Log in

View Full Version : hydroton and increased drainage/root aeration


fergus banana
06-17-2009, 09:47 AM
hello,
would it be worth it to mix hydroton with soil to improve drainage and increase root aeration? i know hydroton is usually stand alone in hydroponic systems, but i dont think it would provide enough support when the banana gets bigger. any idears on this one? also, does planting in hydroton in itself conducive to root rot? because i tried planting my dwarve cavendish in a hydroponic unit with hydroton and nearly killed the poor guy - roots got all black and mushy. thanks.

ps. i just fell like soil on its own is so "primitive" for growing.

ewitte
06-17-2009, 09:57 AM
My hydroponic raja puri roots do get black and die but at about the same rate new ones pop up. Its been hydroponic for a year and is even bigger than the mom is currently.

fergus banana
06-17-2009, 10:10 AM
ok,
i just read up a bit on this topic and there doesnt seem to be any real point in mixing hydroton and soil. many people do recommend mixing with perlite, though. i think this is what i will use when i re-pot.

Richard
06-17-2009, 11:48 AM
ok,
i just read up a bit on this topic and there doesnt seem to be any real point in mixing hydroton and soil. many people do recommend mixing with perlite, though. i think this is what i will use when i re-pot.

Perlite is great for short-term (1-2 year) plantings. Check out the info here: PTP_2009_03_Pot_Culture (http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/column/PTP_2009_03_Pot_Culture.htm)

Patty in Wisc
06-17-2009, 12:23 PM
Perlite works great for airation. I mix in more at the bottom as it likes to float upward, & it lasts a long time. Coconut husk chips are good too.