It would seem that the new can be in floriculture - everyone has long been aware of the need for good drainage, about regular fertilizing and humidity. But no, this topic is not yet closed, because not so long ago in the domestic market appeared hydrogel for plants, which can significantly improve the conditions of plant maintenance and decorate the room. In the article, we will understand what kind of substance it is, and also we will talk about how to use aquagrun (hydrogel).
What is a hydrogel for indoor plants?
Not today there are two types of hydrogel. One of them is a fine fraction with no specific shape, which when filled with water forms a practically homogeneous mass. Such a hydrogel has no color and is used for sprouting seedlings, as well as as an additive to the soil for moistening the root system.
Another type of hydrogel, as it is also called aquagrunt - bright dense balls of a variety of shades. In addition to their decorative qualities, they have a remarkable property of absorbing moisture and keeping it inside of itself, gradually giving to the plant. These balls are most often used for planting plants in glass transparent containers for decorating the room.
Harm for humans from the hydrogel for plants is absolutely none, provided that this substance will be used for its intended purpose. It does not taste, smell, does not belong to allergens and does not pollute the air with fumes. But one should be careful of those flower growers who have small children who constantly strive to try on the tooth all bright and attractive.
In addition to planting plants in the pots, hydrogel is used for aquarium plants , which looks very impressive. True it will be an aquarium with flora, and fauna representatives will not get along.
Instructions for the use of hydrogel for plants
Without certain knowledge, the use of hydrogel can damage plants. Therefore, the florist must know what steps it is necessary to pass an artificial substrate before he begins to feed the plant.
Before you start planting plants in the hydrogel or its mixture with the ground, this synthetic material must be saturated with moisture to a maximum. To do this, colorful balls or clear crystals are poured with water so that they are completely covered. Depending on the variety and diameter of the beads, four to twelve hours are required for swelling. In this case, the balls increase in size by almost a hundred times. After the hydrogel is saturated it is necessary to drain all excess water and start planting the plants.
In no case can you use a small, differently calibrated soft hydrogel without the addition of soil and sand, since in a solid mass, there will be no access to oxygen to the roots, and instead of good, we will get obvious damage to the plants. Since basically the root system is located in the flowerpot in the middle and lower parts, the crystals of the hydrogel are placed exactly there, previously having poured onto the bottom a layer of drainage.
For round granules, there is a rule - a vase with balls should be watered once every 7-10 days, and the remaining water after irrigation should be drained, because between the granules should remain space filled with air, and not water.
Which plants are put in the hydrogel?
In such a universal means as hydrogel (aquagrun), it is possible to plant absolutely all indoor plants. but, you should know that the flowers with a branched furry root system are more difficult to take care of, since the roots will have to be washed more often and thoroughly.
Beautifully, both small and large plants will look in vases with hydrogel. In addition, many people practice using colored balls in vases with cut flowers - they look great. But it is important that the container with aqua-grunt is not in a brightly lit place, since the balls in the light begin to turn green and eventually fade. The service life of the hydrogel pack is from three to five years.