Indoor water garden.
(Courtesy: hgtvgardens)
As cooler temperatures arrive, there is a great alternative that permits you to continue your passion indoors and offers a great hobby for the kids. It’s an Indoor Water Garden.
Added benefits are that this method of gardening is low maintenance as well as disease and pest resistant.
Growing Plants In Water
An indoor water garden often includes clippings from existing houseplants grown in bottles. Growing plants in water can be done in any style of receptacle that will hold water. Keep in mind that growing plants in this environment is a slower process than growing them in soil. Still, the indoor water garden remains lush for a long period of time.
Do not select containers that include any form of metal including forged copper, brass, and lead. Metals that react to fertilizer and water corrode and cause damage to plants. An ideal container is waterproof as well as dark or opaque to prevent the formation of algae.
Once you have the proper container, fill it three-quarters full with florist’s foam, crumbled Styrofoam, gravel, pearl chips, pebbles, sand, marbles, beads or any other similar material that is interesting to you. Add a bit of powdered charcoal. Small pieces of charcoal will also suffice. The charcoal keeps the water clear and clean smelling.
Next, take a water-soluble fertilizer and dilute it in water. Use one-quarter amount of fertilizer than the manufacturer recommends.
Plants That Grow Well In Water
Not every plant is ideal for a water garden. That’s because they are submerged in water all of the time. Cuttings are often the easiest to root in a water environment. However, you can also use rooted plants. Some plants to consider for this environment are:
• Chinese Evergreen
• Dumbcane
• English Ivy
• Philodendron
• Moses-in-a-Cradle
• Pothos
• Wax Plant
• Arrowhead
• Wandering Jew
The plant should be completely free of soil. So if the plant you select has come directly from soil, wash it off completely, including from the roots. In addition, cut off any decayed or dead leaves or stems.
You may have to top off the water/fertilizer solution occasionally because it may disintegrate. It is suggested that you replace the nutrients solution every four to six weeks.
(Source: gardeningknowhow.com)
