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Step 9: Plant Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Video #1 General Maintenance and checklist what to check when things go wrong.
Video #2- Everything you need to know about discovering and preventing a bug infestation
Video #3 Why are my plants growing slow? answer in this video
Video #4 My plants leaves are discolored, growing slow? This could be why...
Video #5 When to trim your roots and how.
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What to do if you have bug infestation and how to prevent one from happening
Performing weekly maintenance on your hydroponic system is crucial to the overall health and productivity of your plants.
This is why we recommend performing these general maintenance tasks at least once a week.
Here are the steps you should take:
Video #1
General Maintenance and checklist what to check when things go wrong.
Video #2
Everything you need to know about discovering and preventing a bug infestation
When indoor garden plants are affected by pests, there are several signs to look out for that may indicate an infestation.
These signs include:
Here are the most common pest;
Aphid infestation can cause various signs in indoor garden plants.
The most common signs of an aphid infestation include curled or distorted leaves, yellow or brown spots on leaves, stunted growth, and the presence of sticky honeydew residue on the leaves or surrounding surfaces.
Aphids themselves may also be visible on the plant, typically found on the undersides of leaves or in the joints of the plant.
In some cases, ants may also be present, as they are attracted to the sweet honeydew excreted by the aphids.
Root Trimming
In a hydroponic system, trimming the root system of your plants can be necessary for several reasons.
Over time, roots can become too long and begin to clog the system, causing water flow issues and inhibiting nutrient absorption.
Trimming the roots can help to prevent these issues, and ensure that your plants are getting the proper amounts of water and nutrients.
So, when is the best time to trim the roots of your hydroponic plants?
The ideal time to trim roots is during the vegetative phase of growth, when your plants are actively growing but have not yet begun to flower.
It's important to be gentle when trimming roots, as cutting too much can cause stress to the plant, and affect its overall health and productivity.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to trim the roots of your plants in a hydroponic system:
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Video #5
When to trim your roots and how.
Video #4
My plants leaves are discolored, growing slow? This could be why...
Video #3
Why are my plants growing slow?
answer in this video
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If you suspect a pest infestation in your indoor garden, here are four things you can do to remove the pests:
Identify the pest: Before taking any action, it is important to identify the type of pest that is affecting your plants. This will help you determine the best course of action for removal.
Isolate affected plants: If you have identified a pest infestation, it is important to isolate the affected plants to prevent the spread of the infestation to other plants in your indoor garden.
Remove pests manually: For small infestations, you can remove the pests manually by picking them off the plant or using a soft-bristled brush to gently brush them away.
Use organic pest control methods: There are several organic pest control methods you can use to remove pests from your indoor garden, such as using insecticidal soap, neem oil, or introducing natural predators such as ladybugs. Avoid using harsh chemical pesticides, as these can be harmful to both your plants and the environment.
Aphids
There are several ways to get rid of aphids in an indoor garden, but two effective methods are:
Using insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a safe and natural way to control aphids. It works by breaking down the protective outer layer of the aphids, causing them to dehydrate and die. Simply spray the affected plant with a solution of insecticidal soap and water, making sure to thoroughly coat the leaves and stems. Repeat the treatment every few days until the aphids are gone.
Using neem oil: Neem oil is another natural remedy that can be effective against aphids. It contains compounds that repel and kill the insects, while also disrupting their breeding and feeding cycles. Mix a few drops of neem oil with water and spray it onto the affected plant. Reapply the treatment every week until the aphids are eliminated
A spider mite infestation typically appears as tiny, reddish-brown or greenish-yellow insects on the undersides of leaves, along with small webs or silk threads.
They are so small that they may not be visible to the naked eye, but their damage is noticeable.
Spider mites feed by piercing the leaves and sucking out the sap, which can cause the leaves to become speckled or stippled with yellow or white spots, and eventually dry up and fall off.
The plants may also appear stunted or distorted, and their growth may be slowed or stopped altogether.
Additionally, spider mites can reproduce rapidly and spread quickly, making it important to address the infestation as soon as possible.
Spider Mites
Some of the best ways to quickly get rid of a spider mite infestation are:
Use a miticide: Miticides are insecticides specifically designed to kill mites. There are many miticides available in the market that are effective against spider mites. Be sure to follow the instructions carefully when using any pesticide.
Horticultural oil: This is an oil-based product that is sprayed on the plant and the spider mites. The oil suffocates the spider mites and their eggs, killing them off. Horticultural oil is readily available at garden centers and can be mixed with water and applied using a spray bottle.
Insecticidal soap: This is a soap-based product that works by breaking down the spider mites' outer protective layer, causing them to dehydrate and die. It is sprayed on the plant and spider mites, and it is important to thoroughly cover all parts of the plant where spider mites are present. Insecticidal soap is also available at garden centers and can be mixed with water and applied using a spray bottle.
Homemade garlic spray: Crush a few cloves of garlic and soak them in water overnight. Strain the garlic water and add a few drops of dish soap. Spray this mixture on the affected plants.
Essential oils: Some essential oils, such as peppermint, rosemary, and thyme, have insecticidal properties that can control spider mites. Dilute the essential oil with water and spray it on the affected plants.
