Do hydroponics need sunlight? Plants require sunlight to grow. But what about growing plants without the sun? Hydroponics, or water culture is a process where plant roots are grown in a mineral solution rather than soil. So if you want to know the answer, just read this article below. In this blog, we also have an article about aerospring hydroponic indoor growing system that you might want to read about it.
Hydroponics is a type of horticulture and a subset of hydroculture which involves growing plants without soil, by using mineral nutrient solutions in an aqueous solvent.
Wikipedia.org
What is hydroponic
Hydroponic is a system of gardening in which the roots of plants are in water, and they do not have to depend on soil. Hydroponic gardening systems can be used to grow plants indoors and outdoors. They are perfect for the beginners who want to start their own garden without the need of soil. Hydroponic gardening is a very simple and easy way to grow your own herbs, fruits, vegetables, flowers and even trees.
Hydroponics means “working water” (hydro means water and ponos means labor). Many different civilizations have utilized hydroponic growing techniques throughout history.”
generalhydroponics.com
Do Hydroponics Need Sunlight
So, do hydroponics need sunlight? Many individuals have heard of hydroponics, and the majority of them are aware that systems may be installed inside. This raises a begging question in the minds of some. Is sunlight required for hydroponic plants?
This straightforward question might be addressed in a single word. It would not, however, be totally correct. Rather to simply asserting that plants need sunshine, it is more accurate to state that they require light to develop yet, in the same breath, they require darkness.
Hydroponics enables us to give all the light necessary for plants to thrive, thus in this situation, no, they do not need sunshine. What plants really need is the proper kind and quantity of light in order to attain their full potential.
How Light Affects Plant Growth
Without a doubt, we all take light for granted, and it is only when we become gardeners that we comprehend its importance (especially sunlight). Apart from fungi and mushrooms, nothing can grow in the dark. Understanding your plants’ light needs is critical, and if you use artificial lighting setups, it may have a direct effect on your wallet.
Here, we’ll go through the key principles of illumination and photosynthesis that plants need to reach their full potential.
Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis – you undoubtedly learned about it in school; here’s a short review of the key points and their application to hydroponics.
Autotrophs are what plants are. This indicates that they are capable of generating their own sustenance inside their bodies. To do this, they must complete the following via atmospheric absorption:
- Minerals and nutrients are absorbed by the roots system.
- Water uptake through the root system
- Carbon dioxide is absorbed via the pores of the leaves.
To assemble all of these components into food, plants need energy, which they get from light through the green chemical Chlorophyll in their leaves.
When carbon dioxide and water are combined with sunshine and chlorophyll, oxygen and glucose are created. Here the glucose is utilized for the plant’s growth and the bearing of fruit, as a result of this, oxygen is released into the environment.
Effects of Seasonal Lighting
The one significant disadvantage of sunshine is that it is not consistent throughout the year. The duration and intensity will vary according on the season. Plants have adapted to this, and throughout the spring and summer, when there is abundant of light, the plants concentrate on growth and fruiting or flowering.
As winter approaches, plants concentrate their efforts on energy conservation and growth reduction. Photosynthesis is reduced, and leaves begin to lose chlorophyll, which is why leaves become brown, yellow, or red in the autumn.
Benefits of hydroponic
Now that we’ve covered some of the basics, let’s look at the benefits of using hydroponic systems for cultivating indoor gardens.
1. Cost Saver
Using an automated system allows you to save lots of money over time. You will never again pay for electricity, water, fertilizer, soil amendments, or any other supplies that are involved with growing vegetation indoors. Instead, you will purchase your inputs once, and then set up your lights once.
2. No Electricity Bills
In addition to saving cash, you won’t need to worry about paying electrical bills anymore. If you run a business, you could even see how much you save in the long-run.
3. Water Conservation
If you live in dry regions like California, you know that getting water restrictions placed on households is common practice. Hydroponics provides fresh water without having to rely on rainfall. In fact, most hydroponic companies offer ways to recycle used water, so it doesn’t end up in the sewer line.
4. Temperature Control
You don’t want to spend your hard earned money on heating and cooling units just to keep your plants warm and cool. With hydroponic systems, you can control temperature easily and efficiently.