A substrate is an artificial soil for plants and contributes to healthy plant growth. Different types of substrates can be distinguished. But what is the function of a substrate and how do you choose the right kind?
The importance of a good substrate
A good substrate meets several basic criteria for proper oxygen exchange. The amount of water the substrate can retain is also important, as it helps to deliver nutrients to the plant and allows the roots to “breathe.” We advise carefully considering which substrate to choose in advance, as the plant's nutrition will be adjusted accordingly. Nieuwkoop Europe offers various substrates for assembling planters. You can also opt to use beautiful decorative stones as a top layer.
Hydro granules
Hydroculture is a system where the roots of plants grow among granules made of baked clay. These hydro granules absorb water with nutrients and gradually release it to the plants. Due to the coarse structure of the granules, the substrate does not shrink, ensuring that the plant roots can always take in sufficient oxygen. There are different types of hydro granules suitable for various applications, which you can read more about in this blog.
Plants on hydroculture require watering less frequently, typically about once a month, depending on the type of plant and its location. A handy water level indicator can be used to accurately check if the plants have enough water. Because hydroculture requires minimal maintenance, it is widely used in offices and public buildings. When assembling a hydroculture system, place solid hydroculture nutrients (HD5) at the bottom of the planter. This provides a nutritious base for the first six months. After that, the plant will need liquid nutrients with each watering.
You can find more information about hydroculture in our brochure.
Potting soil
Potting soil is a mixture of various natural materials. The base often consists of peat, which ensures that the potting soil has sufficient water retention capacity. Other materials are added, such as bark, coconut fibre, compost, clay, fertilisers, and lime.
Since peat extraction has a negative impact on the environment due to CO2 emissions, we have developed a new generation of sustainable potting soil that contains no peat. By adding crushed hydro granules, this peat-free substrate still has sufficient water absorption capacity and contains enough plant nutrients for an entire year. In this way, we have found a perfect balance between sustainability and high-quality potting soil.
Vulkastrat
Vulkastrat is a pure mixture of minerals such as lava, pumice, and zeolites. The volcanic rock has the same function as hydro granules. As Vulkastrat absorbs more water compared to ordinary soil, it gradually releases water to the roots. Vulkastrat is often used in semi-hydroculture. It can absorb water up to 30 cm upwards, preventing water from collecting at the bottom of the pot. It also has a very stable pH level, allowing plants to easily absorb nutrients.
Due to the coarse structure of Vulkastrat, the soil remains more aerated, allowing the roots to take in enough oxygen. Providing the right amount of water with Vulkastrat is easy when used in combination with a water meter. Only water again when the water meter has completely dropped.
Vulkaponic
Vulkaponic is also used for semi-hydroculture. Vulkaponic and Vulkastrat are almost identical. The only difference is that Vulkaponic contains more zeolites, making the substrate more aerated and capable of absorbing more water. Thanks to its strong capillary action, no water remains at the bottom of the planter. As with hydroculture and Vulkastrat, a water meter is used with Vulkaponic to determine when watering is needed.
Seramis
Seramis consists of small, porous clay pellets with a very high absorption capacity. The substrate is made from high-quality clay from the Westerwald region in Germany. The clay is mixed with water, then dried, broken into fractions, sieved, and fired. Seramis is often used for semi-hydroculture, just like Vulkastrat and Vulkaponic.