A New Adventure

On 9 February this year, with just some information gleaned from her searches on the Internet, and no formal learning on the subject, the Swallow dived into a new adventure.  This adventure involved some on-the-job training, a heart prepared to 'let go' if the need arises, and a will to 'press on' when the going gets tough.  It is called Hydroponics.

Collins Dictionary describes Hydroponics (noun) as a science of cultivating plants in water without using soil.  Some people have also called it hydroculture.  Basically, plants, water and a container are needed in this experiment.  As the Swallow used clear glasses, she also used a coloured substitute soil in a gel form to fill in the glass.  The gel not only made the glass container look more attractive, it also prevents mosquito breeding.

In her quest, these were some questions she had asked:

• Which plants were suitable?
• Which plants thrived in such an environment?
• How much attention would be required?
• What are the benefits?
• Would it be a difficult process?

The Swallow experimented with the Peperomia Scandens, the English Ivy and the Pothos plant (see picture).  She also experimented with the Mosquito Plant but that couldn't last a week.  The stem turned black and the whole cutting was thrown away.

Not much attention was required.  Hydroponics was definitely easier than soil-base planting.  The benefits were:

• Care for the plant is easier.  The Swallow just needs to see a reduction to the size of the gel to know that the plant needs water.
• Cleaning up is easier.  Recently, the glass was accidentally knocked over.  There were no water spills as the gel had absorbed all the water.  All the Swallow had to do was pick up the gel, rinse them and pop them back into the glass container.
• Cheaper on the pocket.  A packet of the gel costs less than S$2 when compared to a packet of soil which can be priced from S$3 - S$5.

L-R: Peperomia Scandens,
English Ivy & Pothos

As of 28 February, the Peperomia Scandens and the Pothos plant seem to be thriving, with new shoots forming.  Roots, for both plants, also formed quickly.  These plants would seem to be suitable for Hydroponics.  They are also known to be fast-growing soil-planted plants.

Alas, the English Ivy was wilting, and had to be 'let go'.  Whether it is not suitable for Hydroponics, that remains to be seen as the English Ivy is also known to enjoy high humidity and it has been really hot and dry this past few weeks.  The Swallow will 'press on' with the English Ivy again when the weather changes to one that is more condusive, or she can try again with a container placed in a more humid spot like the bathroom.  However, she must wait for her existing soil-planted ivies to produce more shoots first!

All in all, this has been a pleasant experience so far.  When the remaining plants are well established, the Swallow can consider propagating them, and also experiment with other plants.