Indoor plants that grow without soil not only look impressive, but also save a lot of work. For example, hydroponics, an alternative to traditional tub growing, reduces pests from nesting in the substrate. You can find out numerous other advantages of the somewhat different cultivation in this article.
Indoor plants in hydroponics need expanded clay granules, fertilizer and water - but no soil
hydroponics
Hydroponics describes the cultivation of plants without any substrate at all. The indoor plants grow in a water biotope. Nutrient-rich granules replace the soil, with no disadvantages for the supply. In any case, it is difficult to exactly copy the natural habitat of the plants in a small pot. Most of the time, a lot of additional fertilizer is required to allow houseplants to grow healthily. Thrive in water from the start, but develop the necessary traits right away.
Utensils needed
- special inner pot with side slots
- water level indicator
- water-permeable planter
- expanded clay granulate
- suitable fertilizer
Suitable plants
Basically, you can cultivate any plant without a substrate. However, it should be a self-grown specimen that was previously not used to potting soil. On the one hand, you would have to remove all of the soil from the root ball before “planting”. On the other hand, the switch from substrate to water means stress for houseplants. Instead, new offshoots form water roots right from the start and adapt to the habitat.
benefits
Hydroponics brings numerous benefits. The most important are simplified care and hygienic conditions. While conventional substrate on the windowsill dries out quickly, you only have to water indoor plants without soil every two to four weeks, depending on the variety. They are also spared the tedious task of digging up the root ball when repotting.
Soilless houseplants are common in hospitals or other facilities where sterility is a priority. Pests like to nest in the plant substrate. A hydroponic culture, on the other hand, offers no habitat for the vermin. Allergy sufferers also benefit from growing plants without a substrate. In addition, no potting soil crumbles onto the windowsill or the floor.
maintenance
Even if a hydroponic culture is not particularly high-maintenance, you must pay attention to the correct water level. Install a water level meter to check the humidity. Only when this is at the lowest level for a day or two should you water the plant again. Otherwise you risk suffocating the root ball. This is reflected in brown shoot tips.