Maintenance for Hydroponic Plants

Hydroponics is regarded as a emerging industry domestically while 90% flowers are

adopted with hydroponics under governmental direct regulation in developed

countries in Europe and America. Hydroponics applied with contemporary technology

on biology engineering and engineering ways of physics, chemistry and biology to

cultivate common plants and flowers. For the easily taking and caring, low price and

clean appearance, hydroponics helps flowers and leaves grow healthily to reach

attractive view mixed with fishes and flowers.

1. Hydroponics technique

1) Instrument choosing. According to the type, shape, character and color of certain

hydroponic plant you like, alternative instruments such as bottle, basin and crock can

be chosen for make a new contrast and complement with target flowers or plants.

2) Soil eliminating and root cleaning. That is a working procedure within the

transformation from soil culture to hydroponics. It is well known that organic nutrition

is for soil culture but which completely turns to inorganic nutrition after hydroponics

used, therefore organic compound existing in soil and attaching to roots must be

strictly cleaned up to avoid the effect against healthy growth of hydroponic flowers and

infection of insect pests.

3) Root washing. Take flowers or plants you like out of soil or flower pot, firstly lightly

lifting branch and stem with right hand, and softly supporting root with left hand , then

slightly shaking and patting root with right hand after loosing branch and stem in order

to make root completely out of soil. After that put root into clean water for 15-20

minutes and softly wash it with water changed for 2-3 times until no soil adhere to root

and the water for cleaning is clear and transparent without mud sand. Pay close

attention that the roots of certain flowers are tough and twisted so that lots of mud

sand is hidden among roots gaps, thus bamboo, stick or screwdriver can be used for

clean. One of the crucial points of successful hydroponics is no mud sand left to the

most degree. Put the roots washed in clean water into 5% potassium permanganate

solution for 20-30 minutes for disinfection.

After mud sand cleaned, proper elimination of old root, sick root as well as old and

yellow leaves should be operated on the basis of growth status of flower root.

Because the root of hydroponic flower is also an important part of sight, root shape

must be considered when root is fixed. Also the plant should be re-cleaned after its

roots and leaves have been cut off to wash away the residual during cutting against

the pollution in hydroponic instrument.

2. Breeding technology for hydroponic plants

1) Temperature

The temperature between 5 to 30 is suitable for the growth of hydroponic plants

which means that plants grow healthily and smoothly in the environment as long as

that is also suitable for human people. Plants even witness their luxuriant status full of

vigor even in winter.

2) Light

Diffusion light always gets the priority. What is that? It means the natural light from

window and so on and scatters naturally indoor. Normal light but not sunlight usually

fits well for plants growth , even direct sunshine should be avoided in summer.

3) Nutrient

The common specific nutrient just for hydroponics in the market is OK. Certain c

concentration can be made up so long as the correct rate is got from the manual. Gap

water firstly needs to be laid for 2-4 hours to make its temperature normally and

chlorine volatilized, then the nutrient for hydroponic plants can be finished after

concentrated nutrient with proper rate put in.

4) Water changing

That means change the nutrient in target instrument in order to ensure the volume of

oxygen in water. Plants grow better in fresh water with more oxygen. Commonly,

water should be changed once in 5-10 days during spring and autumn, once about 5

days in summer and 10-15 days in winter. Half or one third of plants roots should be

bare during water changing. Once change water , wash root and instrument bottom

with clean water and cut off faded and mushy branches, leaved and root. It is regularly

that certain parts of plants roots turn mushy in the progress of healthy growth. The

clipper disinfected by alcohol pad may be used to eliminate mushy leaves and

sometimes old root to promote the growth of new root under the guide of professional

workers. Water root protection must be highly complied to ensure the healthy growth..

Water root is the white and light one locating at the bottom of hydroponic plant, some

from stem root and others from taproot, is absorption component so it must be

protected.

5) Humidity keeping

It is harmful to plant growth that less air humidity and dry environment indoor in winter

especially in the north. Therefore, insufflation with clean water to keep humidity on

leaves twice a day is necessary.

3. Key notes in hydroponics

Firstly, plant roots should not be completely put into water, the 5-10cm part needs to

be bared in air. If not, the roots are able to breathe and die without oxygen finally. The

bare part can absorb certain oxygen for living.

Secondly, change water frequently to keep the soluble nutrient in water.

Lastly, the nutrient component of hydroponics, the rate must be proper with correct

concentration.