MOTHER'S. HYDRO V SOIL?

Hi am growing in an NFT system and was wandering what is the best method of keeping mother plants for a longtime and which method is less prone to disease.All thoughts on this subject will be appreciated.


Take it easy all. :thumbsup:

This debate could explode. I'm waitin' in the quiet 'fore the storm to post my own beliefs. But I prefer soil, like playin' in the dirt. :)

COULD SOMEONE EXPLAIN WHY!!!!!

thats a lot of effort for a mother..... why would you want to???

if youre not budding it, just growing it for clones.... why have all those variables

thats just my .02

i'd grow dirt

plus latewood said he got hermies doing that in the "bubbler for my mothers" thread

Thanks for responding to this question i appreciate it Could anyone recommend some good soil as i have never used any.Thanks


Take it easy. :thumbsup:

Sure,
soil for your mothers should have LOTS of perlite in it because the longer you keep a plant, the more likely it is that you are going to have to flush it out.
A mother lives a long time, and flushing is inevitable.
Good potting soil with perlite added is a start.
Personally I'd do 50% perlite, the balance being composted manure and composted leaf humus. Or some similar combination.
I would also add an organic source of Nitrogen, since you want vigorous vegetative growth. Fish emulsion=happy plants.

i think the point is that soil is more natural and for a plant to be in hydro its entire life and being a mother plant never actually being harvested and what not it needs to live like a real plant would. Hydro is better for one cycle, but i think after a couple cycles it needs the "the real thing". In order to function properly. just a theory i dont even have a mum(no room). Seems like an ok theory. just my .02

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JackdaWack

Hydro is better for one cycle, but i think after a couple cycles it needs the "the real thing".

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I think that's a good theory.

you could manipulate the plant more in a hydroponic setup and you would

have more room for root growth as well as the option of lifting the plant by

the base of the stem and transplanting it into a much larger pot/tray

because the roots eventually cling to the medium. if you're lazy go with soil

but if you're not using nutes then the plant may eat all that the soil's got.

in my opinion the mothers should be treated at least as well if not better than the rest of the crop!
it is your next crop!
the healthier it is the better it will clone ,,

hydro all the way,
the other reason for this is the ease in which you can cut the nitrogen a couple of days before cutting clones , means faster rooting healthier clones, for sog ya need to grow mothers in hydro really, ya will need all the clones ya can get,
so take the best possible care of your mothers, you will be floweing her off for a long time to come,, what a silly statement to make,, ya only cutting clones, not going to flower her off!!!!
the mind boggles

welcome to the world of endless possibilities,,,,,hydroponics

oh by the way water farms are good for mothers, and easy to maintain

Thanks all i think i will go with stinkyattic's idea with 50% soil and perlite.I have read to cover the top inch of the soil in hydroton clay balls as it dries out fast and you dont get as many insects because it's not damp on top for them.And the same for the bottom around the drainage holes is this worth doing.

Take it easy. :thumbsup:

as far as a soil, i prefer naturize

thats just me