WATER

Water is the essential factor for all life on earth. In plants, water is used to transport nutrients and their assimilation by the roots. Therefore, indoors, optimized water control leads to significant results in terms of liveliness and production.
In the vast majority of cultures, the water used is that of the tap, which, depending on the proximity of the waterworks, the use of a general water softener or the quality of the domestic plumbing system, is more or less "good". Thus, the simple fact of taking the water from your garden and letting it settle for 24 to 48 hours in a reservoir in the open air and away from the light will allow the water to release chlorine, a chemical element that is harmful to plants (high concentrations of chlorine can lead to deficiencies in potassium, calcium and magnesium) and whose rate has increased in recent years to fight against possible terrorist attacks by water. In addition, the use of a water filter is useful but not totally effective because the solids dissolved in the water are not retained, only the particles in emulsion. Only the installation of a reverse osmosisthe only way to guarantee pure water is to install a water filter, which is made up of semi-permeable polymer membranes that retain any impurities in the water that passes through it.

FERTILIZER

Nutrients, provided by water, are essential elements for the life of plants. A nutritional contribution precisely dosed by the horticulturist allows fast-growing plants to reach their full potential, offering much heavier and better quality harvests. In the majority of crops, tap water is used, which is more or less "good"

More efficient fertilizers: Let the water settle in a tank (24H-48H), filter the water to remove impurities, and for an even purer water, use a reverse osmosis machine.

Culture Indoor advises you to use its flagship range Platinium Nutrients , but also offers you the best brands on the market Canna Plagron, Biobizz, Advanced Nutrients general Hydroponics, BioNova, The Growth Technology pachamama de Vaalserberg Garden, Vaalserberg Garden, Ecolizer Earth ,420 Hydroponics..

Each fertilizer is generalist or specialized. Be careful, some are made only for growth, others for flowering and others for passive hydroponics. Culture Indoor has classified its fertilizers so that you can use exactly what your plant needs.

N P K

engrais

Just as humans need calcium (bones), iron (red blood cells) and potassium (heart), plants need nutrients.

Basic fertilizers are all composed of three macro-nutrients: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K).
Nitrogen is a chemical molecule that ensures plant growth, is involved in the production of proteins and thus directly influences the plant's metabolism. Without nitrogen, there are no strong plants. Nitrogen makes plants strong and healthy.

Phosphorus stimulates the root system of the plant and increases flowering and fruiting. Phosphorus moves energy. Phosphorus promotes photosynthesis. It is responsible for storing and moving energy throughout the plant.

As for potassium, this last major macro-nutrient guarantees a better circulation of water and nutrients, and a progressive release of its two sources of energy, through the whole plant, from the roots to the tops. It also strengthens the walls of the molecules to make them more resistant. Potassium helps plants to control and use water efficiently.

Totally or partially, fertilizers or complementary fertilizers, additives, provide three essential macro-nutrients and other multiple secondary micro-nutrients. Such as magnesium, calcium, boron, zinc, iron, manganese, sulfur, etc... But deserving nevertheless all the attention of the demanding cultivator.

The pH

The pH or hydrogen potential is essential to control in soil or hydroponic culture. When regulated, it optimizes the assimilation of nutrients by the roots.
To manage the pH of a nutrient solution while taking into account the slight acidity of the fertilizers and additives used, a pH meter and regulating solutions are needed (see "Controls" section).
On a soil culture, the irrigation water is established on pH values from 6.2 to 6.4 in growth and from 6.6 to 7.0 in bloom. On a hydroponic medium, the pH of the water should be between 5.6 and 6.4 during growth and between 6.0 and 6.5 during flowering.

To control the pH, use a pH tester.

THE EC

Essential to master in hydroponics, the EC (Electro-conductivity) represents the concentration of mineral salts dissolved in water. The minerals present in fertilizers emit an electric current that the EC meter quantifies (see "Controls" section). As the nutrient requirements of plants increase, the EC level increases proportionally. Generally, EC measurements range from 0.8 to 1.4 during the vegetative stage, and from 1.4 to 1.6 during pre-flowering to 1.6 to 2.2 (peaking at 2.6) as the plants develop. In addition, the acceleration of plant metabolism requires a corresponding monitoring of EC values.

In soil, testing the EC of the water that has passed through the pots is interesting to prevent a possible excess of nutritive salts, accumulated around the roots due to a bad drainage. If this is the case, the soil should be rinsed with pH-adjusted water, or with an enzymatic solution (living bacteria that decompose dead roots and nutritive salts to make them available to the roots), or with osmosis water. Temperature The temperature of the water should be between 18°C and 20°C, whatever the substrate.

Keeping the temperature below 21°C avoids the development of pathogenic fungi on the roots (yellowing, brittleness, development of a slimy and odorous form of slime...). Above 24°C, the water becomes depleted of oxygen, causing a degradation of the roots and mineral salts in the fertilizers.

