Q.Hydroponic gardening
I’ve decided to put live plants in my office. But in the past the end results were usually always the same, “throwing the plants out after 2-3 months.” This time, however, I want to try hydroponics and a grow light. The three different types of plants I have are the Pachira Money Tree, Sansevieria Mother In Law’s Tongue/Snake Plant, and the Areca Palm. I have three five gallon bucket kits for each.
My problem is my plants are established in a 10″ pot and the the size of the pot in the kits are only 3-4″. My question is, will it be alright to break the Areca Palm and the Snake Plant down into a skinnier size in order to fit into the hydroponic kits? Or will disrupt the growth or kill the plants altogether?
Also, which liquid fertilizer do you recommend using, and do you suggest use it at all times or intermittent? I live in Florida but I’ll be using a grow light and a hydroponic system.
Please advise,
Cathy Heller
Here's an article on hydroponics that will answer some of your questions: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/hydroponic-gardening-indoors.htm
Are your 3 plants growing together in one 10" pot? If they are, I doubt that you have an areca palm - I never heard of one being used in a dish garden. More likely a neanthe bella palm. If you mean an areca palm in a 10" pot, I don't think you can break it down that small -- again, try a 6" neanthe bella palm instead. You can break up the snake plant -- you can do practically do anything to them.
My question back to you is why do you want to create so much work for yourself? Hydroponics can be fun if what you want is just a small area of greenery, but it's not exactly carefree. The plants you name could look absolutely beautiful in your office for years, with only 5 minutes total care a week, if you learn a few basic things about taking care of them. Check out this article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/watering-your-houseplants-properly.htm
Here's one tip -- check the soil moisture in the bottom of the pot with a moisture meter before every watering. It should read almost dry before you add more water.
