Hydro granules are a well-known and popular product in the world of interior planting. Did you know that you can find different types of hydro granules at Nieuwkoop Europe? We are happy to explain these types and tell you more about the versatility of the granules and their applications in this blog.
What are hydro granules?
Hydro granules are made from purified and homogenised clay. This clay is heated in large rotating ovens at approximately 1100°C, creating the expanded clay granules. Hydro granules are widely used in the horticulture industry. The granules have an exceptionally good absorbing function and can absorb and gradually release water and nutrients to plant roots.
What can you use hydro granules for?
Hydro granules are versatile and are used for various applications, including:
Cultivation substrate: Plants grown on hydroculture are cultivated in water and develop a different type of root system compared to soil plants. Hydro granules serve as a substrate for these plants, from which the roots can absorb water, oxygen, and nutrients, developing into strong plants.
Drainage and aeration: Due to their porous structure and absorbent properties, hydro granules are often used in plant-pot assemblies. They serve as a drainage layer at the bottom of the planter or are mixed into potting soil to make the substrate more aerated and enhance its absorbing capacity.
Filling and topping: Hydro granules can be used to fill planters, for example, to raise the bottom where the liner rests. Planters and inner liners can also be filled with hydro granules.
Decoration: Hydro granules are used as a topping for assemblies to cover them neatly. A layer of hydro granules on potting soil also reduces moisture evaporation.
What types of hydro granules are there?
In our assortment, you will find the following types of hydro granules, each suited to different applications.
Hydro granules Cultivation
These hydro granules are highly suitable for use as a cultivation substrate. Additionally, they can be used as a drainage medium at the bottom of the planter and for filling and decoration, making them the most optimal hydro granules for various applications.
Our Hydro granules Cultivation are RHP certified. This certification ensures the quality, safety, and sustainability of the substrate and guarantees constant pH and EC neutral values. The irregular shape and structure of these hydro granules provide support to the plant's roots, ensuring the plant remains firmly in the pot.
Suitable for the following applications:
Cultivation substrate
Drainage and aeration
Filling and topping
Decoration
Hydro granules Cultivation Broken
The Hydro granules Cultivation also come in a broken variant. The smaller pieces and fine particles make these broken hydro granules very suitable for mixing with other substrates, such as potting soil. This makes the substrate more aerated and better able to absorb moisture. The RHP certification guarantees the consistent quality of the broken hydro granules.
Hydro granules Filling and Topping
These hydro granules are particularly suitable for filling the bottom of the planter, as a drainage layer at the bottom of the planter, or for use as a topping for assemblies. These granules are not RHP certified, and since constant quality cannot be guaranteed, we do not recommend using these granules as a cultivation substrate.
Suitable for the following applications:
Filling and topping
Drainage and aeration
Decoration