It's important to note that natural remedies may not be as effective as chemical pesticides, and may need to be applied more frequently.
Additionally, it's always a good idea to test the remedy on a small area of the plant before applying it to the entire plant to ensure that it won't cause any damage.
Are you finding that your plants are growing extremely slow or not at all?
If this is the case there could be a few things causing this.
We listed 7 reasons below of why your plants could be growing slow. Go through them and see what might be causing you slow growth
Why are my plants growing slow?
Cold water can slow down root growth, inhibit nutrient uptake, and make the plants more susceptible to diseases and pests. One visible sign that your plants are suffering from cold water is stunted growth. The leaves may also turn yellow or brown, and the plant may appear weak or wilted. In extreme cases, the roots may even die off.
Ideally, the water temperature should be between 65-75°F (18-24°C) for most plants, although some plants may require slightly higher or lower temperatures.pH imbalance: pH is important for the absorption of nutrients by plants. If the pH of your nutrient solution is too high or too low, it can cause nutrient lockout, which can slow down plant growth. Check the pH of your solution and adjust it as needed.
Nutrient deficiency: If your plants are not receiving the right nutrients in the right quantities, they may grow slowly or even stop growing altogether. Make sure you are providing your plants with the proper balance of nutrients for their growth stage.
Temperature: Plants have an optimal temperature range for growth. If the temperature in your growing area is too low or too high, it can slow down plant growth. Make sure your growing area is within the appropriate temperature range for your plants.
Light: Plants need sufficient light to grow. If your plants are not getting enough light, they may grow slowly. Make sure your plants are getting enough light 16-18 hours on and 8-6 hours off
Watering: Overwatering or underwatering can stress plants and slow down their growth. Make sure water is flowing and not stagnant. Make sure there is water in the trays
Check your plants for any signs of pests or diseases and take action to address them if needed.
By addressing any of these issues, you may be able to help your hydroponic plants grow faster and healthier.
Thrips are tiny, slender insects, usually less than 1/16 inch in length, that can be difficult to see with the naked eye.
They are usually light colored, ranging from yellow to brown or black. Thrip damage can appear as silvery or discolored spots on leaves, as well as streaks or scars on the plant surface.
They can also cause leaves to curl or deform, and flowers to become distorted or fail to develop properly. Thrips feed by puncturing the plant tissue and sucking out the sap, which can lead to stunted growth and reduced yields. Thrips also have the potential to spread viruses and other diseases between plants.
Thrips
Here are some ways to get rid of thrip infestations:
Sticky traps: Use sticky traps to capture thrips. These traps work by attracting the pests with a scent or color, and then trapping them on a sticky surface. Place the traps around the infested plants to capture as many thrips as possible.
Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap can be used to control thrips by suffocating them. Mix the soap with water according to the instructions on the label, then spray the solution directly onto the plants. Repeat the treatment every few days until the infestation is gone.
Neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to control thrips. Mix the oil with water according to the instructions on the label, then spray the solution directly onto the plants. Neem oil can also be used as a preventative measure to keep thrips away.
Beneficial insects: Release beneficial insects, such as predatory mites or lacewings, into your indoor garden to feed on thrips. These insects can help to control the thrip population and prevent future infestations.
It's important to note that getting rid of thrips can take time and persistence, so it's best to start treatment as soon as possible and continue until the infestation is completely gone.
Plants are exhibiting Slow growth, discolored leaves and/or wilting what do I do?
You are going to want to check the pH of your water.
Discolored leaves: If the pH is too high or too low, the leaves of your plants may begin to turn yellow or brown. This is because the plant is not able to properly absorb the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Slow growth: When the pH is not within the appropriate range, your plants may grow more slowly or not at all. This is because the plant is not able to absorb the nutrients it needs to support healthy growth.
Wilting: If the pH is too high or too low, your plants may begin to wilt or droop. This is because the plant is not able to take up enough water and nutrients to support healthy growth.
You can fix the pH of your hydroponic system in the short term, by using pH-up or pH-down solutions that are specifically designed for hydroponic systems. These solutions can be added to the water to adjust the pH level.
However, it's important to identify and address the underlying cause of the pH imbalance for long-term pH maintenance. Here are some steps you can take:
Monitor the root zone: pH imbalances can affect the health of your plants' roots. Make sure to monitor the root zone for any signs of damage or discoloration.
Consider the water source: If you are consistently having issues with pH balance, it may be worth considering the quality of your water source. Some water sources can have high or low pH levels, which can affect your hydroponic system. You may need to use a water treatment system to adjust the pH of your water before adding it to your system.
Make sure there is water flow
Prepare your tools: You will need a pair of clean, sharp scissors or pruners, as well as some rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide to sterilize your tools.
Remove the Planting cup from the system: Before trimming the roots, make sure to gently remove the plant and planting cup from the system.
Identify the roots to trim: Look for roots that are too long, or that appear to be clogging the system. Only trim the roots that are necessary, and leave at least 3 inches of healthy roots to ensure your plant can continue to absorb nutrients.
Trim the roots: Gently snip the roots you've identified as needing trimming, being careful not to cut too much.
Gently Place plant back into the system: Once you've finished trimming the roots, gently place them back into the system
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