The editor answers whether sunflowers can be hydroponically cultivated and introduces the correct method of hydroponic cultivation of sunflowers, related to green plants and flowers. Next, the editor of this site will introduce to you.
Many beginners in flower cultivation like to grow hydroponic flowering plants. I also started as a beginner in flower cultivation. In the early days, I tried a lot of hydroponics. The main reasons for growing hydroponic flowers are aesthetics, hygiene, and convenience. However, hydroponic flowering plants often cannot grow well for a long time, and their ultimate fate is usually to be thrown into the trash can. Let's discuss with flower enthusiasts why it is difficult to cultivate hydroponic sunflowers and how to grow them well. I hope it can help those in need.
Hydroponic sunflowers
Hydroponically rooted sunflowers need to be transplanted into soil for soil culture to grow well. Long-term hydroponic sunflowers usually do not grow well and cannot survive for a long time. It is very difficult to cultivate hydroponic sunflowers to make them survive for a long time.
Many beginners in flower cultivation like to grow hydroponic flowering plants. I also started as a beginner in flower cultivation. In the earliest days, I tried a lot of hydroponics. The main reasons for growing hydroponic flowers are aesthetics (beautiful glass bottles or vases are suitable for planting), hygiene (no soil), and convenience (no need to water every day).
However, hydroponic flowering plants often cannot grow well for a long time, and their ultimate fate is usually to be thrown into the trash can. Let's discuss with flower enthusiasts why it is difficult to cultivate hydroponic sunflowers and how to grow them well. I hope it can help those in need.
It is difficult for hydroponic sunflowers to survive well in water for a long time, mainly for the following four reasons:
First, the nature of sunflowers. Sunflowers are succulent plants that store a lot of water and nutrients in their leaves and stems. They are very drought-resistant plants and require very little water during growth. Hydroponic sunflowers provide them with ample water supply, and too much water is not only bad for sunflower growth but can also have adverse effects on their growth.
Excessive water keeps the plant in a saturated state for a long time, causing the branches and leaves to grow vigorously in the presence of sufficient water, leading to excessive growth and making it difficult to transition from the vegetative growth stage to the reproductive growth stage, i.e., difficult to bloom. Even if they bloom, the quantity and quality of the flowers will be very poor, similar to a child who is overprotected and unwilling to work.
Meanwhile, due to the abundant water supply, the roots do not need to spread extensively, resulting in weak and sparse roots that cannot absorb more nutrients, making them stronger.
Second, insufficient nutrients. The nutrients in the water of hydroponic sunflowers are very few, far from meeting the complex nutrient elements required for sunflower growth. Without the support of various nutritional elements, it is difficult for sunflowers to grow well for a long time.
Even during the process of hydroponic sunflower cultivation, applying hydroponic plant nutrient solutions is difficult to provide comprehensive and complex nutrient elements. Without adequate and complex nutrient supply, how can sunflowers talk about healthy growth and flowering results?
Third, oxygen supply. As we all know, plant growth requires sufficient oxygen for the roots, and the oxygen content in water is very low, especially in water that has been standing for a long time. Due to temperature changes and plant root absorption, the oxygen content in the water is even lower.
There is also another point. When water-based nutrient solutions for hydroponic plants are added to the water, the water is in a state of "over-fertilization" for a long time. When the spores of algae plants in the air encounter this water, the spores will multiply and grow in the water, which is what we commonly call "green water." These algae plants also absorb a lot of oxygen from the water, further reducing the oxygen content in the water. Without sufficient oxygen supply for a long time, the roots of sunflowers will "suffocate" and die, leading to root rot.
Fourth, lighting issues. Lighting is the most difficult external condition for hydroponic plants to "decide." Sunflowers are succulent plants that require plenty of direct sunlight during the growing season. The stronger the sunlight, the more vigorous the growth. This can be seen from their name. Without sufficient direct sunlight, sunflowers can hardly grow well, let alone the number of flowers.
Hydroponic sunflowers have a problem, which is whether they can be exposed to direct sunlight. Placing hydroponic sunflowers directly in the sun can lead to two problems: the water temperature can rise very high and burn the roots, and the strong light can stimulate the roots.
