Aquaponic plant fertilization and maintenance throughout the year
An explanation about the aspect of hydroponic flowers, focusing on the fertilization and maintenance of hydroponic plants in all seasons, with detailed information as follows:
[1] Rational fertilization
As everyone knows, the medium for hydroponic flowers is water, and the fertilizers used are completely mineral-based inorganic nutrients composed of a variety of nutrient elements (macronutrients and micronutrients). Also, the nutrients in the water are quite clear to everyone; the macronutrients required by flowers such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are almost non-existent, and the trace elements contained are also significantly different from those in soil, far from meeting the normal needs of flowers. Therefore, timely and rational fertilization for hydroponic flowers is an extremely important management measure. So, how to grasp the fertilization characteristics, quantity, timing, and techniques for hydroponic flowers?
Firstly, we should understand that the flowers we plant use containers such as pots, bottles, and jars without bottom holes to apply liquid fertilizers (nutrient solutions) in a hydroponic manner, which is a distinct characteristic, and thus, the fertilization technique differs from other cultivation methods. In soil cultivation, the matrix is soil, and the soil particles can absorb some nutrients, while excess nutrients can be automatically lost through the bottom holes of the pot, which acts as a certain buffering effect on the fertilizer concentration. However, fertilizing hydroponic flowers is different; all the various nutrient elements in the nutrient solution we apply are completely dissolved in water, and exceeding the flower's tolerance level for fertilizer concentration slightly can cause harm. Due to these characteristics, strict control of the amount and type of fertilization for hydroponic flowers is extremely important. Therefore, when applying nutrient solutions, attention should be paid to using fertilizers specifically designed for hydroponic flowers and strictly follow the instructions to prevent excessive application or high concentration causing fertilizer damage.
Secondly, in terms of fertilization quantity and timing, the principle of applying less fertilizer more frequently, and avoiding excess should be mainly followed, and generally, a nutrient fertilizer should be added each time the water is changed to replenish the fertilizer loss during water changing.
Thirdly, scientific and rational fertilization should be carried out for hydroponic flowers according to their different conditions.
Fertilize according to different types of flowers: This is because different flower types have different adaptability to fertilizers. Generally, flower types with fine roots, such as Coleus and Begonia, have poor tolerance to fertilizers and do not require a large amount of fertilizer or high concentration. Therefore, when fertilizing them, the principles of light, less, and dilute should be followed. On the other hand, many flowers like Cyperus, Ruby, and Xilin Arrowhead are more tolerant to fertilizers and can follow the principle of applying less but more frequent fertilizers. Moreover, for foliage flowers, the fertilization should focus on nitrogenous fertilizers, supplemented by phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, to ensure thick, smooth, and pure leaf color. However, for flower types with colorful stripes or patches on the leaves, less nitrogen fertilizer should be applied appropriately, as excessive nitrogen can cause the leaf color to fade or even disappear, and phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be increased instead. For flowering plants, it is necessary to ensure that during the bud differentiation and development stages, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are mainly used, supplemented by nitrogen fertilizers, to avoid excessive vegetative growth that can affect reproductive growth, resulting in small flowers, few flowers, pale flower color, or even no flowering.
Fertilize according to the season and temperature: Generally, during the high-temperature summer, the flower's adaptability to fertilizer concentration decreases, so the concentration of fertilization should be reduced at this time, especially for flowers that are susceptible to extreme heat, which enter a dormant state during the high-temperature season, with slower physiological activities and growth either paused or stopped. For such flowers, fertilization should be stopped during this period to avoid fertilizer damage.
Fertilize according to the plant's growth momentum: As everyone knows, the lighting conditions in our homes are relatively poor. Although most indoor foliage flowers prefer shady or semi-shady environments, prolonged lack of light or insufficient lighting can also lead to weak plant growth, thus reducing their adaptability to fertilizer concentration. Therefore, when plants are growing poorly due to poor lighting conditions or other reasons, fertilization should be stopped or reduced, and the concentration of fertilization should be minimized.
Several issues to note when fertilizing:
Firstly, for newly hydroponic flowers that have not yet adapted to the water environment and often show yellowing leaves or individual root rot, do not rush to fertilize. Wait about ten days, and fertilize only after they have adapted to the environment or developed new water roots.
Secondly, do not directly apply urea to the water, as urea is a synthetic organic fertilizer, and hydroponic cultivation is in an anaerobic or less bacterial state. If urea is applied directly, not only can the flowers not absorb nutrients, but it can also cause harmful bacteria or microbes to multiply rapidly, leading to water pollution and ammonia poisoning to the flowers.
Thirdly, if excessive fertilization causes root rot and water quality deterioration with an unpleasant odor, promptly trim the decayed roots and change the water and wash the roots.
[2] Changing water and washing roots
The technique of changing water and washing roots in the management of hydroponic flowers is an important aspect to ensure the healthy growth of hydroponic flowers. So, why do we need to change water and wash roots for hydroponic flowers?
