According to Mark, hydroponic farmer, “plant roots need oxygen much like we need air. When I first started, drooping leaves had me stumped.
It wasn’t until nutrients levels showed fine that I realized stale water was the real culprit. Now I change the water every couple days, and my plants are happier and healthier for it.”
Follow along to learn his simple tricks for avoiding common hydroponic hazards.
Key Takeaway
- Root rot from poor water oxygenation or changing. Roots need oxygen to absorb nutrients and water, and stagnant water leads to rot.
- Nutrient deficiency from unbalanced solutions. Hydroponics relies on nutrient solutions for all plant needs, and an imbalance in macros/micros can starve plants.
- Environmental stress from incorrect pH levels. Hydro plants grow best in a slightly acidic range, as levels fluctuate it causes nutrient lockout or toxicity issues that weaken plants.
Root rot
| Cause | Symptoms | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Diseased roots unable to supply water | Wilted leaves, drooping plant | Change nutrient solution biweekly, use purified water |
After years of trying different approaches in my hydroponic system, I’ve found that root rot from diseased roots is a common cause of plant wilting and death.
The roots can no longer absorb the water and nutrients needed to keep the leaves hydrated.
Be sure to change out the nutrient solution every two weeks to prevent bacteria and fungi growth. I also make sure to use purified water from my home reverse osmosis system.
Credit : Khang Starr
Inadequate root moisture
Signs of inadequate root moisture include drooping leaves and overall wilting of the plant. When checking the roots, they may appear dried out or shriveled.
To remedy this, ensure the roots have ample access to water and nutrients by maintaining optimal water levels. I like to lift the net pots daily and gauge if they feel light or heavy.
Disease
Viruses, fungi, and bacteria found in hydroponic systems can wreak havoc on otherwise healthy plants (1). Some diseases to watch for include powdery mildew, botrytis, and pythium root rot.
To help prevent issues, clean your system regularly and choose disease-resistant varieties when possible.
I also add a little hydrogen peroxide to the water every few weeks as a natural disinfectant. Communication and isolation are key to disease control in a shared hydroponic system.
Lack of support
| Plant Type | Support Needed |
|---|---|
| Vines | Trellis, stakes |
| Bushy plants | Plant cages, wires |
| Heavy fruit plants | Tomato cages, plant ties |
Providing the right structure for plants to attach to is important, especially for vining types that would otherwise sprawl on the ground.
Take notes each season on what support methods work best for different plant varieties in your climate and space.
In my systems, I’ve found lightweight tomato cages perfect for berry bushes and stakes the best for cucumbers to climb.
Insufficient lighting
| Plant | Minimum Light Needs |
|---|---|
| Leafy greens | 300 foot-candles |
| Herbs | 500 foot-candles |
| Fruiting plants | 1000 foot-candles |
Light is the primary source of energy for photosynthesis, so skimping here can starve plants.
Evaluate lighting levels throughout the grow space using a light meter and adjust fixtures as needed.
Make sure to match intensities to plant requirements, like my fruiting veggies needing 1000+ foot-candles. Supplementing natural light with LED panels is a sound investment.
Overwatering/Underwatering
Maintaining a consistent moisture level is key to avoiding either extreme. Some signs of overwatered plants include mushy, darkened roots while underwatered plants wilt severely between waterings (2).
I like to check the weight of pots daily—if light, a thorough watering is in order. Professional hydroponics growers often rely on moisture sensors for foolproof care.
Imbalanced nutrients
| Nutrient | Role | Deficiency Symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Nitrogen | Leaf growth | Yellow leaves |
| Phosphorus | Root/flower growth | Stunted growth |
| Potassium | Overall health | Leaf tips burn |
Nutrient composition must meet the dynamic needs of plants as they grow and develop. Use a TDS meter to monitor EC levels and pH strips to check the acidity (3).
I do monthly nutrient solution replacement and rinses to clear out any accumulated mineral deposits. Proper flushing prevents toxicity issues down the line.
Incorrect pH levels
Most hydroponically-grown plants thrive when pH is held between 5.5–6.5 (4). Values outside this range hamper the availability of nutrients already added.
Monitor levels frequently with a quality controller or test strips. If levels fluctuate drastically, look for environmental causes before adjusting with acids or bases.
Stable conditions yield stronger, healthier specimens.
Inadequate oxygen
Roots must respire oxygen to metabolize the array of available nutrients (5). Low dissolved oxygen stresses plants and invites root pathogens.
Gentle air pumps or sprinklers that break the water surface create advantageous circulation in my systems. Top leeching designs also passively oxygenate without requiring fixtures or electricity.
Conclusion
After years of experience growing hydroponically, I’ve come to better understand how fragile that balance can be between thriving plants and ones in decline.
However, it’s so rewarding when all the key factors are optimized – the right nutrients, moisture, lights, airflow – and you reap bountiful harvests of healthy greens.
While challenges may arise, taking the time to methodically assess each potential issue helps get to the root of problems (no pun intended!).
With the proper preventative care and adjustments outlined here, your hydroponic plants should have what they need to prosper.
I’d love to hear from others in comments – have you successfully solved plant issues using these tips? What further questions do you have?
Relating experiences and troubleshooting together is so helpful for continuous learning in this hobby. Wishing you green thumbs and full nutrient trays for seasons to come!
References
- https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-15943-6_14
- https://growingfoodindoors.com/controlling-temperature-and-humidity-in-hydroponic-systems/
- https://whyfarmit.com/tds-meter-for-hydroponics/
- https://atlas-scientific.com/blog/adjusting-ph-in-hydroponics/
- https://ponicslife.com/roots-and-hydroponics-everything-you-need-to-know/
Related Article
- https://tophydroponicgarden.com/why-are-my-hydroponic-plants-dying/
- https://tophydroponicgarden.com/hydroponics-for-beginners/
- https://tophydroponicgarden.com/how-to-maintain-hydroponic-plants-2/
- https://tophydroponicgarden.com/grow-lights/
- https://tophydroponicgarden.com/nutrients/
Was this helpful?
I’m Barrie L., a passionate hydroponic gardening enthusiast dedicated to cultivating thriving, soil-less gardens. With a focus on all things hydroponic, I share my expertise on innovative growing techniques and sustainable practices through my blog, tophydroponicgarden.com. As a seasoned hydroponics specialist, my goal is to inspire and guide fellow gardeners in harnessing the power of water-based cultivation for bountiful and eco-friendly harvests. I’m also an author of the book “Hydroponics For Absolute Beginners: Your Step By Step Guide For How To Create An Hydroponics System At Home Without Soil, For Growing Vegetable, Fruit And Herbs.” which is sold on Amazon. Join me on a journey of redefining the way we cultivate plants, one nutrient-rich solution at a time. Happy growing!