Common Mediums Used in Hydroponics

The use of hydroponic technologies allows gardeners to grow supple plants any time of year and in any size space. Hydroponics essentially is the act of cycling water and nutrient solution through the roots of plants that are placed in medium. This growing medium is not soil, as in conventional gardening, but usually one of these common materials.

Coconut fiber

Coconut fiber is perhaps the most popular hydroponic-growing medium. It is a completely organic product made from the husks of coconuts. It has a high capacity for storing oxygen and has great water-retention properties. It also has a high content of root-stimulating hormones that protect against certain fungal and bacterial infections.

Perlite

Perlite is a staple of any gardener's tool shed and is also a popular medium for hydroponics. It is very inexpensive and has impressive moisture-wick properties, so it is ideal for wick-type hydroponic systems. One drawback is its poor water retention, so it can easily dry out if water is not constantly replenished. It is important to wear a mask when working with perlite, since fine particles can irritate the lungs.

Vermiculite

Vermiculite is another inexpensive and popular medium option. Some use it on its own, but most gardeners combine it with perlite. It is capable of retaining as much as 300 percent of its weight in water and takes a long period of time to dry. This can also cause problems, and care is needed to ensure a growing mixture does not suffocate plant roots.

Choosing the right growing medium is one of the keys to a successful hydroponic crop. Each medium has different properties that work well for one type of plant species or another. Often, a mixture of multiple mediums is right for most types of plants and allows hydroponic growers to custom-tailor their system to their needs.