Maher Jabado- PlantHydro systems
HYDROCULTURE SYSTEM- ADVANTAGES
- Hydroculture is the method of growing plants in an inert medium with water and fertilizer rather than in soil.
- Hydro plants have smaller root systems and require less frequent transplanting
- Soil Pest free - no centipedes or worms generally found in soil plants
- Although the Hydro system is more expensive to setup than simple soil system, the hydro system is by far Cheaper in maintenance
The System Consists of the Following:
CULTURE POTHYDROGRANULEWATER LEVEL INDICATOR
-A culture pot that is the heart of the hydro system and fits neatly inside the outer pot. The culture pot is of special design. It has a concave bottom so only the outer portion of the pot makes contact with the outer pot and the nutrient solution. The culture pot has slits all around the lower portion of the pot for maximum air flow through the growing medium and root zone.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT remove the culture pots of Hydro plants received; Instead plant these into final media (that must be water proof as will be discussed later); Otherwise, if the culture pots were removed the root system might get damaged
-The growing medium is a high fired clay (i.e HYDROTON, described sepeartely at the end) which provides support, oxygen and capillary action to move the nutrient evenly throughout the roots. HYDROTON provides the necessary support for the plant and at the same time absorb the correct amount of water and oxygen. This optimal ratio of water and oxygen ensures healthy, beautiful plants.
-Last, but not least, is the water level indicator. It fits neatly into the culture pot and will indicate when to water and how much to water. It also acts as a handle to remove the culture pot so you can leach the medium and root zone once a month with tepid running water.
HYDROCULTURE PLANT INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
STEP-1 Wash the Hydroton and soak overnight until the granules are saturated. Rinse the Hydoton until the water runs off
STEP-2 Insert inner pot which is water proof is inserted into the decorative pots such as Lechuza or Karaat or President. Outer pot must be leak proof or proper plastic liners must be inserted to protect the decorative pots.
STEP- 3 Install water level indicator in the pocket of the culture pot. Place this assembly into the outer pot. If the culture pot is much smaller than the outer pot, then after placing the culture pot the entire pot should be back-filled with hydrogranules (i.e Hydroton )
STEP-4 Place the planted pot in the designated area
Watering and Re-Watering
For good root aeration DO NOT re-water until the indicator reaches the minimum setting. Add water to bring the indicator up to the optimum mark.
Method of Watering
- Only when the water-level indicator reads minimum - and never before then, should you top up the container.
- The general rule is to use drinking water. A tip is to leave the watering can to stand for a while in the room after filling it. (so that water temp is not cold nor warm)
- Pour the water over the hydrogranule, wherever is the most convenient until the water-level indicator reads optimum.
- Only in very brightly lit locations, for plants that need a lot of water or before a period of extended absence should you ever fill up to the MAX mark.
STEP-5 Apply Fertlizer to the plants.
Fertilization is taken care of with a special liquid fertilizer mixed with water according to the directions on the bottle or a special slow-release fertilizer that automatically provides the plant with everything the plant needs for healthy growth. One application of slow-release preparation lasts up to six months. The nutrient is simply spread on the hydrogranule and watered in.
There is no need to add any more fertilizer for 4-6 months. Turn the dial on top of the indicator to the month you need to fertilize next.
Summary of watering and fertilization:
Product description of Hydroton mentioned above:
Product name/info/Characteristics:
1-Crashed clay HYDROTON®
Introduction: For almost all plants, the roots constitute the basis of the shoots, leaves and blooms:
water build-up, dryness, roots rot, condensed soils, minimal or reduced exchange between air and gas are very stressful factors for our plants.
Healthy and blooming plants are every gardener's pride and joy.
One doesn't always have time to tend and to water the plants regularly. The substrate HYDROTONis expected to absorb as much water and nutrients as possible, but should not take up too much time and
energy when repotting.
-Benefits of HYDROTON ; A real Oasis for your plants.
The roots relax, and build more fine roots. The plants get a better stand, the exchange between air and gas improves and
you can sit back and enjoy a healthy growth and a rich blooming.
*Stores water (Water saving capacity is approx. 30 %so less watering is needed
*Better airing of the soil
*buffer for nutrients
*root friendly
*rich blooming
*healthy growth
*easy to use
2-Crashed clay Okostrat benefits
a) As a top layer
Protects against the drying out of the soil. holds moisture.
Tip: Remove some soil from the pot and give 3 - 6 cm on the top of it.
b) For drainage and water reservoir
retains the surplus of moisture and gives it back when needed: it offers a good drainage when the soil is either too wet or too dry.
Prevents root rot.
Tip: Give 2 - 5 cm on the
bottom of the pot and fill the rest with soil.
c) Mixed with soil
is used to aerate soils and helps to accelerate the growth of the roots thanks to a better gas exchange. The growth and the
blooming are stimulated, heavy soils are better aerated, light soils better moistened.
Tip: Mix soil with in the relation 7:3.
d) for Semi hydro culture
Its high water storage capacity and its light weight make of the ideal
substrate for direct planting on balconies or terrace containers.
Tip: Put your plants with their clod directly
into water. That's it!
Additional notes- Hydro granules in general can be used with or without waterlevel indicators.(Bigger plants in large pots you will need one butIf you have smaller pots on your terrace or balcony for example you can also use the material without indicator)
Maher Jabado ()
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