Hydroponic Grow Medium
When you think about plant cultivation, you probably visualize plants growing in nutrient-rich soil. But with hydroponics, you don’t use soil. Rather, the plants are fed by a water-based mineral nutrient solution. However, they still need a growing medium, that is, material to grow in, also known as the substrate.
What are the Main Forms of Growing Media Used in Hydroponics?
Hydroponics growing media can be categorized into three basic forms:
Grains and Pebbles
- Lightweight expanded clay aggregate
- Growstones
- Perlite
- Vermiculite
- Superabsorbent polymer
- River rock
- Sand
A Foam Matrix
- Rockwool
- Oasis cubes
- Floral foam
- Open-cell flexible polyurethane foam
Fibrous Organic Material
- Coco coir
- Parboiled rice husks
- Pine bark
- Pine shavings
Conclusion to Hydroponic Grow Medium
Each form can be used for specific or for general purposes and may be particularly suited for a certain type of hydroponic growing system. For more information ref to What is the Best Hydroponic Growing Medium for Maximum Plant Health and Yield?
This article will explain all you need to know about choosing a growing medium for your hydroponics system and why some growing medium are best suited to particular types of hydroponics systems.