Using nutrient-rich water instead of soil, hydroponics allows succulent plants to grow in water without soil. This method has numerous benefits over traditional soil-based gardening, which has been around for centuries. Succulents, one of the trendiest indoor plants, can also be grown using this method!

In this blog, we'll delve into the world of succulent hydroponics and provide a step-by-step guide on how to get started.

What is Hydroponics?

Growing plants in hydroponics do not require soil and have been around for a long time. Rather than using soil to grow the plants, they grow in nutrient-rich water solutions that provide them with all the necessary nutrients. 

The Charm of Succulent Hydroponics

Space-saving

One of the most significant advantages of hydroponic gardening is the ability to grow a wide variety of plants indoors, making it perfect for those who live in apartments or have limited outdoor space. Succulent plant hydroponics is especially beneficial for those looking for a unique and low-maintenance way to grow these popular indoor plants.

No Need For Soil 

Furthermore, hydroponic gardening eliminates the need for succulent soil, a messy and challenging process. With hydroponics, you can grow your succulents in a clean and controlled environment, free from soil-borne pests and diseases.

Control Over The Growing Environment

The charm of succulent hydroponics is not limited to its ability to grow various succulent plants indoor; it also offers several other advantages over traditional soil-based gardening. One of the most significant benefits of hydroponics is control over the growing environment. With hydroponics, you can precisely control the amount of light, water, and nutrients your succulents receive, allowing you to optimize growth and productivity. This level of control also makes it easier to detect and fix any issues that may arise, ensuring that your plants stay healthy and happy.

Reduced Water Usage 

Another advantage of growing succulents in water is reduced water usage. Traditional soil-based succulents and cactus can be wasteful, as much water is lost due to evaporation or runoff. The water is recirculated and reused in hydroponic systems, making it an environmentally-friendly option. In addition, hydroponics eliminates the need for pesticides and herbicides, making it a more environmentally friendly gardening method.

Year-round Growing 

Can you grow a succulent in just water? Sure, hydroponic gardening offers year-round growing, regardless of the climate. With hydroponics, you can grow many succulent types indoors, free from the constraints of the weather and seasonal changes. This means you can enjoy fresh produce and beautiful indoor succulents all year, even in harsh climates.

How to Get Start to Grow Succulents in Water?

Getting started with succulent hydroponics is relatively straightforward. You'll need a hydroponic system, which can be purchased online or at a local garden center. Many types of hydroponic systems are available, but the water culture system is the most popular type for succulent hydroponics. This system is easy to set up and maintain, making it an excellent choice for beginner gardeners.

Overall, to grow succulents in water, you will need the following:

• ● A healthy succulent plant with a stem that is at least 4 inches long. Echeverias, Sedums, Graptopetalums, Crassulas, Aloes, and Haworthias are recommended to grow in water for succulent beginners.

• ● A clear glass or vase filled with distilled water.

• ● A little patience, as it may take several weeks for roots to form and for your succulents to adapt to their new environment.

• ● Optional: liquid fertilizer, which can be added to the water every few weeks to provide nutrients to your succulent.

Using pure, unchlorinated water to prevent any damage to your succulent plants is crucial. If your tap water is chlorinated, you can easily remove the chlorine by letting the water sit out overnight or using a de-chlorinator.

Sustaining Healthy Plants: Tips for Long-Term Maintenance After Rooting

Once your succulents are rooted in their hydroponic system, proper maintenance is critical to their long-term success. In addition to regularly monitoring your system's water and nutrient levels and checking for any signs of stress or disease in your plants, you need to provide the best-growing conditions and proper watering techniques for your hydroponic succulents.

Ideal Growing Conditions

Succulent hydroponics require specific growing conditions to thrive. Ensure that the temperature in your grow space remains between 60-80°F. Bright, indirect sunlight is the best for your succulent hydroponics, so you can place them near sunny windows or use artificial grow lights. The optimal humidity range for succulent hydroponics is between 40-60%. Click here to learn how humidity affects succulents.

Proper Watering Techniques

Succulents are known for their water retention capabilities, but that doesn't mean you should overwater them. Watering once a week is recommended for hydroponic succulents. It's essential to use distilled water or reverse osmosis water for hydroponic succulents as tap water often contains high levels of minerals and chemicals that can damage the plants.

Nutrient Solution

To maintain the health of your succulents, it's essential to use a high-quality hydroponic nutrient solution specifically formulated for succulents. These nutrient solutions are widely available at garden centers and online. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on the amount and frequency of nutrient solution to use.

Pruning

Pruning your succulents regularly promotes bushier growth and keeps them healthy. Snip off any leggy or yellowing growth, and your succulents will respond by producing new, healthy growth.

Pest Control

As with any gardening, it's essential to check your hydroponic succulents regularly for signs of pests, such as spider mites or mealybugs. If you notice any pests, treat them promptly to prevent them from spreading to other plants.

Transplanting succulents from Hydroponics

Can hydroponically grow succulents be transplanted into soil? Yes, it is possible, but it can be challenging for beginners. Here are the steps you can follow:

• 1. Wait until the roots have grown to at least 4 cm before transplanting the succulent into the soil.

• 2. Remove the succulent from the water and let it dry for a few hours. This will help to prevent the rotting of the roots once they come into contact with soil.

• 3. Choose a well-draining soil mixture, we highly recommend using the gritty mix such as maifanitum Stones. 

• 4. Gently loosen the roots of the succulent, removing any dead or damaged roots.

• 5. Place the succulent into the soil, making sure it's planted at the same depth as it was in the water.

• 6. Water the succulent lightly, being careful not to overwater it.

• 7. Place the newly transplanted succulent in a bright, indirect light location for a few days before gradually moving it into direct sunlight.

• 8. You can also increase the cactus potting soil to the original gritty mix to feed the succulent as it continues to grow.

Tips:

● Choose the correct type of hydroponic system for your succulents, such as a water culture system.

● Use pure, unchlorinated water to prevent any damage to your succulent plants.

● Regularly monitor water and nutrient levels in your hydroponic system.

● Use a high-quality hydroponic nutrient solution specifically formulated for succulents.

● Provide adequate lighting for your succulents near a sunny window or under artificial grow lights.

● Clean your hydroponic system regularly to prevent the buildup of algae, bacteria, and mineral deposits. Use a mild solution of hydrogen peroxide or bleach to disinfect your system, and rinse thoroughly with water.

Following these simple tips ensures that your hydroponic succulents remain healthy and thriving for many years. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, succulent hydroponics is a fun and rewarding hobby that offers numerous benefits over traditional soil-based gardening. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a beginner, hydroponics is a great way to grow beautiful succulents indoors, free from soil-borne pests and diseases. With the proper care and maintenance, your succulents will thrive and bring joy to your home for years to come. So why not give succulent hydroponics a try and start growing these fantastic plants today!