How To Grow Succulents In Semi-Hydroponics

Hi everyone, Succulents Box here again and today we will talk about how a semi-hydroponic setup will make watering your succulents much simpler and as well as guide you on how you can set it up. First, what is semi-hydroponic? Semi-hydroponics is a well-known practice of raising plants without soil and it offers a lot of benefits to your succulents like sustainability, a strong root system, and fewer pests. This is because there's always available moisture and a food source for your succulents in a semi-hydroponic, which is also why some grow faster in this kind of setup. Though, conditioning your succulents to a semi-hydroponic system would take more steps than the traditional way of gardening. It is not that difficult nor expensive at all. In fact, it only takes a few steps to complete the process, but first you have to, one, find an appropriate container. For this one, most prefer to use a plastic container as they are not only inexpensive but also efficient and easy to drill holes. Plus, they come with a lid which can be used to maintain higher humidity. Number two, drill holes. Instead of the usual drainage holes that we are all used to, which are the base of the container, you'll need to drill two holes into the sides of your vessel. This is to create a reservoir in the bottom that wicks fertilized solution through the growing medium to roots. Make sure to drill the holes at least one and a half to two inches high from the bottom of your container. Number three, your growing medium. Lightweight expanded clay aggregates or what we call LECA are the most common medium used for this type of setup. They are porous and will wick water from the reservoir in the bottom upwards to the roots. Plus, it promotes sustainability, a strong root system, fewer pets, and good plant growth. But before using your LECA pellets on your succulents, you'll have to rinse them first with clean water. Do this until you no longer see any orangish particles coming off them. Next, soak the pellets in fresh water for about 30 minutes, then rinse them again for the last time. After that, you can put your LECA pellets into your container until it's three quarters full. Once you have prepared everything you need, you can now start transplanting your succulents. Now, this is the most challenging part of the process. Step one, gently take your succulent out of its current container. Make sure not to break off or damage any roots. Step two, use your fingers, gently remove as much of the potting soil as possible from the roots. Step three, after removing the majority of the growing medium, rinse it lightly by putting it under a faucet to remove any of the remaining soil. Then lastly, place your succulents in a new container and add more LECA around the roots until it's full. Make sure to fill any gaps by shaking the container periodically for the pellets to settle. After transplanting your succulents, the next and final step is to cut a hole in your container's lid using a pair of scissors or a box cutter. This will promote higher humidity levels within the container and at the same time prevent the water from evaporating quickly. Now that you are a semi-hydropodic setup, watering your succulents has become so much simpler. Generally, depending on the ambient humidity and heat in your area, you will have to water your succulents at least once every one to two weeks. Every time the container is dry, set it in the sink or bathtub and rapidly fill the container using a fertilizer solution diluted to one quarter to one half of the recommended strength until it reaches the top. This will saturate the medium and refill the reservoir as the solution drains out to the level of the drain holes. Flush the LECA pellets with clean water every four weeks to rinse out any accumulated salts before adding any fertilizer solution. Place your semi-hydroponic succulent indoor in a spot that gets adequate light, like near a windowsill. You can also put them outside your house without a worry. Even if it rains, though it may change the fertilizer solution's actual concentration a bit, this is okay as it will eventually drain out in the drainage holes. And that's it for today's video. Hope you guys enjoyed and found something new. We'll see you all again next time. For more, you can find us at succulentsbox.com or on YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.