Grow mediums are the soil substitute used in the Hydroponic grow system. The grow medium is what supports your plant and roots and helps absorb the solution and keep the plants moisturized if the pump fails.
Grow media are measured by how absorbent they are and how porous they are to allow oxygen in. Some of the examples of grow media are:
- Coconut Coir
Coconut Coir or Coco Peat is an organic material from coconut shell husks. This byproduct of the coconut industry is widely used in Hydroponics because of its hormone rich and fungal free nature.
- Expanded Clay Pellets
Expanded clay pellets are small marble shaped balls created by heating the clays until they expand into small round pellets. These pellets are reusable and are a neutral pH medium.
- Perlite
Perlite has been widely used to add aeration to the soil by traditional gardeners for so long. But this material is also one of the common medium choices in Hydroponics as well. Perlites are most sorted due to its high oxygen retention capability and lightweight.
- Rockwool
Rockwool is a versatile inert growing medium which can be used as a standalone material and many types of Hydroponics system, especially recirculating types. Rockwool retains water to a greater extent, and is easy to dispose of.
- Starter Plugs
Starter plugs are made from organic materials like peat moss and other bio-adhesive matters. This material is perfect for seed germination and plant propagation. It’s very easy to transplant to a hydroponic system.