Experiment with indoor plants and water

A big problem that is common across many indoor plant lovers is under or overwatering. Leading to soil problems, plant stress or infestations. Due to this, they are not thriving as they should be. A solution is to include some plants that grow in water only. No soil, no pests (fungus gnats), no worries about over or under watering!

BENEFITS OF EXPERIMENTING WITH WATER

• Plants that grow in water need less care. If you forget to water or tend to overwater, then growing plants in water is a low-care solution.
• Dirt-free method of growing plants can reduce allergens in your home.
• There is next to no pests. Fungus gnats can be incredibly annoying. They lay eggs in the soil, emerging as tiny flying insects in incredibly large numbers.
• Cuttings of indoor plants like begonias, spider plants, philodendrons and devil’s ivy species once placed in water will produce roots. You can leave them to happily grow in water or pot them on into soil.
• You can display your indoor plants in elegant glass vases and receptacles instead of just standard clunky pots. Any vase, glass or jar can be used to grow them.

SMALL AMOUNT OF CARE

The biggest joy of growing plants in water is the low maintenance.

• Keep an eye on the water, topping it up as it evaporates and changing it every few weeks or if it becomes cloudy.
• Occasionally give them a little boost by adding a few drops of a liquid organic houseplant fertiliser or diluted Seasol Powerfeed to the water.

WHAT YOU COULD GROW

There are many, many plants that can be grown in water. It is a great way to grow almost all cuttings, whether you transfer them to the soil after they have rooted or continue to grow them in water. Below is a small list of popular varieties but never be afraid to experiment and test yourself with other plants you feel might benefit from water growing.

• A great plant that will take low light as well as general neglect, lots of different foliage colours and patterns, can be grown from a cutting.
• Makes an excellent low maintenance indoor plant, these can be grown from softwood cuttings.
• HEARTLEAF PHILODENDRON. This group includes the Brasil and Brown Velvet Micans whose stems can cascade down four feet or more, for more compact growth pinch back leggy stems.
• The Devils Ivy family has a vigorous vining habit with several different colours available, can be grown from a cutting from a tall vase to cascade or be trained vertically.
• Super easy as a cutting and will happily grow in water. Makes a wonderful indoor plant, several spectacular leaf shapes and colours, will take lower light.
• PEACE LILY. Happy to grow in water with regular feedings of liquid fertiliser.

 

CONVERTING FROM SOIL TO WATER OR SEMI HYDRO

WATER

After removing the plant from the nursery pot soak it in room temperature water for a couple of hours, even overnight to loosen the soil. Gently massage the roots in the water removing soil as you go, holding it under running water, gently massaging again and re-rinsing until the soil is at least 95% removed. So very important to be completely soilless and clean if you are going to grow in water, leftover soil will cause the water to become smelly and be detrimental to your plant health. It’s inevitable you will lose some small roots, some will be damaged but with great care, most will remain intact and undamaged. Once you have a lovely clean root system place in water in your chosen container with a couple of drops of liquid fertiliser.

SEMI HYDRO

Varieties of Alocasia are especially partial to this method of water growing and don’t seem to lose as much foliage. Make up a mix of orchid bark, Perlite and Horticultural charcoal in approximately equal parts. Sift out any soil, then rinse the mixture thoroughly further removing any fine particles, or soil.

Rinse all soil off the roots of your chosen plant, as above. Replant in the soilless mixture and top up with water adding a couple of drops of liquid fertiliser.

 

Don’t be afraid to have some fun with it, experiment! All the ingredients you need to start your hydro garden are available in-store. We also have several vessels that can be used for hydro gardening, from cover pots to a number of glass vases. Meander through the garden centre and if you need a hand to find that perfect piece, we are here to help.