Despite what some people think, flowers can indeed be grown hydroponically. This modern method of cultivation isn’t limited to vegetables and herbs; it can extend to a variety of flowers, both edible and ornamental. Whether you’re looking to create a vibrant pollinator garden or designing a customized layout for aesthetic purposes, hydroponics offers a versatile solution.
However, growing flowers hydroponically requires meeting certain essential parameters to ensure healthy growth and blooming. These parameters include pH, Electrical Conductivity (EC), and Parts Per Million (PPM). And while we won’t go too deep into these concepts here, it’s important to understand that maintaining these factors within specific ranges is key to successful hydroponic flower cultivation. Here’s a quick overview of what these mean:
- pH (Potential for Hydrogen): This measures the acidity or alkalinity of the nutrient solution.
- EC (Electrical Conductivity): This indicates the total dissolved salts in the solution, which directly correlates to nutrient strength.
- cF (Conductivity Factor): A unit to measure the concentration of nutrients, often interchangeable with EC.
- PPM (Parts Per Million): This measures the concentration of individual nutrients in the solution.
So what do you need to know? Well, outside of pH, all of the other parameters are basically just different terms measuring the exact same thing. Similar to how different units can be used to measure temperature (Celsius and Fahrenheit), EC, cF, and PPM are different ways to measure the concentration of nutrients in your hydroponic system.
If you’d like a deeper understanding of these parameters and their importance, consider giving our comprehensive guide, “Hydroponic Charts for Fruits and Vegetables: pH, TDS, EC, cF, PPM,” a read. It offers valuable insights and detailed charts to help you master the art of hydroponics, whether you’re growing fruits, vegetables, herbs, or flowers.
Edible Hydroponic Flowers
Growing edible flowers in hydroponics is certainly doable, but it’s important that you properly identify each flower, ensure they are free from pesticides, and confirm they are safe for consumption. For a complete, detailed list of edible flowers, try giving our guide, “Edible Flowers: A Complete List,” a read. The list includes identification, name, flower color, common uses, and important considerations, providing you with all the information you need to safely enjoy edible hydroponic flowers.
Flower pH, EC, cF, and PPM Chart
The following table contains a ‘broad’ range of values that your flowers need to stay in. It’s important to remember that depending on where you live, these ranges will fluctuate and are largely dependent on your local environmental conditions and seasonal changes (if growing outdoors of course). Always treat these tables as guidelines rather than strict rulebooks and do your own trial and error as you grow.
| Plant/Flower | pH | cF | EC | PPM (700 Scale) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| African Violets | 6.0-7.0 | 12-15 | 1.2-1.5 | 840-1050 |
| Anthurium | 5.0-6.0 | 16-20 | 1.6-2.0 | 1120-1400 |
| Antirrhinim | 6.5 | 16-20 | 1.6-2.0 | 1120-1400 |
| Aphelandra | 5.0-6.0 | 18-24 | 1.8-2.4 | 1260-1680 |
| Aster | 6.0-6.5 | 18-24 | 1.8-2.4 | 1260-1680 |
| Begonia | 6.5 | 14-18 | 1.4-2.4 | 980-1260 |
| Bromeliads | 5.0-7.5 | 8-12 | 0.8-1.2 | 560-840 |
| Caladium | 6.0-7.5 | 16-20 | 1.6-2.0 | 1120-1400 |
| Canna | 6.0 | 18-24 | 1.8-2.4 | 1260-1680 |
| Carnation | 6.0 | 20-35 | 2.0-3.5 | 1260-2450 |
| Chrysanthemum | 6.0-6.2 | 18-25 | 1.8-2.5 | 1400-1750 |
| Cymbidiums | 5.5 | 6-10 | 0.6-1.0 | 420-560 |
| Dahlia | 6.0-7.0 | 15-20 | 1.5-2.0 | 1050-1400 |
| Dieffenbachia | 5.0 | 18-24 | 1.8-2.0 | 1400-1680 |
| Dracaena | 5.0-6.0 | 18-24 | 1.8-2.4 | 1400-1680 |
| Ferns | 6.0 | 16-20 | 1.6-2.0 | 1120-1400 |
| Ficus | 5.5-6.0 | 16-24 | 1.6-2.4 | 1120-1680 |
| Freesia | 6.5 | 10-20 | 1.0-2.0 | 700-1400 |
| Impatiens | 5.5-6.5 | 18-20 | 1.8-2.0 | 1260-1400 |
| Gerbera | 5.0-6.5 | 20-25 | 2.0-2.5 | 1400-1750 |
| Gladiolus | 5.5-6.5 | 20-24 | 2.0-2.4 | 1400-1680 |
| Monstera | 5.0-6.0 | 18-24 | 1.8-2.4 | 1400-1680 |
| Palms | 6.0-7.5 | 16-20 | 1.6-2.0 | 1120-1400 |
| Roses | 5.5-6.0 | 15-25 | 1.5-2.5 | 1050-1750 |
| Stock | 6.0-7.0 | 16-20 | 1.6-2.0 | 1120-1400 |
FAQs
Can all flowers be grown hydroponically?
Technically, any plant can be grown hydroponically, but some plants (flowers included) make more sense than others. It’s important to research each specific flower’s needs before attempting to grow it hydroponically.
What are the benefits of growing flowers hydroponically?
Hydroponic growing allows for precise control over nutrients, water, and environmental conditions, leading to faster growth and potentially higher yields. It also requires less space and can be done indoors, making it suitable for urban gardening.
What pH levels are ideal for growing flowers hydroponically?
The ideal pH levels for growing flowers hydroponically typically range from 5.5 to 6.5, although several flowers will fall outside of this range (see chart above). Staying within the appropriate ensures that nutrients are available to the plants and that they can absorb them efficiently.
What is the importance of EC, cF, and PPM in hydroponic flower cultivation?
EC (Electrical Conductivity), cF (Conductivity Factor), and PPM (Parts Per Million) are measurements of the nutrient concentration in your hydroponic system. Maintaining these within the optimal range ensures that plants receive the right amount of nutrients for healthy growth.
Can I use any hydroponic system for growing flowers?
Yes, most hydroponic systems, such as NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), DWC (Deep Water Culture), and drip systems, can be used to grow flowers. The choice of system depends on the specific needs of the flowers you are growing and your personal preferences.
How do I prevent diseases and pests in a hydroponic flower garden?
To prevent diseases and pests, maintain a clean growing environment, ensure proper air circulation, and monitor your plants regularly for signs of problems. Using beneficial insects and organic pest control methods can also help.
Where can I find more information on growing edible flowers hydroponically?
For more detailed information, including a comprehensive list of edible flowers, their identification, uses, and important considerations, consider reading our guide, “Edible Flowers: A Complete List.”
Where can I find more information on Hydroponics in general?
To learn more about hydroponics, you can visit the Hydroponics Hobby Center, download our free guide below or enroll in our online course, Hydroponics 101. You can also read and explore our big list of hydroponic designs on Amazon with 51 Hydroponic Designs: DIY Designs for Beginner Hobbyists.
