The photograph, below right, shows a typical office plant arrangement growing in clay pebbles and perlite, as opposed to soil.
This is hydroculture; a simple, easier and more reliable way of growing plants indoors promoting growth of a healthier plant in mediums other than soil. It is suitable for almost all types of plant. Once set up, plants only need watering when the level of water in a reservoir, which is inserted into the pot, falls to a specific height. Special hydroculture nutrients need to be added to the reservoir every six months. Simple, easy and healthier growing habits.
Using an alternative growing medium to soil such as perlite or clay pebbles, that acts as an anchor for the roots of the plant, a nutrient solution is supplied to the potted plant periodically, usually by hand. The solution is stored in a reservoir inside the pot to be used by the plant as needed. The medium draws the nutrient solution upwards by capillary action and maintains a constantly moist environment around the roots. Although the medium will always be moist, it will retain a lot of air spaces around the roots. It is this combination of constant moisture, constantly available nutrients and high levels of air supply that make up the perfect root zone for optimum plant growth. Suitable alternatives to soil would be perlite, clay pebbles, coco coir or tuff.
Soil
As well as plants, some trees can also be planted in our pots using soil. Drainage holes need to be pre-drilled or a drainage tap can be fitted.
For convenience, the base level inside the pots can be raised using polystyrene, to avoid having to use excessive amounts of soil or other planting alternatives.
