Hydroponics Soil

It is worth noting that in hydroponics, although you heavily rely on water to grow the plants, you will also need a growing medium. The growing media will be the one to support the weight of the plant. It is also where the plant will anchor its root structure. You cannot just submerge the root in the water. They need something to hold onto. The growing media also help in providing moisture and oxygen to the plants. This is why choosing a growing media for your hydroponics system is very crucial. You need one that best suit your needs and wants. Need help? This article will give you the best soil types and brands for hydroponics so you have lots of options to choose from.

Best Soil Types and Brands for Hydroponics

There are over 10 different types of hydroponics medium that are available at your disposal. Always remember that the right medium for you will depend on the scale, design, and location of your hydroponic system. Check for all the features of the growing medium that you like and see if it really suits your needs and wants. For now, we bring you the different soil types for hydroponics. In addition to that, we’ll also give you the best brand to go for in each growing media. So, let’s start!

1. Perlite

Perlites are granular material that is lightweight and white in color. Although they look like bits of polystyrene they actually come from volcanoes. Perlites are made from volcanic glass that is heated at a temperature of 1000 degrees C. The volcanic glass will then expand and pops like popcorns resulting in perlites. This growing media is very well known for being lightweight, easy to handle, sterile, and long-lasting. It also consists of silicon dioxide, water, magnesium oxide, iron oxide, aluminum oxide, and calcium oxide. These minerals are all beneficial to your plants. Perlites also provide excellent root aeration. Just one downside of this growing media is that it floats making it easy to be washed away. When it comes to the best brand of perlites in the market, you should consider going for the ESPOMA ORGANIC PERLITE (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002Y0AK6S).

2. Coco Coir

Coco coir is widely used in gardening. In traditional agriculture, farmers put coco coir or coco peat to fertilize the soil. Coconut coir is made from coconut husk. It’s that brown thing that surrounds the coconut shell. What makes it the best soil type for hydroponic is it is organic and inert. It also holds water very well. It will also save your plant from drowning because of its good air-to-water ratio. Because coco coir is highly organic, it is environmentally friendly and is also renewable, and can easily be found. Just one downside to this is that it doesn’t drain well so you have to mix it with other growing media like clay pellets which will be discussed later on. The best brand for coco coir is none other than PLANTONIX COCO BLISS PREMIUM (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086Z67H9G).

3. Expanded Clay Pellets

Expanded clay pellets are another popular growing media in hydroponics. They are also known as LECA or lightweight expanded clay aggregate. They are a result of expanding clay to form round balls of porous material. These pellets provide almost no nutrients to the plants. They are pH neutral and ensure that there is a good balance of oxygen and water. This way, the roots will not drown. Expanded clay pellets are lightweight but heavy enough to support the plant. The benefits of using expanded clay pellets include being reusable and effective in draining water. Disadvantages of using them include poor moisture retention and high price. When it comes to the best brand for expanded clay pellets go for GROW!T CLAY PEBBLES (https://www.amazon.com/Hydroton-Original-Clay-Pebbles-Lightweight/dp/B01KYYZ9IE).

4. Rockwool

Rockwool is the most commonly used hydroponic growing medium all around the world. It is also another growing medium that comes from volcanoes. It is a mixture of volcanic rock, limestone, and coke, These three are melted together at a high temperature. After that, the end result is spun into cotton candy-like fibers. It is then cooled and woven into blocks. Rockwool is best known for providing excellent water retention and root aeration. With all these benefits, expect Rockwool to come at a high price. They also are non-biodegradable and are not that easy to dispose of. They are of high pH so you need to soak them first before using them. This way you also avoid irritation due to its fibers and dust. If you want to avoid irritation you can wear protective gear such as a dust mask, goggles, and gloves. These three are actually highly recommended when dealing with Rockwool. They are reusable which is another great aspect of Rockwool. In fact, they can be used for several years if handled with care. If you want to buy Rockwool from Amazon go for the brand GRODAN ROCKWOOL (https://www.amazon.com/GRODAN-Rockwool-Stonewool-Hydroponic-Starter/dp/B016AXFAY6).

5. Oasis Cubes

Oasis cubes are like that of Rockwell but a much less expensive option. They also don’t need presoaking, unlike Rockwool. This is indeed a good option for your health and for the health of your plants as well. However, there are disadvantages when using oasis cubes. They are not sustainable, not organic, and are only effective in germination. This means oasis cubes are not mainly used as a growing medium. They are only used as a starting place for the seedlings. Oasis cubes are made from floral foam. This is then designed like a sheet. Each cube has the right amount of nutrients, air, and water needed by the plant to thrive. Oasis cubes are great for retaining water and air. You can find OASIS CUBES on Amazon by clicking this LINK (https://www.amazon.com/Oasis-Horticubes-Cubes-104ct-Sheet/dp/B079V19MWS).