Hydroponic Flower Nutrient Solution Application
Answering netizens' questions about hydroponic flowers, the application of nutrient solution for hydroponic flowers, let's learn about it together.
Plants require 16 essential elements to grow normally, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and other macronutrients, as well as iron, copper, zinc, manganese, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, and other trace elements. The macronutrients and trace elements needed by plants are formulated into a nutrient solution and added to the hydroponic water to meet the nutritional needs of hydroponic flowers.
1. Ways to Obtain Nutrient Solution:
There are generally two ways for hydroponic flowers to obtain nutrient solution: one is to prepare according to the nutrient solution formula; the other is to purchase concentrated nutrient solutions from the market.
Preparing the nutrient solution yourself requires equipment, instruments, and a certain level of operational skill, and if not done properly, it can directly affect the actual effect of the nutrient solution. On the other hand, the various chemicals in the nutrient solution formula are not available retail, and if purchased in excess, they are difficult to store and can lead to waste. Since the number and variety of indoor hydroponic plants in general households and offices are not too many, it is advisable to purchase nutrient solutions from the market.
1. Ways to Obtain Nutrient Solution:
Indoor plants hydroponically cultivated generally have two ways to obtain nutrient solutions: one is to prepare according to the nutrient solution formula; the other is to purchase concentrated finished products from the market.
Preparing the nutrient solution yourself requires equipment, instruments, and a certain level of operational skill, and if not done properly, it can directly affect the actual effect of the nutrient solution. On the other hand, the various chemicals in the nutrient solution formula are not available retail, and if purchased in excess, they are difficult to store and can lead to waste. Since the number and variety of indoor hydroponic plants in general households and offices are not too many, it is advisable to purchase nutrient solutions from the market.
1) Prepare According to the Nutrient Solution Formula: With the rapid development of soilless cultivation and indoor plant hydroponics, scientists worldwide have developed a variety of mature nutrient solution formulas for people to choose and use.
<1> Common Nutrient Solution Formulas: There are G里克 basic nutrient solution formulas, Versailles nutrient solution formulas, Hoagland and Arnon nutrient solution formulas, Hump nutrient solution formulas, and Beijing Academy of Agricultural and Forestry Sciences comprehensive nutrient solution formulas for soilless flowers, etc.
<2> Preparation Method: Determine the nutrient solution formula, prepare containers, equipment, etc., dissolve various inorganic salts, pour them into containers in the order specified by the formula, and then dissolve them in clear water, measure, and adjust the pH.
When preparing the nutrient solution according to the formula, only ceramic, enamel, plastic, glassware, etc., can be used as containers for preparing the nutrient solution. Metal containers such as copper and iron must not be used to avoid chemical reactions that affect the accuracy and effectiveness of the nutrient solution.
After dissolving the various inorganic salts, pour them into the nutrient solution storage container in the order specified by the formula (first macronutrients, then trace elements) to avoid reversal and precipitation due to reaction.
The pH of the nutrient solution directly affects the plant's absorption of mineral elements. Generally, pH test paper can be used for testing. When the pH is too high, hydrochloric acid can be used to adjust it; when the pH is too low, sodium hydroxide can be used to adjust it. Different plants have different adaptabilities to pH, with most hydroponic plants adapting to acidic or slightly acidic water.
<3> Example Introduction of Nutrient Solution Preparation: Taking the Hump nutrient solution as an example, its formula and preparation steps are introduced.
Preparation Steps:
Step 1: Dissolve each inorganic salt in the formula in a small amount of warm water (about 50℃) separately in a glass cup or test tube, and set aside for use;
Step 2: Pour 750 milliliters of clear water into a large container for storing the nutrient solution;
Step 3: According to the order listed in the formula, pour the dissolved inorganic salts into the large container for storing the nutrient solution while stirring;
Step 4: Pour 1000 milliliters of clear water into the large container and stir to form the applicable nutrient solution.
<4> The Relationship Between Stock Solution, Concentrated Solution, and Diluted Solution: The stock solution refers to the nutrient solution prepared according to the nutrient solution formula, which is the most basic fertilizer for hydroponic plants.
Since the volume of the stock solution is large, in order to facilitate storage and transportation, the stock solution is usually concentrated by a certain multiple to form a concentrated solution. The concentration multiple is determined according to the need, usually 100 times, 200 times, 1000 times, etc. The concentrated nutrient solution can be stored for 1-2 years. The finished nutrient solutions purchased on the market are usually concentrated solutions.
