Hydroponic Plants – Causes Of Unhealthy Roots And How You Manage Them

It was not until now that I’ve understood that the success of growing hydroponic plants doesn’t only rely on the nutrient solution and the growing medium used. What it takes for the seeds to grow well is in fact, mainly dependent on the roots, to keep hydroponic plants firmly erect above water and to control the flow of nutrients while they grow.

In this article, I am going to share with you some facts which will help you recognize factors that can prevent hydroponic plants reach their maximum growth potential.

Everything Starts at the Roots

The water and nutrient absorption begins on the tiny, hairy tips of the roots. This is a sensitive part and can die as the roots grow deeper.

• When directly exposed to light, the roots can still function normally given that the growing environment is 100% humid. But this condition can stimulate growth of algae, which can compete in absorbing water, nutrients and oxygen. Algae will absorb a fraction of nourishment that will cause deficiencies.
• Hydroponic plants have very small chance to survive when the root zone is in unhealthy condition. A short supply of oxygen can cause suffocation. As the roots get weaker, the rate of nutrient intake gets lesser and lesser. Water gets stagnant and can lead to rotting of the root, and plant growth weakens due to dehydration. The roots’ color will change from healthy white to dried out brown.

For sure, the aeroponics method can maximize oxygenation but the result can cause more problems and you can put your hydroponic plants at very high risk of becoming fragile.

How to Keep the Roots in Healthy Condition

It’s crucial for you to monitor the pH level of the nutrient solution. This will figure out how healthy the roots are. Litmus paper can be utilized as an alternative tester but take note that the result will not be very precise. For some growers, it is most effective to utilize a small tube then fill it with nutrient solution and add a few drops of chemical indicator.

The size of the roots may vary on what you’d like to grow, from seedling to fruit, and the moment will come that you are going to be transplanting your hydroponics plants.

• When doing so, be gentle and keep the roots moist as you possibly can.
• When the flow of absorption is blocked, the roots position can be realigned but be very careful as any movement will cause damage.
• To block light, just replace clear containers with darker colors.

Spend some much more time investigating on the internet. Gather enough information so you will know how to recognize all signs of weakening or decaying in the root zone. Once you make the effort, I’m certain that your crops can get the nourishment that they need.

If you are still confused, please do not wait any longer and discover more about the required nutrient solution and growing medium for your hydroponic indoor plants, and as well as other ideas here.