Grow Tips

Seeds contain all the energy needed to germinate and develop their first roots and leaves. During this initial stage, it is not necessary to add additional nutrients to the system. Feeding plants before the first pairs of leaves emerge can result in overfeeding, which can burn the delicate sprouts and damage their development. Once you see the first pairs of true leaves, you can start introducing nutrients gradually and carefully. This approach ensures that the plants have the best possible start without the risk of overfeeding..

Moderation is key in the world of cultivation. When plants lack nutrients, they often show it with spots on the leaves or slower growth. These symptoms are signals that they need a nutritional adjustment. Correcting the feeding allows the plants to recover and continue growing without problems. However, excess nutrients can have serious consequences. Overfeeding can burn the leaves and cause root blockages, a problem that can take a long time to resolve and, in extreme cases, can result in the death of the plant. Therefore, it is always better to underfeed than to overfeed, allowing gradual adjustments and ensuring the health and well-being of your plants.

During a plant’s lifecycle, its nutritional needs vary. In the vegetative stage, when plants focus on growing and developing their structure, they require a moderate amount of nutrients to build strong leaves and stems. However, once they enter the flowering or fruiting stage, their nutrient demands increase significantly. In this phase, plants use more energy to develop flowers and fruits, so they need a higher supply of specific nutrients. Ensuring they receive the right nutrients during flowering not only improves the quality and quantity of flowers and fruits but also keeps the plant healthy and vigorous.

One of the advantages of hydroponic systems is their versatility regarding nutrients. While AquaSoil comes with its own nutrient solution, you can choose to use any hydroponic nutrient available on the market. It is crucial, however, to follow the feeding chart provided by the nutrient manufacturer. These charts are designed to offer the right amount and proportion of nutrients at each stage of plant growth. Following these recommendations ensures your plants receive the necessary nutritional balance for optimal development, avoiding issues of deficiency or excess nutrients.

It is crucial to keep the lights as close as possible to the tips of each plant to ensure even exposure. If one plant grows much faster than the others, it is advisable to bend or prune it. This adjustment helps to keep the light focus close to most of the plants, preventing those further away from stretching and weakening. Plants that do not receive enough light tend to elongate in search of it, which can result in weak and less healthy growth.

To maximize the light absorption capacity of plants and provide them with a good rest time, it is recommended to configure the system to run 18 hours on and 6 hours off. This extended light cycle allows plants to photosynthesize more effectively, promoting vigorous growth, while the dark period gives them the necessary time to rest and recover.

The light modes of the AquaSoil system are useful tools for saving energy and precisely accompanying the growth process of the plants. Each mode is designed to meet the specific needs of plants at different stages. However, if your goal is to prioritize greater and faster growth, you can choose to always use the “bloom” mode at 100%, regardless of the plant’s stage. This mode provides maximum light intensity, which can stimulate more vigorous growth.

The AquaSoil system can be used manually without the need to configure the built-in clock. In this case, you should turn on the system in the morning and turn it off at night. This approach mimics the natural cycle of light and darkness that plants are accustomed to, ensuring they receive enough light to grow during the day and a period of rest at night.

To keep your roots healthy and prevent the development of unwanted fungi or microorganisms, you can add hydrogen peroxide to your solution once a week. For a 4-liter tank like AquaSoil, it is recommended to add approximately 10 ml of hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration). This simple step can make a big difference in the overall health of your plants, ensuring a pathogen-free environment.

The environment where your AquaSoil system is located is crucial for the healthy growth of your plants. Ideally, maintain an ambient temperature around 24 degrees Celsius and ensure there is airflow. These conditions favor optimal growth and reduce the risk of problems associated with excessive heat or lack of ventilation.

In long-term crops or those exposed to high temperatures, it is recommended to change the nutrient solution every two weeks. This process involves completely emptying the water tank and refilling it with fresh water and the appropriate amount of nutrients according to the size and needs of your plants. Regular maintenance helps to prevent the accumulation of salts and other residues that can negatively affect plant health.

It is common for the sponges to turn green on the top due to algae growth. Although algae are not usually a significant problem for plant growth, they can be unsightly and, in some cases, interfere with nutrient absorption. To manage them, you can remove the algae manually using a cotton swab and hydrogen peroxide, or use a specific product for algae control. Keeping the sponges clean contributes to a healthier and more efficient growing environment.