Soilless Growing Mediums

When growing marijuana in hydroponics you will need to find the proper soilless growing medium that suites your garden best. The growing mediums provide support for the root system, as well as hold and make available oxygen, water, and nutrients. Texture, pH, and nutrient content, which is measured in EC (electrical conductivity) are the three things that contribute to cannabis roots’ ability to grow in a substrate.

Hydroponic Growing Mediums

There are many different types of mediums to choose from when growing in hydroponics. The texture of any substrate is governed by the size and physical structure of the particles that make it up. Growing mediums the consist of large particles permit good aeration and drainage. Irregular shaped mediums such as perlite and some expanded clays have more surface area and hold more water than round soilless mediums. Always stay away from sharp-edged, crushed gravel as it will cut into the root system.
Fibrous materials like vermiculite , peat moss, rockwool, and coconut coir retain large amounts of moisture within their cells. These are perfect for passive hydroponic systems that operate via capillary action.

Types of Soilless Growing Mediums for Hydroponics

These are the different mediums to use when growing in hydroponics using soilless mediums. Click on each growing medium to learn more about it.

Air

Coconut Fiber

Expanded Clay

Expanded Mica

Foam

Gravel

Pumice

Peat moss

Perlite

Rockwool

Sand

Sawdust

Vermiculite

Water

Sterilizing Growing Mediums

In order to reuse your soilless growing medium, it must be sterilized to remove pests and diseases. Sterilizing is much less expensive than replacing the growing medium. When sterilizing your medium make sure to remember that sterilizing ridgid growing mediums works best, like gravel, expanded clay and mica. Do not sterilize mediums that lose their shape and structure like rockwool, coconut coir, peat moss, perlite and vermiculite. Once the growing medium has been sterilized, the medium is free of harmful microorganisms including bacteria and fungi, plus pests and their eggs. Growing marijuana in hydroponics can be costly if you are not cautious with cleaning and sterilizing your soilless growing medium.