The diluted solution is prepared by diluting the concentrated solution with water according to the concentration multiple. If a 100-fold concentrated solution is diluted 100 times, it returns to the original concentration of the stock solution; or the concentrated solution is diluted to a certain multiple according to the type of plant, growth momentum, annual growth cycle, and different developmental stages, such as diluting a 100-fold concentrated solution to 50-fold to meet the plant's growth needs. The diluted solution can generally be stored for 2-6 months.
2) Purchasing Concentrated Finished Products: There are already various nutrient solutions (G-Y) on the market, and flower growers can select targeted nutrient solutions according to the type of hydroponic plants.
<1> Types of Nutrient Solutions:
Nutrient solutions can generally be divided into two types: single-type nutrient solutions and comprehensive nutrient solutions. Single-type nutrient solutions include foliar plant nutrient solutions, fruit plant nutrient solutions, and flowering plant nutrient solutions. In flowering plant nutrient solutions, there are special nutrient solutions, such as kaffir lily nutrient solutions and cyclamen nutrient solutions. Comprehensive nutrient solutions are suitable for all types of plants.
<2> Key Points for Purchasing:
When purchasing nutrient solutions on the market, one should pay attention to the production date, expiration date, manufacturer's name, address, and contact telephone number, as well as the instructions for using the nutrient solution. Secondly, check whether there is any precipitation in the finished nutrient solution. If there is precipitation, it indicates that some elements in the nutrient solution have been fixed and cannot be absorbed and utilized by the plant, so it should not be purchased. After purchasing the finished nutrient solution, it should be stored in a low-temperature and dark place.
2. Precautions for Using Nutrient Solutions:
The roots of hydroponic plants are directly and long-term immersed in the nutrient solution, so the concentration of the nutrient solution has a significant impact on the growth and development of the plant. Since the water solution of the nutrient solution does not have the buffering capacity of the soil, the soil particle surface can absorb some of the nutrient elements, and the excess nutrients can be lost through watering from the bottom of the pot, so it is not easy to harm the roots. However, in the water-soluble nutrient solution, all the nutrient elements are dissolved in the water. In addition to being absorbed by the roots, the excess will accumulate and will not be lost. When the concentration reaches a certain amount, it will cause root damage to the plant, affecting growth, and even lead to plant death. Therefore, the nutrient solution must not be used randomly or increased blindly to avoid high nutrient solution concentrations affecting growth. The following points should be noted when applying the nutrient solution.
<1> Strictly follow the regulations and requirements specified in the nutrient solution instructions.
<2> Hydroponic plants, like soil-grown plants, must be fertilized regularly. Fertilizing time should be during the plant's vigorous growth periods in spring and autumn.
<3> In addition to paying attention to the concentration, consider the plant's habits, growth characteristics, and plant type, as well as the plant's tolerance to fertilizer. Generally, plants with thicker roots have stronger tolerance to fertilizer and can be fertilized slightly more concentrate, such as Monstera deliciosa, Philodendron bipinnatifidum, Ruby Red Philodendron, Green宝石Philodendron, etc. Plants with fine roots have weaker tolerance to fertilizer and should be fertilized lightly, such as Sediumpurpureum, Coleus blumei, Commelina communis, and Begonia species.
Plant type: Foliar plants should be fertilized mainly with nitrogen fertilizer, supplemented by phosphorus and potassium fertilizers; plants with colorful leaf patterns and stripes should be fertilized more with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, especially phosphorus fertilizers, which can make the colors more vibrant and attractive; phosphorus acid hydrogen potassium can also be used for foliar application. Flowering plants should be mainly fertilized with phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, supplemented by nitrogen fertilizers, during the flower bud differentiation and flower bud development stages.
3. Hazards and Countermeasures of Improper Use of Nutrient Solutions:
(1) Hazards: Improper application of nutrient solutions can cause symptoms such as weak branches and leaves, loss of leaf luster, wilt, root rot, and odor.
(2) Countermeasures: Remove the plant immediately, cut off the rotting root part, switch from water-soluble nutrient solution culture to clear water culture, change the water once a day, and check the roots. Use scissors to cut off the rotting roots that appear again until new roots grow before switching back to nutrient solution culture.
(Five) Pest and Disease Control:
Hydroponic plants do not use soil, which fundamentally eliminates the breeding ground for pests and diseases, as well as mosquitoes and flies. However, hydroponic plants are not cultivated in a vacuum environment. When indoor doors and windows are opened, various small insects such as aphids and whiteflies can fly in, and there are bacteria present, active, and reproducing in the indoor air; at the same time, the indoor temperature, humidity, and lighting are constantly changing, which can also harm the plant. Therefore, attention should still be paid to the occurrence and control of pests and diseases during the hydroponic process.
The above [] introduces the related content of the application of nutrient solution for hydroponic flowers, hoping it can be helpful to you!