Are you fascinated by gardening but not so fond of getting your hands dirty? Try growing your houseplants hydroponically! This blog will cover which plants you can grow in water and how to do it.
What is Hydroponic Gardening?
Hydroponics is a soilless technique for growing many types of plants, including houseplants, that uses a different medium to support the roots and grows the plants directly in nutrient-rich water. Hydroponic growing may help houseplants grow faster, and give you a first-hand look at your plant’s magical root systems during their maturation process. There are a few methods for growing your houseplants hydroponically, and all of them are equally fascinating.
Different Kinds of Hydroponic Systems
Hydroponic systems can be divided into six different types, including:
- Water Culture Hydroponics: This is one of the easiest ways to begin your journey of hydroponic gardening! An air pump oxygenates the growing environment when houseplants are grown in deep water culture.
- Wick System Hydroponics: This method involves using a cotton or nylon wick to absorb water and nutrients from a solution and deliver them to houseplants.
- Ebb and Flow Hydroponics: This cheap and effective hydroponic growing method involves periodic flooding and draining of the nutrient solutions. The reservoir and plant tray are the two main parts of the solution.
- Drip Hydroponics: Drip hydroponics uses a pump to feed your houseplants with nutrients and water slowly over time. They are also known as “trickle” and “micro-irrigation” systems.
- N.F.T. (Nutrient Film Technology): No, we don’t mean the newfangled type of NFTs you read about online! NFT hydroponic systems grow plants without a substrate by coating the roots with a nutrient solution.
- Aeroponic Systems Hydroponics: This method is notable for its high levels of success in hydroponic plant growing! The roots of the plants in aeroponic systems grow in the open air and are sprayed directly with nutrient water mix.
Which Houseplants Are Suited to Hydroponics?
While most houseplants are capable of growing hydroponically, some perform better than others under hydroponic pressure! The best hydroponic houseplants to grow indoors include:
- Spider plant
- English ivy
- Lucky bamboo
- Peace lily
- Money tree
- Pothos
- Monstera
- Chinese evergreen
- Orchid
How Do I Start?
Beginner hydroponic gardeners will ideally want to stick to the wick, water culture, and ebb and flow methods. Aeroponics and nutrient film systems are more advanced systems for growing hydroponic houseplants. The wick method is the easiest to put together and works well with most houseplants. To set it up, you will need to create a water reservoir that sits under the tray holding your plant and growing medium. Connect the wicks to your growing tray, set it up, and place it under a high-quality grow light or appropriate sunlight. Voila, you’re a hydroponic gardener!
Can I Transplant to Soil?
Yes, you can safely transplant hydroponic houseplants into potting mix. To ensure the best possible transition, monitor your moisture levels carefully, water immediately at the point of transplant, and cut back on watering gradually as the plant gets established in its new home.
Growing hydroponic houseplants is a great way to develop a more profound appreciation for your plants’ unique but often-hidden root systems. For more tips on hydroponic gardening with your houseplants, visit us at Ted Lare Design & Build in Des Moines, Iowa, today.
