Hydroponic Natural Factors
There's more to growing a flourishing hydroponic garden than just the system/method you've chosen to use. Several environmental and other natural factors need to be addressed so your garden has the best chance of successful growth.
Temperature
Although you may not run into any issues regarding temperature, it's always a good idea when acquiring plants to take a look at the temperature requirements, as they will vary from plant to plant. Most plants grow best with a temperature of around 75º F – nighttime should be slightly lower at around 65º F. If growing outdoors there's not much point in worrying about the temperature unless you live in an area where the climate is unorthodox.
On the other hand if you're growing plants indoors, you may find that the lighting used makes the room much too hot. Plants like the temperature to be similar throughout day and night, so if you do find your room warming up, you can try using fans or more specialized products to bring down the temperature or raise it when necessary.
pH
pH, which stands for potential hydrogen, refers to the level of positive hydrogen ions found in your soil, water or nutrient solution. pH is tested to determine whether the soil, water or nutrient solution is too acidic or too basic. An optimum level is needed so plants can sustain the vital basics of healthy growth. If the pH level is higher or lower than recommended, the foundation for plant growth is compromised.
pH is measured on a scale of 1 to 14, with 6 to 0 meaning the concentration is an acid and 8 to 14 meaning it's an alkalis (base). A slightly acidic-based pH level of 5 to 6 is best for most plants.
You can test your gardens pH level using a variety of methods. Paper test strips, liquid test kits and digital meters are the most common ways and are all very easy to use.
Light
Just like water and food, plants also need light to grow and stay alive. Whether that be natural light from the sun or artificial light, it's important to understand the role which light has on your plants growth. In most cases, the lack of light is the largest contributing factor that hinders plant growth.
During summer, it may not be necessary to use any artificial light as the sun is in full swing. However some keen gardeners like to expose their plants to artificial light as well during the night, that is fine, but be sure to give your plants a rest - a minimum of 4 hrs without light everyday is vital. If your plants are not receiving enough sunlight, simply move them to another spot.
Watering
It may come as no surprise that the amount of water you give or don't give plants can have an adverse effect on them. You need to make certain that you know how much water each specific plant needs.
Watering a plant too much poses many problems on plant growth. Signs you need to look out for are: ceasing of leaf growth, leaves becoming a dark green color, rotting of the stem and even ferns forming in your growing medium.
Providing plants with insufficient water is just as bad. Water is the main life force of plants and without it, they can just not grow. Some indications that your plants are not receiving the water they need are: plants not growing fast as usual, brown tips on leaves forming and leaves turning yellow and then falling off.
Keep the following in mind and you'll find your plants growing at a much faster rate as well as looking healthier. If you've found that you've been neglecting the above points don't worry, just make the recommended changes and look out for symptoms in the future to prevent additional situations.