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

Quote:

Originally Posted by fergus banana

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

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.

06-17-2009, 09:47 AM	#1 (permalink)
fergus banana fergus banana's Photo Gallery Location: Iowa City, Iowa Find me on the map! Zone: 5-6 Name: Jon Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 221 BananaBucks : 42,974 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 12 Times Was Thanked 50 Times in 26 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	hydroton and increased drainage/root aeration 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.

06-17-2009, 09:57 AM	#2 (permalink)
ewitte ewitte's Photo Gallery Location: Houston Zone: 9 Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 449 BananaBucks : 47,525 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 0 Times Was Thanked 194 Times in 107 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: hydroton and increased drainage/root aeration 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.

06-17-2009, 10:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
fergus banana fergus banana's Photo Gallery Location: Iowa City, Iowa Find me on the map! Zone: 5-6 Name: Jon Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 221 BananaBucks : 42,974 Feedback: 0 / 0% Said "Thanks" 12 Times Was Thanked 50 Times in 26 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 0 Times	Re: hydroton and increased drainage/root aeration 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.

06-17-2009, 12:23 PM	#5 (permalink)
Patty in Wisc tropical nut Patty in Wisc's Photo Gallery Zone: 5 Join Date: Sep 2006 Posts: 3,115 BananaBucks : 320,298 Feedback: 1 / 100% Said "Thanks" 2,946 Times Was Thanked 2,510 Times in 1,203 Posts Said "Welcome to Bananas" 69 Times	Re: hydroton and increased drainage/root aeration 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. __________________ Got a lite? Patty ____ Patty in Wisc has sadly passed away 9/05/11. We will miss you Patty.

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