Hydroponic Techniques Without Sunlight Following Types of Plants

Hydroponics is one of the most widely used gardening techniques today. This technique is very easy to apply, does not require expensive costs, does not require a large area of ​​land, and can be done indoors or outdoors.

In general, hydroponic techniques require direct sunlight to help the growth of plants. Without sunlight, plants cannot grow properly.

When observed with the eye directly, the sun has no color. However, the sun turns out to have various types of color spectrum.

Based on the results of the study, the color spectrum of sunlight needed by plants is only blue and red light. Why?

The blue light spectrum is usually absorbed by plants for growth from leaves. The red light spectrum is used to help plants flower and bear fruit.

Based on research, the two light spectrums can be replaced by lamp light. This means hydroponics can also be done without sunlight.

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Hydroponics without sunlight is often used indoors or indoors. This sunlight will be replaced by some light that still provides the warmth and light needed by certain plants, this technique is known as artificial light gardening. 

Some types of light that can be used to replace sunlight are as follows:

Sunlight Lamp ( Grow Light)

The first type of lamp that can be used is a solar lamp or grow light . These lights are often known as plant lights or grow lights.

This lamp is specially created to replace sunlight and help the growth of plants. These lights provide a color spectrum similar to the sun or a spectrum that is tailored to the needs of plants.

LED light

The second type of lamp that can be used is a white LED lamp. This lamp can also be used to replace sunlight on hydroponic plants.

However, the distance and time of use of these LED lights really need to be considered. The recommended distance is 30 cm above the plant tub. The recommended time is 24 hours or about 2 times the time exposed to sunlight.

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HPS ( High Pressure Sodium ) lamp

The last recommended lamp is the HPS or High Pressure Sodium lamp . This lamp is often used as outdoor lighting. This lamp produces a dazzling beam of light and is commonly used in foggy conditions.

These lamps are not very much used when compared to LED lamps. This is because these lamps provide scattered rays of light on plants and require more energy.

Types of Hydroponic Plants Without Sun

Not all types of plants can be grown using hydroponic techniques without sunlight. The type of plant also needs to be considered before planting it.

Some types of hydroponic plants without sunlight are as follows:

Spinach

The first crop is spinach. Spinach can be grown with hydroponic techniques without sunlight. This plant does not require too much sunlight, so it can be planted without sunlight.

However, there is a difference in quality between spinach that is exposed to sunlight and that without sunlight. Spinach exposed to the sun is bigger and lasts longer.

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Aloe vera

The second plant is aloe vera. This plant can also be grown using hydroponic techniques without sunlight. This is because this plant is one of the strongest plants and has roots that do not rot quickly.

Aloe vera can be grown hydroponically indoors without sunlight, but get enough water and use soil media.

Mother-in-law's Tongue

Mother-in-law's tongue plant or snake plant is the third type of plant that can be grown using hydroponic techniques without sunlight. This plant can live for a long time without being watered with water and without sunlight.

Mother-in-law's tongue plant cannot be planted in loose soil. This plant can be grown using sand or rocky soil media. At the time of watering, the leaves of this plant should not be exposed to water.

Mustard Greens

Green mustard is the third type of plant that can be grown using hydroponic techniques without sunlight and replaced with other light such as light from LED lights.

Mustard greens in general do not require too much sunlight. This plant is even resistant to rain. This is one of the plants that are recommended to use hydroponic techniques.

Basil leave

The next type of plant is basil leaves. These basil leaves can be grown hydroponically without sunlight, but are replaced with other light such as plant lights.

This is because the basil plant can grow with the spectrum of colors required by the plant and does not require too much light. Planting media is one of the things that this plant needs to pay attention to.

Mushroom

One of the plants that can be grown using hydroponic techniques without sunlight is mushrooms. Even in a dark room, this plant can grow well.

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Selection of the right media and fertilizers is needed to treat this plant with hydroponic techniques. Provision of adequate amounts of water is also necessary to treat hydroponic mushrooms without sunlight.

Lettuce

Lettuce plants can also be grown using hydroponic techniques without sunlight, but using other light such as LED lights. These plants also usually do not require too much light.

The use of the right media and the amount of water needed by this plant is very important to note. These two things are the things that support the success of hydroponic lettuce plants without sunlight.

Bean

The last crop suggested is chickpeas. This plant can be grown using hydroponic techniques without sunlight, but it is replaced with other light such as plant lights. Only the harvest time required is slightly longer compared to exposed to sunlight.