9 Reasons Hydroponic Plants Are Growing Slow
Hydroponics is an incredibly effective way to grow plants, but there can be issues with slow growth. No matter how much you water and fertilize the plants, they refuse to take off. This can be incredibly frustrating when you’re expecting a bumper crop of produce from your hydroponic garden.
Here are 9 reasons why your hydroponic plants may be growing slowly.
Insufficient Lighting
Hydroponic plants need plenty of light to grow and produce. If your plants are receiving too little light, growth will be severely stunted. Make sure your hydroponic system is placed in an area with plenty of natural sunlight or consider investing in a powerful artificial lighting setup.
Not every plant needs the same amount of light, Seedling plants need 16-18 hours of light, while full-grown adult plants require only 12-14 hours but a lot more intensity. If you are using artificial lights, it is important to watch the levels and adjust accordingly.
If are you interested in learning more about dialing in your grow light, and how it actually affects the plants, then I have written this article, can hydroponic plants get too much light? I encourage you to read it.
Poor Quality Water
Water is the most important element in hydroponics. Water quality can have a huge impact on your plant’s growth rate. Poor water quality can lead to stunted growth, wilting, and even death of the plant. Make sure you are using clean water for your hydroponic system.
If you live in a country where the tap water is chlorinated, use a de-chlorinator to make sure the chlorine does not harm your plants or leave the water in the sun for a couple of days to let the chlorine evaporate.
Opting for an Osmo filter to purify your water is a smart decision that will pay off in the long run.
Incorrect pH Levels
The pH level of your hydroponic nutrient solution needs to be just right for optimal growth. Without proper ph balance, plants will not be able to intake the different nutrition and resulting in a “lockout”.
You can measure the pH level with a simple and inexpensive pH meter. A good starting point for most hydroponic plants is between 5.5 and 6.5.
If the pH level is too low or too high, you’ll need to adjust it until it reaches the desired range. Make sure to research the optimal pH range for your particular plants before planting.
High Temperatures
It’s essential to keep your hydroponic system at a temperature that helps to optimal root growth. If the water in your hydroponic system gets too hot, it can cause Root rot due to the lack of oxygen and the presence of fungi. If you want to read more about Root rot and how to prevent and fix it, then I encourage you to read this article.
The roots of the plants will not be able to uptake enough nutrition and water, resulting in slow growth or even death. An ideal temperature range for most hydroponic systems is between 65°F (18°C) and 85°F (28°C).
Not Enough Nutrients
Hydroponic plants need a constant supply of nutrition to grow and thrive. If you are not feeding your hydroponic system enough nutrients, the plants will not be able to absorb what they need to grow and will suffer from nutrient deficiency.
It is important to do research on the type of nutrients your particular hydroponic plants require and make sure you are providing them with enough nutrition for optimal growth.
Make sure to give your hydroponic system adequate amounts of macro-nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Inadequate Air Circulation
When hydroponic plants grow they will absorb CO2 from the air. If the area where your hydroponic system is placed does not have adequate air circulation, the CO2 levels can become too low for optimal growth. it will result in stunted plant growth and wilting.
Make sure to place your hydroponic system in an area where there is adequate air circulation. If needed, use a fan to help increase air circulation.
If you are using artificial lighting, ensure that the lights are not too close to the plants. This will ensure that the plants do not get burned or wilt
Lack of Oxygen in the Reservoir
As mentioned in high temperatures, too little oxygen can lead to root rot. Therefore, it is important to make sure that your hydroponic system has adequate levels of oxygen for optimal growth.
Aerating the water in your reservoir is a great way to ensure that there are enough oxygen bubbles for the plant roots to breathe. An air pump and an air stone are two pieces of equipment that are essential for aerating the water in a hydroponic system.
Incorrect Plant Spacing
When growing hydroponic plants, it is important to make sure that you are not overcrowding them. Crowded plants will compete for resources and cause slow growth or even death.
Make sure that your hydroponic trays have adequate spacing between the plants so they can grow properly. You should also pay attention to the root systems of the different plants to make sure that they are not overlapping.
Poor Drainage or Overwatering
If your hydroponic system does not have proper drainage, the water can become stagnant and lead to root rot or nutrient deficiency.
It is also important to avoid overwatering your plants as this can cause root rot and slow growth. Make sure that you are monitoring the water level in the reservoir and refilling it as needed
Make Hydroponic Plants Grow Faster
Now that we have talked about some of the reasons why your hydroponic plants might be growing slowly, would it not be nice to learn how to make them grow faster?
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to help your hydroponic plants grow more quickly.
- Increase light – Ensure you provide the right amount of sunlight or artificial light for your particular plants.
- Prune your plants – This can help promote and stimulate healthy growth. It will also prevent overcrowding and allow light and air to reach the leaves.
- Use the right system – Choose the right hydroponic system for your plants. Different plants require different systems to thrive.
- Provide enough nutrients – Make sure you are providing your hydroponic plants with the right amount of nutrients for optimal growth.
With the essentials in place, these four tips can help your hydroponic plants grow faster and healthier.
How To Read Your Plants’ Leafs
When looking at the health of your hydroponic plants, it’s important to pay attention to the leaves. The color and shape of the leaves can tell a lot about what is going on with your plants And it’s always the first sign of something being off.
If you notice that the leaves are yellowing or wilting, this could be an indication of poor drainage or overwatering. If the leaves are brown and crispy, this could be an indication of nutrient deficiency.
It is important to monitor your plants’ leaves closely in order to determine what is going on with them and take action accordingly.
This leaf chart is an excellent resource to help you identify what is going on with your plants and take appropriate action.
Conclusion
Hydroponics is a great way to grow plants without soil. However, if the conditions are not ideal for your hydroponic system, it can lead to slow growth or even death of the plants.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your hydroponic plants have everything needed for optimal growth and they will grow faster and healthier.
Remember to pay attention to the leaves in order to assess the health of your plants and take action accordingly. With proper care and maintenance, you can create a thriving hydroponic system that will yield great results. Good luck!
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