How to keep hydroponic plants alive?
If you want to learn how to keep hydroponic plants alive and remember these six techniques that make it hard to fail in pet feeding, let's take a look together.
Hydroponic plants are very convenient, as they can go for a long time without watering or fertilizing, and without changing pots or soil. They don't produce odors or attract flying insects, making them clean, hygienic, and tidily elegant in appearance. Having hydroponic plants in the office can save a lot of trouble. Most indoor plants suitable for care can be propagated hydroponically, such as Monstera,吊兰 (Spider Plant), Green萝 (Philodendron), English Ivy, Trout Lily, and Mosaic蔓绿绒 (Philodendron Birkin)...
Here are a few tips to share with you. After learning them, hydroponic plants can grow more vigorously than soil-grown plants, doubling their beauty.
1. Cutting Position for Propagation
Trim the growth nodes where aerial roots or black spots are prominent, leaving one centimeter at the bottom. Leaves should not be excessive. After aerial roots touch soil or are placed in water, they will sprout a large number of fine roots, which will develop into the plant's anchoring roots.
2. Water Change Interval
Generally, the water change interval should be every 5-7 days. However, the frequency of changing water depends on the season. In summer, when plants grow vigorously and the temperature is high, water easily spoils, so the water change interval should be shortened. In winter, most plants are in a semi-dormant or semi-dormant state, so the interval for changing water can be longer. Overall, a shorter interval for changing water is beneficial for plant growth. If transitioning from soil to hydroponics, it's best to change the water once or twice a day initially until the plant grows normally. Hydroponic plants, especially foliage plants, generally prefer a moist environment, and washing the leaves twice a day is beneficial for plant growth.
Root and Container Cleaning: When changing water, the roots should be cleaned, using clear water to wash off the mucus on the roots and剪除 (cut off) some decayed roots and old roots that have lost their absorption ability. After a period of use, some sediment will adhere to the walls of the container, which should also be cleaned during water changes.
How to keep hydroponic plants alive?
3. Depth of Hydroponics
When adding water, it's best to immerse most of the roots in water, leaving one-third of the roots exposed to the air. This way, the roots can absorb dissolved oxygen in the water and also absorb oxygen from the air.
4. Quality of Water for Hydroponics
I use water that has been exposed to sunlight. Usually, I save water in empty bottles because our tap water contains bleaching powder and chlorine, and in winter, the water is particularly cold. Exposing it to sunlight or letting it sit for a few days allows sediments to settle or evaporate, making the water less stimulating. It's best to use purified water, which is desalinated and has low salt content.
5. Water Change and Fertilization
Don't rush to fertilize newly hydroponic plants because their root absorption capacity is weak, which could cause fertilizer damage. Fertilization should wait until the plant can root normally, then apply a small amount of fertilizer frequently, usually adding a nutrient fertilizer every time the water is changed. I usually add 1-2 drops of 101 nutrient solution because there are fewer nutrients in the water, and the nutrient solution replaces the soil's fertilizing ability.
6. Container for Hydroponics
Transparent glass containers are best, as they are more conducive to plant photosynthesis. Wide-mouth bottles are better than narrow-mouth bottles, allowing for better air circulation and plant growth. You can also choose陶粒 (ceramsite), colored stones, or other materials to stabilize the roots at the bottom of the pot, which not only secures the roots but also introduces some air, promoting root respiration. Shaking the water bottle with the roots in hand can also increase the oxygen content in the water.
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The above introduction on how to keep hydroponic plants alive and remember these six techniques that make it hard to fail is hoping you will enjoy it!