Dracaena fragrans 'Compacta'
Head
2DRCOKO10
Hydroculture is widely used in offices and other business projects because taking care of plants on hydroculture is very easy and saves a lot of time. In this blog, you will read all about the advantages of the system of hydroculture and about the care of hydro plants.
What is hydroculture?
Hydroculture literally means: water culture. As the name suggests, this is the cultivation of plants in water. Plants grown using the hydroculture method extract their nutrients from hydro grains, which can store water and nutrients and gradually release them to the plant. Important nutrients can thus be administered in a relatively easy and accurate way. The plants adapt themselves by developing different types of roots that can extract sufficient oxygen and nutrients from the hydro grains. These roots are less branched and have long, fine root hair.
A suitable hydro plant for every project
In 1968, Nieuwkoop Europe was one of the first suppliers of plants on hydroculture. Since then, we have specialised in hydroculture for over 50 years. On our website, you will always find a wide range of plants on hydroculture. There is a suitable hydro plant for every project or customer!
The advantages of hydroculture
1. Easy to administer the right amount of nutrients and water
An important advantage is the easy and accurate dosing of nutrients. Because the plants absorb their nutrients from the water, the nutrients can simply be added to the water. The handy water level indicator ensures optimum control of the water level, making it easy for you to give the plant the right amount of water.
2. Hydroculture plants need watering less frequently
The hydro granules can absorb water and gradually relinquish it to the roots of the plant. On average, you only need to water the plant once a month. For interior planters, this means they only have to visit 12 times a year to maintain plants.
3. No acidification or asphyxiation
Due to the coarse structure of the granule, the substrate remains airy and the roots can absorb sufficient oxygen. Hydrogranules have a solid structure so you do not have to add new granules over time. In contrast, when using soil culture, planters have to be refilled with fresh soil as the soil slowly compacts.
4. A healthy plant
The system of hydroculture is less prone to pests, fungi and bacteria than soil culture. This ensures healthy plants with less risk of plant diseases.
5. Cheaper in the long run
Hydroculture plants are slightly more expensive to buy than plants grown in soil, but in the long run they are cheaper because the plants are generally somewhat stronger and therefore have a longer lifespan.
Want to get started assembling plants on hydroculture yourself? Then read on here for a full step-by-step guide and instructional video. Want to assemble a soil plant but benefit from the advantages of hydroculture? Then choose semi-hydroculture assembly.
Caring for hydroculture plants
Watering
The method of watering hydroculture plants is virtually the same for all plants. Water the plant up to the optimum (OPT) mark on the water level indicator. Note: the water level indicator always has a slight delayed reaction. Gravel could be blocking the water level indicator. Tap against the water level indicator if it is not responding as it should. On average, it takes approximately 4 weeks until the water level indicator drops to the minimum (MIN) mark. When the minimum has been reached, it is wise to wait 4-5 more days before rewatering. This prevents the roots of the plant from standing in the water continuously. Afterwards, give the plant water in exactly the same way until the water level indicator has reached the optimum (OPT) mark.
Nutrition
During the assembly of hydroculture, place solid hydroculture feed (HD5) on the bottom of the planter. This provides a nutritious basis for the first six months. After a period of six months, the plant requires liquid feed with each watering.
Plant location
The cold can cause a lot of damage to plants. Therefore you should never place plants in draughty areas. Turning the planters around from time to time will prevent the plants from growing in one direction towards the light.
Curious about the complete assortment of hydro plants? Then take a look at our extensive range here!