It wasn't until now that I have understood that the success of cultivating hydroponic plants doesn't just rely on the nutrient solution and the growing medium used. What it takes for the seeds to grow well is actually, largely dependent on the roots, to keep hydroponic plants firmly erect above water and to control the circulation of nutrients while they grow.
In this article, I am going to share with you some information that will help you recognize factors that can prevent hydroponic plants reach their maximum growth potential.
It All Starts at the Roots
The water and nutrient absorption begins at the tiny, hairy tips of the roots. This is a sensitive part and can die as the roots grow much deeper.
- When directly exposed to light, the roots can still function normally given that the growing environment is 100% humid. But this condition can stimulate growth of algae, which can compete in absorbing water, nutrients and oxygen. Algae will absorb a part of nourishment and can result in deficiencies.
- Hydroponic plants have very small chance to survive when the root zone is in unhealthy shape. A short supply of oxygen can result in suffocation. As the roots get weaker, the rate of nutrient consumption gets lower and lower. Water gets stagnant and may cause rotting of the root, and plant growth weakens because of dehydration. The roots' color will change from healthy white to dried out brown.
Of course, the aeroponics technique can optimize oxygenation but the outcome can cause more problems and you can put your hydroponic plants at high risk of getting fragile.
How You Can Keep the Roots in Good Condition
It is important for you to monitor the pH level of the nutrient solution. This will figure out how healthy the roots are. Litmus paper may be used as an alternative tester but note that the results will not be very precise. For some growers, it's best to utilize a small tube then fill it up with nutrient solution and add a few drops of chemical indicator.
The size of the roots can vary on what you'd like to grow, from seedling to fruit, and the moment will come that you'll be transplanting your hydroponics plants.
- When doing that, be gentle and keep the roots hydrated as you possibly can.
- If the flow of absorption is blocked, the roots position can be realigned but be cautious since any movement can cause damage.
- To block light, simply swap clear containers with darker colors.
Take more time researching on the web. Gather enough information so you will be able to recognize all signs of weakening or decaying in the root zone. If you make an effort, I'm sure that your crops will get the nutrients that they need.
In this article, I am going to share with you some information that will help you recognize factors that can prevent hydroponic plants reach their maximum growth potential.
It All Starts at the Roots
The water and nutrient absorption begins at the tiny, hairy tips of the roots. This is a sensitive part and can die as the roots grow much deeper.
- When directly exposed to light, the roots can still function normally given that the growing environment is 100% humid. But this condition can stimulate growth of algae, which can compete in absorbing water, nutrients and oxygen. Algae will absorb a part of nourishment and can result in deficiencies.
- Hydroponic plants have very small chance to survive when the root zone is in unhealthy shape. A short supply of oxygen can result in suffocation. As the roots get weaker, the rate of nutrient consumption gets lower and lower. Water gets stagnant and may cause rotting of the root, and plant growth weakens because of dehydration. The roots' color will change from healthy white to dried out brown.
Of course, the aeroponics technique can optimize oxygenation but the outcome can cause more problems and you can put your hydroponic plants at high risk of getting fragile.
How You Can Keep the Roots in Good Condition
It is important for you to monitor the pH level of the nutrient solution. This will figure out how healthy the roots are. Litmus paper may be used as an alternative tester but note that the results will not be very precise. For some growers, it's best to utilize a small tube then fill it up with nutrient solution and add a few drops of chemical indicator.
The size of the roots can vary on what you'd like to grow, from seedling to fruit, and the moment will come that you'll be transplanting your hydroponics plants.
- When doing that, be gentle and keep the roots hydrated as you possibly can.
- If the flow of absorption is blocked, the roots position can be realigned but be cautious since any movement can cause damage.
- To block light, simply swap clear containers with darker colors.
Take more time researching on the web. Gather enough information so you will be able to recognize all signs of weakening or decaying in the root zone. If you make an effort, I'm sure that your crops will get the nutrients that they need.
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