Can sunflowers be hydroponically cultivated?
So how can hydroponic sunflowers be cultivated well? It is difficult, but difficulty does not mean impossibility. It's just that it's quite troublesome and not worth the effort. To grow hydroponic sunflowers well, the following points need to be addressed:
First, change the water frequently.
Hydroponic sunflowers must change water frequently. There are three main purposes for changing water frequently:
1. Replacing the new water body with more oxygen, so that the roots of sunflowers do not rot due to lack of oxygen;
2. Regularly changing water can replace other microorganisms and algal spores in the water, preventing the water from deteriorating and the algae from multiplying too much, leading to lower oxygen content in the water;
3. In the early stages, to provide nutrients for hydroponic sunflowers, a large amount of hydroponic plant nutrient solutions are repeatedly added to the water. Sunflowers cannot absorb all of these nutrient solutions, which accumulate in the water, causing the water to become "over-fertilized." This water is a "breeding ground" for algae plants but a "gallows" for sunflower roots, causing the roots to die in a short period.
When changing water for hydroponic sunflowers, three issues need to be considered:
1. The water should not be well water, river water, rainwater, etc., preferably tap water, but it should not be used directly. Tap water should be left to stand for one to two days before use;
2. When changing water for hydroponic sunflowers, the containers also need to be thoroughly cleaned. If possible, a simple disinfection with potassium permanganate solution can be performed to reduce bacteria, microorganisms, and algal spores in the container;
3. The interval between changing water for hydroponic sunflowers should not be too long or too short. Changing water every day is not feasible. The best frequency is to change water once a week in spring, autumn, and winter, and twice a week in summer.
Second, increase lighting.
Increasing lighting for hydroponic sunflowers is a difficult task, mainly because the water temperature can change too quickly and the roots of hydroponic plants are often exposed to light. Sunflowers are sun-loving plants that require strong sunlight during growth.
If hydroponic sunflowers are placed directly in the sun, the water temperature in the container can quickly rise to over 40°C, especially in summer. When the sun is not directly shining, the water temperature quickly drops to room temperature. In this process of rapid temperature change, the high temperature can easily burn the roots of hydroponic sunflowers. Meanwhile, it constantly stimulates and tests the root's tolerance.
Furthermore, the roots of hydroponic sunflowers are in the water and directly exposed to light. We know that plant roots need to grow in a dark environment. Placing hydroponic sunflowers directly in the sun can greatly stimulate the roots and inhibit their growth, and in severe cases, may directly damage the roots.
Therefore, to increase the light intensity for hydroponic sunflowers, it is necessary to pay special attention to the sun protection of the container. An object can be used to block the planting container, preferably effectively blocking, allowing the sunflower plant to be exposed to the sun but keeping the container away from direct sunlight. This operation is quite troublesome and not very ideal.
Third, nutrient supply.
Supplying nutrients to hydroponic sunflowers is also a尴尬 task. The nutrient elements in the hydroponic plant nutrient solutions on the market, no matter how qualified the products are, cannot be too complex and comprehensive. They only contain a few nutrient elements, with different proportions from different manufacturers. When supplementing nutrients for hydroponic sunflowers, it is possible to choose various products from different manufacturers to make the element content more complex and meet the growth needs of sunflowers as much as possible. Here, it can only be "as much as possible."
When supplementing nutrients for hydroponic sunflowers, the following points need to be considered: 1. Mix different brands of nutrient solutions; 2. Do not use too much nutrient solution, and when mixing, use the smallest proportion; 3. Do not use nutrient solutions produced by unlicensed manufacturers.
In summary, hydroponic sunflowers usually grow vigorously in the early stages, but from a long-term perspective, they often grow poorly and are difficult to bloom. Even if they bloom, the quality and quantity are not very high. Moreover, long-term hydroponic sunflowers often die due to various reasons.
Wanting to grow hydroponic sunflowers well is not easy. Without rich experience and good patience, it is not recommended to grow sunflowers hydroponically. Soil cultivation of sunflowers is more direct and effective.
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