The Hydroponic Method of Nocturne City
As a star variety in the aloe family, Nocturne City is becoming a new favorite in urban hydroponics with its unique ornamental value and air purification ability. Compared with traditional soil cultivation, hydroponic Nocturne City not only allows clear observation of root growth but also effectively reduces the trouble of pests and diseases. This article will systematically analyze the key points of the whole process from container selection to daily maintenance, allowing you to easily master the golden rules of hydroponic Nocturne City.
Five Core Steps of Hydroponic Nocturne City
1. Container Selection and Preparation
It is recommended to use a transparent glass container with a diameter of 15-20cm, which can show the beauty of silver-white roots and observe the water level changes at any time. Circular containers are more conducive to root expansion, and the diameter of the bottle mouth should be greater than 1/3 of the crown width of the plant to avoid leaf friction with the bottle mouth. Boiling water immersion method is suggested for container disinfection to ensure a sterile environment.
2. Soil Removal Techniques
Select healthy one-year-old plants and stop watering 3 days in advance to make the soil slightly dry. Use the inversion method combined with wall vibration to make the soil clump naturally separate. Pay attention to retain the protective soil with a diameter of more than 8cm to protect the new capillary roots. For severely entangled fleshy roots, a bamboo stick can be used to loosen the soil.
3. Root Washing and Disinfection Process
The Hydroponic Method of Nocturne City
A three-level washing method is adopted: the first round of rinsing with running water to remove large particles of soil, the second round of soaking and gentle washing to handle fine soil, and the third round using a soft-bristle brush to clean the root neck. For the disinfection step, soaking in 3% hydrogen peroxide for 10 minutes is recommended instead of potassium permanganate, which is environmentally friendly and avoids staining. Trim to retain the main root length of more than 15cm.
4. Scientific Planting Techniques
A layered fixing method is used: the bottom layer is laid with a 3cm thick layer of maifan stone as a weight layer, the middle layer uses ceramsite to build an air-permeable layer, and the top layer uses a planting basket to fix the plant. Keep the water level at 2/3 of the roots and leave a 5cm space for the growth of aeration roots. It is recommended to add EM bacteria solution to promote the reproduction of beneficial bacteria.
5. Key Points of Maintenance Management
The first two weeks implement clear water domestication, and then switch to a special nutrient solution (EC value controlled at 1.2-1.5mS/cm) after new roots sprout. Use a 3-5-2 water change cycle: change water every 3 days in spring and autumn, every 5 days in summer, and every 2 weeks in winter. Light management should follow the principle of "mainly scattered light, with direct morning light not exceeding 2 hours".
Three Key Elements of Hydroponic Nocturne City
The construction of the root aeration layer needs to ensure that 30% of the roots are exposed to the air; the nutrient solution is recommended to use an N-P-K ratio of 5-3-8, and chelated iron is supplemented once a month; the temperature is controlled within the range of 18-28°C, and the water temperature in winter should not be lower than 15°C. By regularly observing the root color (healthy roots are milky white with a transparent luster), the plant condition can be judged in time.
After mastering these hydroponic techniques, your Nocturne City will show unique glass bottle landscape charm. It is recommended to prune the roots every quarter to maintain more than 60% of the active roots. By properly rotating the bottle for maintenance (rotating 45° weekly), an evenly full plant shape can be shaped, allowing this "eternal aloe" to bloom with lasting vitality in clear water.