Orchids
Widely considered one of the most beautiful species of flowers in existence , orchids are a favorite with many gardeners due to their beautiful colors , thick-woody roots , and sheer variety . There are about 30,000 species of orchid in existence , making them the world ’ s most extensive family of plants . Orchids are ideal for raising in hydroponic systems , as many of them grow hydroponically in their natural environments . Native to tropical climates , orchids latch on between rocks or onto tree bark . They receive adequate watering from the rain , oxygen from the air , and get nutrition from any rotting organic matter in their immediate surroundings . When growing in a hydroponic system at home , use media such as clay pebbles that allow maximum aeration of the root zone . Orchids need high humidity levels , good air circulation , temperatures between 60-80 ° F , and a pH range of 5.5-6.5 . Orchids take in more water when under strong grow lamps , so use a 400W HPS lamp or equivalent LED .
Coleus
Coleus is an annual or perennial native to Indonesia . It is part of the mint family and is grown as an ornamental plant . There are many types of coleus plants with velvety foliage and beautiful hues of purply-pinks , golds , burgundy , and bronzes . Coleus grows low to the ground and thrives best in lower light conditions making it an ideal houseplant for rooms with little natural light . The leaves ’ colors are brighter when kept out of the sun with exposure to direct sunlight , causing the leaves to become dull over time . To get your coleus to thrive in a hydroponic environment , you need to think about light . Perfect conditions are bright but not intense morning sunlight and indirect light in the afternoons . The perfect temperature range for coleus is 60-75 ° F . Blooms on a coleus should be removed as they appear since they draw energy from the foliage and cause the plant to go to seed and die .
Native in origin to rocky landscapes of Europe , the U . S ., and North Africa , snapdragons are short-lived perennials and vary in size from six to 48 inches . They are classified into three ranges — dwarf , medium , and tall . Make sure you pick a variety that will fit in your system . If you have chosen a taller variety , you can transfer it to a pot or the garden once the roots are well established to allow the plant to reach its full potential . Snapdragons love the warmth and need full sun and occasional shade . They thrive in slightly higher pH conditions of 6.2-7.0 .
They “ are an interesting plant
for children and make an excellent choice for introducing the younger generation to gardening and plant care .”
Snapdragons
Antirrhinum , or , as they are better known , snapdragons , are an attractive flower that comes in various colors from yellows to pinks , reds and purples . The name snapdragon comes from the flower ’ s resemblance to a dragon whose mouth opens and closes when the flower is squeezed . Due to this attribute , they are an interesting plant for children and make an excellent choice for introducing the younger generation to gardening and plant care .
40 Maximum Yield