Your First Indoor Hydroponics Plant
You’ve probably already selected the container for your first indoor hydroponics houseplant.
If you haven’t, take a look around your house. It’s best to have something pretty, to complement the beauty of your plant. Yet it really isn’t necessary.
You may have an old vase or a beautifully shaped wine bottle. For the design impaired, the first container could be a dented, blackened old saucepan which lost its handle. It could even be styrofoam. Even an old flowerpot. Just make sure the hole on the bottom is covered or it rests in a larger pan. It’s all up to you.
It is of the utmost importance that whatever container used is scrubbed vigorously in hot sudsy water. Cleanliness is paramount in diminishing the risk of pests.
You’ve also made sure the water’s pH is in the correct range. All plants will benefit from the addition of some nutrient to the water. Wait a week before adding any. Remove the water and replace with water and nutrient. A general nutrient will do. Just remember to use 1/4 -1/3 the amount indicated for a given volume of water. Then carefully raise if need be.
Now’s the time to remove the house plant from its pot. Lay out paper over your work surface. This can get messy.
At the soil line, hold the stem gently between 2 fingers. Make sure you don’t pinch the stem. Upend the pot and see if the soil and root ball of the plant comes out. If not,gently tap the pot to encourage release of the soil and root ball. If necessary run a knive along the sides of the pot.
When done, place the plant in your container. If it can’t suspend itself in water right side up, , just place some marbles at the bottom of the container. Or the gravel found in pet stores for aquariums. This will help the support the plant before it develops its root system.
Leaning against the side of the jar should not be injurious to the plant. If you find the look displeasing, find a container with a cork stopper. Put a hole in the center big enough for the stem. Pack the opening with absorbent cotton to keep the stem in place.
You are now doing indoor hydroponics!
Simple isn’t it!