Optimum area for roots in ratio to size of plant for aerogarden systems?

PSF

Member
Title has it.

What would you recommend the most efficient amount of space for the roots to have is for fast healthy growth in an aeroponic set-up? I have used containers in the past that were about 60gal with 20% of the tank full of water at the bottom. The plants did strive in the mix between a lot of open dark space full of fresh oxygen and the nutrient water to soak it's longest roots in. My question is because I want to maximize my plant's grow space, even with a SCROG, but w/o hampering the root development. My idea is to either do individual buckets or rows of large PVC pipping, either one would be tied to a feeder tank system. Would the pipping idea be bad because 1) bad material 2)no reservoir water to soak long roots in?
:leaf:
any idea would be appreciated!
 

Fuzzbutter

Active Member
Just make sure the roots don't clog up the pump. I found that regular root trimmings kept space for the roots really well. Bout once a months i trimmed 1/4 of the roots mass from each plant. But ONLY do this with healthy plants. Plants that are already stressed don't respond well to root trimmings, but healthy plants are good for them.
 

PSF

Member
I've never considered trimming the roots before. My first grow I thought it would be detrimental to the plants if the roots reached the reservoir water. I would tie the roots together and keep them right above the water level. Going on my fourth grow I've learned that having the roots in the water resulted in a massive increase in plant health its entire life span.
 

Fuzzbutter

Active Member
Its fine for roots to be in water. You only get root rot in still water, hence why most people also add a bubbler to the aerogarden base. Trimming roots is not detrimental to a plant at all unless you over trim.
 
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