The Meanings of Flower

Ultimate control of the growing environment for you plants is one of the greatest advantages of hydroponic systems. Plant health is maintained by the proper introduction of nutrients in terms of the amount and what type is assured.  Soil b y nature contains numerous salt and minerals, it does not permit this much flexibility as can be seen with grow mediums. Indoor hydroponic gardens utilize grow mediums which do not contain salts or minerals. This allows the gardener the freedom to control the amount and type of nutrient specifically for their plants.

Nutrient adsorption by soil based plants is done through adsorption of nutrients from decomposed organic materials. Here is a simple description of how these nutrients are formed: organic matter is digested by fungi or eaten by insects and is turned as waste material in the form of compost. This waste material is then digested by microbes which breaks it down to nutrients. The action of water forces this down the ground where they remain until absorbed by plants.

Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) are the three hydroponic nutrients essential for optimal plant growth.  Concentration of each nutrient is found on the solutions labels. 20-20-20 on the labels means the solution contains 20% N, 20% P and 20% K concentration.

Several secondary hydroponic are essential as the plant grows through its different growth phases. Primary hydroponic nutrients combined with this secondary nutrients work to provide optimum plant growth. Examples of these secondary nutrients are Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Sulfur, Molybdenum and Boron.

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)

Hydrogen Peroxide is mainly used as a supplement for increasing Oxygen levels in the hydroponic nutrient solution. It also serves to stimulate plant growth and protects the plant against plant pests such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora organisms. Hydrogen peroxide is also produced by the human body as a antibody to fight against viruses and bacteria in the body.

Hydrogen Peroxide occurs naturally in nature, when water in the atmosphere is exposed to the ozone (O3) it becomes H2O2. It is present in the rain and snow. It is used in indoor hydroponic systems because it oxidizes organic impurities upon contact. Hydrogen peroxide releases one of its oxygen atoms into the nutrient solution leaving water (H2O) as a by product.

Benefits of Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)

Oxygen content is increased in the nutrient solution

Protects and sterilizes growing mediums against harmful bacteria

Kills pythium and other harmful garden organisms

Increases protein development, improves metabolism and increases overall growth and health

Encourages root development in cloned plants and germination of seeds, enabling propagation of difficult plant species