In principle, all plants are suitable for hydroponics, including the spider plant. Very few plants can tolerate the switch from soil culture to hydroculture or vice versa. You should therefore decide on one form of culture and then stick with it if possible.
Can you grow a spider plant hydroponically?
Green lilies are generally suitable for hydroponics. However, when switching from soil culture to hydroponics, young plants or cuttings should be used. Pay attention to proper watering, use special hydroponic fertilizer and avoid excessive water levels to prevent root rot and yellow leaves.
What is hydroponics anyway?
Plants normally grow in soil that contains organic components. However, in hydroponics they are planted in inorganic substrate, which cannot nourish them. It only serves to ensure a stable stand. Nutrition comes from the irrigation water and a special hydroponic fertilizer.
Plants that have previously been in soil usually cannot be converted to hydroponics; most do not survive the attempt. To do this, the root ball must be completely freed of soil and rinsed thoroughly. It is much easier to try this with young plants or seedlings. The offshoots or children of the spider plant are generally well suited for this, especially the rooted ones.
What should you consider with hydroponics?
The most important thing in hydroponics is watering because it is the only way to give the plants nutrients. Use a special hydroponic fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon), it should be added to the water every time you water. This fertilizer contains all the necessary nutrients and binds excess minerals contained in the water, such as lime.
How to deal with difficulties
If the roots of your spider plant begin to rot, you need to react quickly. If the water level is too high, cut off the rotten root parts and replant the spider plant. If your spider plant suffers from a root disease, then it probably cannot be saved.
In the future, pay attention to the correct water level and only water your plant when the water level indicator has dropped to zero. Only fill the container with enough water so that the display does not rise above the “optimal” display; the spider plants do not tolerate permanently wet roots.
The most common problems of spider plants in hydroponics
- Root rot
- yellow leaves
- Water level too high
Tips & Tricks
Sometimes less is more! Don't water your spider plant too much, otherwise the roots will start to rot.