Firstly, the main conditions for plant growth are water, nutrients, and air. While hydroponic flowers can absolutely meet their water and nutrient needs, the oxygen content in the water gradually decreases as the flowers grow, and when it decreases to a certain level, it can affect the growth of the flowers due to oxygen deficiency. Although oxygen from the air continuously replenishes the water, the amount is far from enough.
Secondly, the roots of hydroponic flowers growing in water absorb nutrients from the water on one hand and release some organic matter, waste, or toxins into the water on the other hand, which can accumulate in the water. In soil cultivation, these organic matters mainly dissolve nutrients in the soil that are not easily absorbed by the roots, while waste and toxins are distributed in the soil space or flow out from the bottom holes of the pot, not affecting the normal growth of the flowers. However, hydroponic containers do not have bottom holes, and these organic matter, waste, or toxins accumulate in the water and can easily be absorbed again by the plant, leading to a vicious cycle of absorption, excretion, reabsorption, and re-excretion, which is extremely unfavorable for the normal growth and physiological function of the flowers.
Thirdly, the remaining mineral elements from the nutrient fertilizers applied to hydroponic flowers are partially absorbed by the roots, with the rest remaining in the water. When the accumulated substances reach a certain amount, they can also harm the flowers.
Fourthly, the roots of hydroponic flowers growing in water for a long time produce a sticky liquid, which not only affects the absorption of nutrients by the roots but can also pollute the water. Due to these reasons, it is necessary to regularly change the water and wash the roots of hydroponic flowers.
So, how do we master the technique and timing of changing water and washing roots?
Firstly, change the water regularly according to the different types of flowers and their adaptability to the hydroponic conditions. Some flowers, especially aquatic or moisture-loving flowers, adapt well to the hydroponic environment and can quickly develop new roots on the original root system and grow well. For these flowers, the interval between water changes can be longer. For other flowers that do not adapt well to the hydroponic environment and have slow recovery growth or even root rot, frequent water changes should be carried out, even once every 1-2 days, until new roots are developed and normal growth is resumed, after which the frequency of water changes can be gradually reduced.
Secondly, the frequency of water changing is closely related to the temperature and plant growth. The higher the temperature, the less the oxygen content in the water; the lower the temperature, the higher the oxygen content. On the other hand, the higher the temperature, the stronger the plant's respiration, consuming more oxygen; the lower the temperature, the weaker the plant's respiration, consuming less oxygen. Therefore, when the temperature is high, the oxygen content is reduced, and when the temperature is low, the oxygen content in the water is higher. Thus, more frequent water changes should be made during the high-temperature season, and longer intervals during the low-temperature season.
Thirdly, for flowers with normal growth and strong plants, the interval between water changes should be longer. For flowers with poor growth due to various reasons, more frequent water changes should be made. Based on the above aspects, the requirements for changing water and washing roots can generally follow the following principles: in the hot summer, change the water every 4-5 days, in spring and autumn every week, and in winter, every 15-20 days. When changing the water, be very careful to wash off the sticky liquid from the roots, making sure not to break or injure the roots. If moss is found on the utensils or stones, it should be removed promptly to enhance ornamental value and benefit the normal growth of the flowers.
[3] Spraying water to wash leaves
Especially for indoor hydroponic foliage plants, most of them prefer higher air humidity. If the indoor air is too dry, it can cause leaf tip or edge burn, thus affecting the ornamental value of the flowers. Therefore, it is necessary to spray water on the plants regularly to increase air humidity, which is beneficial for the normal growth of the flowers.
[4] Adequate ventilation
As mentioned earlier, the quality of hydroponic flowers is directly related to the oxygen content in the water, which, in turn, is related to the indoor ventilation and human activities. When indoor ventilation is poor and there is frequent human activity, the oxygen content in the water quickly decreases, affecting the growth of hydroponic flowers. Maintaining good indoor ventilation can increase the oxygen content in the water. Therefore, for places with hydroponic flowers, ventilation should be strengthened to maintain fresh air and the healthy growth of the flowers.
[5] Timely pruning
For some hydroponic flowers with vigorous growth and well-developed roots, if the branches are too long and affect the shape of the plant, they should be pruned in time to avoid affecting the ornamental value. Some cut branches can also be inserted into the utensils of the same flower to take root and grow, making the whole plant more full and perfect. The best time for root pruning is in the spring when the flowers start to grow, or it can be combined with water changing to remove any excess, aging, or rotten roots to promote normal growth.
[6] Maintain hygiene
We know that hydroponic flowers use inorganic nutrients and are most afraid of organic matter entering the water, and organic fertilizers should not be used. Therefore, maintaining the cleanliness and hygiene of hydroponic flowers is a key measure to ensure their healthy growth. Therefore, do not put food or organic fertilizers into hydroponic flowers and avoid putting hands into the water to ensure the water quality remains unchanged and unpolluted, promoting the growth of the flowers.
[7] Winter insulation
The insulation of hydroponic flowers in winter is a relatively difficult management task. Generally, keeping the indoor temperature above 5 degrees Celsius will prevent most hydroponic flowers from being harmed. If the minimum temperature does not reach 5 degrees, necessary insulation measures must be taken.
This article shares all the content about the fertilization and maintenance of hydroponic plants in all seasons for your comprehensive understanding and reference!