Growing plants in water, without soil is known as Hydroponics. The idea behind this is for various media, which carry all of the nutrients in natural soil, to support plant growth. Therefore, it’s these nutrients which are the most vital component in the hydroponics process. When growing plants in soil, the soil contains a whole lot of essential nutrients, which is the reason why fertilizers usually do not contain all the thirteen nutrients. But still, in the case of hydroponic plants, these fertilizers are not adequate and therefore fertilizer formulated specifically for hydropolic systems are the ones that you have to use.

Different plants need different proportions of nutrients for different times. Your better hydroponic nutrients are packaged in solutions labeled as ‘grow’ or ‘bloom’, that way even a novice grower can find these solutions without too much of a problem. Alter your plants’ nutrients during the different stages of their growth cycle. The elements become depleted as the plant grows, so the solution needs to be changed. At certain times, important components can run out more quickly. In an ideal situation you can swap the solution every couple of weeks. Keep in mind that the proportion of nutrient solution and water remains consistent. If the fertilizer level increases due to evaporation of water, it could cause extensive root damage.

The hydroponic nutrient solutions available are typically sold in a concentrated form. Please follow the instructions to get the best results. Some plants will require a higher dosage than other plants. This dosage is indicated by species on the package. If you are unsure of the dosage consult your local nursery. For instance a weaker solution should be put for plants in poor growing conditions like overheated gardens, low lighting or just crowded plants. Even newly planted cuttings will benefit from a weaker solution. Use a regular solution on your normally growing healthy plants. You may be able to use a stronger solution if your garden has all of the requirements for high growth.  For example, do you have good air flow and good lighting such as natural sunlight or grow lights like fluorescent grow lights? What about the production and circulation of carbon dioxide? However, it is advisable to increase the concentration of the fertilizer gradually to save the plant from burning up.

Although the concentrate to water ratio is between 150-600 parts per million, most plants require 300-400ppm. Keep in mind that these must be mixed with water and not with another part of nutrient solution.

Right now, we know we need something more than just soil-based fertilizer, but what do we use?  It is most important to know which nutrient to look for. The first choice you have to make your growing medium you are going to use. For instance, if coco is the medium you are using, go in for specific nutrients like canna coco nutrients. While in the crop stage, a vegetative nutrient formula, such as Super Veg A or Super Veg B, is much better suited to for the vegetative stage of the plant.

The medium will determine the type of nutrient requirement. Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are all elements that make up the organic or best hydroponic nutrients. Nitrogen is important for leaf vegetative growth. Potassium helps in the process of cell production and phosphorus is responsible for root development and flowering.