Hydroponics Growing Media

Plants that are grown in a hydroponic setting require water and support just like a soil-based plant. Don’t be fooled by the name hydroponics, it does not necessarily mean that the plant is grown in water. While this is partially true, there are many other choices available for media when using a hydroponic environment. Hydroponics is soil-less plant growing. Instead, another type of substance is used to provide support and nutrients for the plant.

Rockwool

Rockwool is a material that is widely used in the world of hydroponics. Rockwool is a type of basalt that is made to provide a porous yet strong base. It is an inert material that will not decompose or leach any type of compounds into the water. Because it is porous, it allows the plant to drain. Rockwool is also very inexpensive and lightweight.

Rockwool come in cubes, which is used most often and slabs. Pre-drilled holes allow for plant placing as well as growing seeds. Any cubes that have plants that do not survive can fortunately be easily removed. The cube can be easily cleaned and replaced with another seed. The rockwool cube can also be left out to add even more space for surviving plants. This way, the hydroponics tray can be regulated quickly and easily because there will be a limited amount of plants competing for space, nutrients, light, and air.

Though rockwool is lightweight and porous by nature, it is a very sturdy medium for all growing plants. It provides great support for growing roots. At the same time, the material is able to regulate water temperature because it is a good heat conductor. Adding rockwool to the environment will alter the environment’s pH in the beginning, but it can be easily controlled with the use of a pH kit.

Though rockwool does have its advantages for the hydroponic gardener, everyone will usually want to experiment with different types of media. Thankfully, there are many other options available.

Sand

Surprisingly, ordinary beach sand is a very common medium. The sand is able to drain better than the usual clay-infused soil, but in a hydroponic setting it does not do as well as other types of media. However, it is very easy to use and certain types of plants do well living in sand. Certain types of orchid species, for instance, grow naturally in wet sand so sand would be ideal for that type of plant.

Gravel

Some people even choose to use ordinary aquarium gravel. It provides a strong, clean as well as supporting medium that works well but is also attractive. However, gravel can crumble, so it is important that it is clean and filtered before it is used. Because the gravel can become quite heavy, a good pump is needed in order to keep water as well as air flowing through the system. If a pump is not used, the plant roots might dry out.

Perlite

Perlite is one of the more popular alternatives. Perlite is a type of volcanic rock that is heated in order to form small, lightweight pebbles that resemble glass beads. This rock is able to retain air greatly. Since hydroponically grown plants will deplete any dissolve oxygen very quickly, perlite is able to help the pump keep the water that is being used oxygenated.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is very similar to perlite. It too is made into small pebbles to provide a flexible yet supporting medium for plants grown hydroponically. It draws in water from passive systems by using capillary action. This helps to automate the watering and nutrient feeding processes. Since vermiculite is able to hold even more water than perlite does, it can exclude air. Because of this, it needs to be used in moderation. In any case, a mixture of vermiculite and perlite is often used.

Try different options. It is important to experiment. Find what is best! Remember, hydroponics is supposed to be fun.

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