For EC control use a eC tester.

Grow = Growth

Promotes growth and structural development of the plant, as well as vigorous rooting. It prepares for a beautiful bloom. Consult our Growth tips.

Bloom = Flowering

Provides the plant with everything it needs for abundant flowering and fruiting. It also allows you to make the most of your plants' genetics. Consult our Flowering advice.

to know :

The nutritive solution should be renewed at most every two weeks, and more often when the plants are large. The best prevention is to renew frequently and rinse the support with pure water between two solutions. It is necessary to check every day the EC (in the tank, the support and the drained solution) acceptable value of EC: 0,75 to 2 ms check that the ph of the water is well included between 5,5 and 6,5 before adding the fertilizer.

REMINDER :

N = Nitrogen / P = Phosphorus / K = Potassium

Essential components for your plants

Nitrogen (N)

Fast growing plants require large amounts of nitrogen. It is mainly responsible for the growth of the plant. Nitrogen is able to move from one part of the plant to another according to its needs. A nitrogen deficiency results in a slowed growth, the symptoms appear first on the leaves at the bottom of the plant which turn yellow before falling. These symptoms then spread to the rest of the plant. The stem and veins of the leaves may turn purplish red. Nitrate is a form of nitrogen used in hydroponics for its slow absorption. Think of reducing the contributions during the bloom because it alters the taste of the harvest.

Phosphorus (P)

Phosphorus is necessary for photosynthesis and energy transfer within the plant. Fast growing plants need more phosphorus during germination, sowing, cutting and flowering. A lack of phosphorus slows growth, leaves are smaller, bluish and often spotted. The main veins turn purplish red on the inner side of the leaves. Phosphorus deficiency is common when the pH of the growing medium is above 7 or below 5.8.

Calcium (CA)

Fundamental to the synthesis and growth of cells. A calcium deficiency, not very common indoors (usually caused by high humidity or dense production) prevents the maintenance of cell walls. The plant, more sensitive, appears "soft" and its young leaves wilt.

IRON (Fe)

Fundamental to enzymatic systems and to the transport of electrons during photosynthesis. A catalyst for chlorophyll production, iron is necessary for the reduction and assimilation of nitrates and sulfates. Iron deficiencies are common when the pH is above 6.5. Symptoms appear on the smallest leaves which turn yellow between the veins which remain green.

Magnesium (MG)

Magnesium, an indispensable element, is the central molecule of chlorophyll, which transforms light energy into chemical energy. A magnesium deficiency manifests itself by chlorosis (slight discoloration between the veins of old leaves), rust spots and early leaf drop. An excess of magnesium disrupts growth and leaves remain small.

Potassium (K)

Potash improves flower color and fruit flavor, giving plants better resistance to pests, diseases and weather. A deficiency results in yellowing of the older leaves starting at the tip. The plants are more sensitive and the stems brittle, rust-colored spots appear on the leaves.

Enzymes

Enzymes act as a gas pedal (catalyst) for a whole series of biochemical processes in the plant. They convert carbohydrates into alcohol in seconds, as opposed to several weeks under normal circumstances. The enzymes improve the water retention capacity and the aeration of the substrate, which remains clean, free of excess elements (this is important in case of reuse). Dead parts such as roots decompose faster, releasing many nutrients that focus on protecting against pathogens. The root system is more efficient.

Soil fertilizers

Some are organic and adapted to organic farming, others are mineral and adapted to drip irrigation.

Coconut fertilizer

Mineral fertilizers. They must be fluid, perfectly soluble, 100% assimilable and without residues.

Hydroponic fertilizers

Mineral fertilizers. They must be fluid, perfectly soluble, 100% assimilable and without residues.

Export

The product is only available outside the French territory.

Technical info :

The assimilation of nutrients depends on the pH. The safety zone is between 5.8 and 6.8. To prevent acidification of the nutrient solution, use water with a pH higher than 6.

PLANT DEFICIENCIES

Deficiencies in indoor cultivation usually occur as a result of the depletion of a growing medium which is depleted by repeated use. To avoid deficiencies, you can change the substrate with each new culture. Also think at the end of each culture, to sterilize your pots with bleach, and to rinse them well.

A deficiency must be well identified to be treated;

Some deficiencies are not visible if the deficiency stage is not reached.

If you do not treat the disease, the plant may become sick because it is weakened, so it is important to react when you diagnose a deficiency.

Culture Indoor suggests you to consult the Guide to deficiencies

INSECTS AND PLANT DISEASES

It sometimes happens that in spite of all the care that you bring to your plants, they still die. Indeed sometimes the cause is external and known by many growers: pests and fungi. To know everything about the diseases and insects that harm your crops, follow the anti-pests guide.

Tips - Fertilizers and Water