Hydroponics Growing Media

Hydroponic plants are like any other and need both support and water to grow. Many people who are new to hydroponics will think that these plants are wholly grown in water, but that’s not always the case. There are other choices for planting the plants in other soil-less substances that will provide support and nutrients to the plant.

Rockwool
Rockwool is one of the more popular choices for hydroponics growing substances. You can find this type of basalt that is specially processed to provide a strong base that is porous. It’s a basically inert substance so you won’t have problems with decay or compounds in the water too frequently. Also, the substance is super lightweight and inexpensive.

The cubes of the rockwool are the most popular choices, but you can also find smaller slabs. You can find pre-drilled holes in the slabs that will help with placing and then growing the seeds. If you find that you have some cubes or slabs that don’t have plants that are growing well, you can just take them out.

The cube can be cleaned and then put in with another set of seeds or you can just leave the cube out permanently to give you more to your more successful plants. In this way, the hydroponics tray is very easily customized and regulated for your plants and growing needs, so that there are not a bunch of plants competing for air, nutrients, space and light simultaneously.

Rockwool is a very sturdy medium through which you can grow your plants. It has great support on newer roots and will also help to regulate the water temperature since it is a good heat conductor. Rockwool will alter the pH of the environment a little in the beginning, but you can control this with a good pH kit.

Sand
Ordinary beach sand can also be used to grow your plants. It drains well, especially when compared to packed clay soil. Other substances work better than sand, but it’s very easy to use and some plants really enjoy living in it. Some orchids, for example, grow in sand in the wild and they love the wet sand environment.

Gravel
Aquarium gravel can be another great substance for planting your hydroponic plants. It has a very clean and strong medium that also looks great. It will crumble, however, so you will need to filter and clean the gravel prior to using it. A good pump should also be used to keep the air and water flowing properly and not have any dry plant roots.

Perlite
Perlite is another popular choice. Perlite is a kind of volcanic rock that can be heated to form little pebbles that are very lightweight and look like glass beads. They can be great choices for retaining air in the water. The perlite will help the pump keep the water oxygenated for your plants.

Vermiculite
Similar to perlite, vermiculte is another form of planting material that is made into smaller pebbles and can provide flexible support to the plants. It draws water from a capillary action, which can help to automate the water and nutrients feeding cycles.

         

Hydroponics How to Tips and Guide