Hydroculture Plant Facts & Questions

• When should I water my hydroponic plant?
• What is the right location for my plant?
• What is the white film on the Expanded Clay?
• How often should I fertilize my hydroculture plant?
• Can you change ornamental plants in hydroponic culture on earth?
• Can you convert soil plants to hydroculture?
• Which plants are suitable for hydroculture?
• How can I identify and control pests?

How often should I water my hydroculture plant?

Hydroculture plants have an optimum water level indicator gauge. You simply pour water over the pebbles until the water level indicator reaches the ‘optimum’ mark. Then, depending upon the plant, you need to water again when the level of the water level indicator reaches the ‘minimum’. The ‘maximum’ mark is only intended for exceptional cases, such as a longer vacation (Too much water can negate the advantages of hydroculture).  A major advantage of hydroculture is that air passes through the coarse-grained clay substrate directly into the roots. Where water is, however, there can be no air. Believe it or not, but most plants become from overwatered, or that is, drowned in the truest sense of the word.

What is the right location for my plant?

Plants need light, air, proper temperature, water and nutrients.  The plant’s temperature needs depends on their origin: tropical foliage plants generally feel comfortable from 65 to 75 degrees.  As for the air: Avoid strong drafts.  However, an even bigger problem is dry air – for example winter heating, can in certain plants cause damage.  You should pay close to the light factor. Today we have a wide range of plants, from plants that can tolerate very bright light to very shady locations or artificial light.

What is the white film on the Expanded Clay?

Not to worry: These are traces of mineral nutrients, which rise with the water up through the clay pebbles. The water evaporates when it reaches the top layer. The salts are deposited and remain until they are finally so numerous that they become visible.  On the surface of the clay pebbles the salts do not harm the plant. You can clean expanded clay aggregate with water.  The white coating is not a white horse, as often is believed, but rather evidence of the capillarity action of the expanded clay.

How often should I fertilize my hydroculture plant?

You may fertilizer your plant during every other watering.  GreenSpacers offers two methods.  First, you may use foliar spray and simply mist your plant with nutrients.  Second, you may use our fertilizer powder and add it to your water when fertilizing your plant.  Soon, GreenSpacers will be introducing a slow-release fertilizer that can be applied once every 3 months.

Can you convert soil plants to hydroculture?

Yes, but it is not always advised to do so, for it is difficult, especially for larger or old plants. The plant is under a lot of stress during the transition phase.  First, the plant roots are totally exempt from Earth.  Even the slightest dirt residue can act as a herd of organic decay and poison the plant.  You must thoroughly rinse the roots.  The plant must then, if it is in expanded clay, build new hydro roots.  Until the plant builds new hydro roots they are in a precarious position.

Which plants are suitable for hydroculture?

Basically, all plants are suitable for hydroculture. As a rule, but mainly green plants offered in hydroponic culture, because they have a particularly long shelf life, which is the system of hydroculture. It is possible to convert all flowering plants into hydroculture, but due to the higher cost and shorter shelf life of these plants, it often doesn’t make financial sense.

How can I identify and control pests?

The definition of pests or diseases from a distance is unfortunately difficult, especially as the plants respond to different causes of damage often with the same symptoms. Nevertheless, we can help you with this topic!  Send us an e-mail with the detailed description and – if possible – a photograph of the damage or the pests and we will advise you. To combat pests, there are many solutions from insecticidal soap to systemic houseplant insect control that can be added to your water.