You just need to transfer the plant into a large bowl and add more substrate.
There is no need to buy new soil for replanting, which greatly reduces the cost of growing indoor plants.
Since the plant receives only the elements it needs, it does not accumulate substances harmful to human health that are inevitably present in the soil (heavy metals, toxic organic compounds, radionuclides, excess nitrates, etc.), which is very important for fruit plants.
There is no need to mess with the soil: your hands are always clean; hydroponic vessels weigh little; the house, balcony or greenhouse is clean and tidy, there are no foreign odors flying over the sciarid pots, and other unpleasant factors associated with soil cultivation.
Simplicity and cheapness.
Methods
The following methods of growing plants using hydroponics are distinguished:
- hydroponics (water culture)
- hydroculture (substrate culture)
- aeroponics (air culture)
- chemoculture (dry salt culture)
- ionoponics
Hydroponics (water culture)
Hydroponics (water culture) is a growing method in which the plant is rooted in a thin layer of organic substrate (peat, moss, etc.), laid on a mesh base, lowered into a tray with a nutrient solution.
Plant roots sink into the solution through the substrate and holes in the base, feeding the plant. With the hydroponic method of growing plants, it is difficult to aerate the roots, since the oxygen contained in the nutrient solution is not enough for the plant, and root system Plants cannot be completely immersed in the solution. To ensure root breathing, an air space of 3 cm is left between the solution and the base for young plants and 6 cm for adults. At the same time, care must be taken to maintain high humidity air in this space, otherwise the roots will quickly dry out. The nutrient solution is replaced once a month.
Aeroponics (air culture)
Aeroponics (air culture) is a method of growing plants without any substrate at all.
The plant is fixed with clamps on the lid of a vessel filled with a nutrient solution so that 1/3 of the roots are in the solution, and the remaining roots are in airspace between the solution and the lid of the vessel and are periodically moistened. In order not to damage the plant stem with the clamp and not to prevent it from thickening as it grows, it is recommended to use soft elastic pads, for example, made of foam rubber.
In addition to the above-described method of growing plants using aeroponics, you can use the method of pollinating the roots with a nutrient solution. To do this, a fog-forming sprayer is placed in the vessel where the roots are located, with the help of which a nutrient solution in the form of tiny drops is supplied to the roots 2 times a day for 2-3 minutes.
When growing aeroponics, it is especially important to take care of maintaining high air humidity in the space surrounding the roots so that they do not dry out, but at the same time provide air access to them.
Chemoculture
Chemoculture, or dry salt culture, in which plants are rooted in an organic substrate soaked in a nutrient solution. (for example, “Dutch” cacti are one of the variants of dry salt culture).
Ionoponics
Ionoponics - ionoponics, which originated one and a half to two decades ago - is the culture of growing plants on ion-exchange materials. Ion resins, fibrous materials, blocks and granules of polyurethane foam are used as substrates.
Completely new breeding opportunities especially rare species and forms are represented by in vitro propagation methods, when a whole plant is obtained from a piece of its tissue or even one tissue cell. The essence of the method is that really rich nutrient solutions are used (and even with vitamins and hormones) and normal conditions microflora will immediately settle there. To avoid this, the explant is cultured under sterile conditions.
The mechanical substrate for plants is usually agar. This is a “jelly” made from seaweed.
The most widespread is hydroculture - a method in which plants take root in a thick layer of mineral substrate (gravel, expanded clay, vermiculite, etc.).
Types of plants that can be grown without soil
Currently, the technology of growing plants without soil throughout the year, using a special nutrient solution to feed them, has become very popular. This technology is called hydroponics and allows you to engage in “gardening” anywhere in your home or apartment.
Generally speaking, almost all types of plants can be grown using a soilless method. Let us first consider seedling plants that can be converted to soilless cultivation. The most proven such crops, which live without problems on a nutrient solution, are philodendron, phalangium, ivy, ficus, fatsia, common ivy, and hoya.
When growing crops from cuttings or seeds using soilless technology, the choice of plant can be absolutely free. In addition to those mentioned above, asparagus, anthurium, indoor linden, coleus, begonia of all varieties, cissus, dracaena, monstera, and dracaena have proven themselves to be excellent. Separately, I would like to highlight the well-known cactus, which grows in a nutrient solution literally before our eyes, striking with a huge number of large spines.
Calciphobic plants, such as azalea, camellia, and various types of heathers, grow well without soil if you first chemically treat the substrate with acid and maintain the pH value of the solution in the range from 4.7 to 5.8. Bromeliads (Bilbergia, Guzmania, Vriesia, Aregelia, Tillandsia), which are mainly epiphytes (feed on both roots and leaves), grow well without soil, provided that their leaves are filled with a solution diluted with water in a ratio of 1 to 10.
The most common vegetable crop, grown using the soilless method, is the tomato. In addition to it, kohlrabi, cucumbers, and radishes develop well. Great aesthetic pleasure can be obtained by diluting bananas in a nutrient solution. A banana requires a lot of nutrient solution, but after a year it “grows” up to two meters in height.
Thus, as you already understand, if you comply with all the requirements (for lighting, thermal conditions, the required level of air circulation and some others), which are individual for different types of plants, then absolutely any plant can be grown using soilless technology, receiving indescribable pleasure from its year-round home garden. It is undesirable for asphalting to be carried out next to planted plants, because cars will often drive on it and this can damage them. The only exception is cars equipped with LPG from Slavgaz. They definitely won't do any harm.