Many friends ask me which hydroponic plants are the best to choose. You don’t have to worry about turning the soil or applying fertilizer. It’s so soothing to watch the roots float in the water. Today, I’m picking 3 beginner-friendly plants – Windmill Grass, Pennywort, and Purple Taro. I’ll go through their pros and cons clearly, and by the end, you’ll know exactly which one to pick!
Windmill Grass (风车草): This plant also has a lovely name, “Drought Umbrella Grass.” Just hearing the name, you can tell it’s easy to care for. Its leaves resemble little umbrellas, and when placed on your desk or windowsill, it instantly adds a fresh, countryside vibe.
Pros: It’s shade-tolerant and very hardy. Even if you forget to add water occasionally, and the water level in the container drops for a couple of days, just add some water, and it will bounce back. Even beginners will find it hard to kill. Plus, it doesn’t grow very fast, so you don’t need to trim it often – perfect for lazy gardeners. Simply remove yellow leaves occasionally, and it’s very low-maintenance.
Cons: It doesn’t like strong sunlight. If it’s exposed to direct sunlight for too long in the summer, the leaves will yellow and curl. You’ll need to move it to a shaded area quickly. Another issue is that with long-term hydroponics, green algae can build up on the walls of the container. While it doesn’t affect the plant, it looks a bit dirty. You’ll need to change the water and clean the container regularly to avoid triggering anyone with OCD.
Pennywort (铜钱草): This is the “cockroach” of the hydroponic world. It grows fast! Plant a few in the water in spring, and within two weeks, you’ll have a full pot. Its round, coin-like leaves are adorable and add vitality to your living room.
Pros: It loves sunlight. The more sunlight it gets, the greener and rounder the leaves become. You can even place it on the balcony in the summer, as it thrives under the sun. It’s also incredibly tough – even if all the leaves die, as long as the roots are still there, just change the water and put it in the sun, and soon new leaves will sprout. Beginners will feel a sense of achievement when growing it.
Cons: First, it grows so fast that if the pot is too small, it will soon become overcrowded, and you’ll need to divide the plant regularly. Otherwise, the leaves will block each other and become smaller. Secondly, it hates dirty water! If there are leftover leaves or if the water isn’t changed regularly, the water will smell, and the roots might rot. So, it’s important to change the water frequently, at least every three days in the summer, to avoid bad smells in your home.
Purple Taro (紫芋): The beauty of hydroponics. Its large, purple leaves, with dark purple on the back and a purple tint on the front, make it look high-class when placed in the living room. It stands out compared to regular hydroponic plants and is great for photos.
Pros: It’s moisture-loving. It thrives in environments with plenty of water, so you don’t need to worry about over-watering. The roots grow strong in the water, and it doesn’t grow too quickly, so you don’t need to trim it often – just remove the old leaves occasionally. It’s not too difficult to take care of.
Cons: It loves sunlight. If it doesn’t get enough light, the leaves will turn green and droop. So, it must be placed in a well-lit spot. In winter, when there’s less sunlight, you’ll need to supplement with artificial light. Secondly, it’s sensitive to cold – temperatures below 10°C in winter can damage it, so it needs to be moved indoors for warmth. People in the north will need to pay extra attention during winter. Thirdly, its large leaves evaporate water quickly, so you need to add water regularly. If the water level drops too low, the leaves will droop, and if you’re away for a few days, it might be wilted when you return.
In the end, all three of these hydroponic plants have their own merits. If you want an easy-to-care-for plant, choose Windmill Grass. If you prefer rapid growth, go for Pennywort. If you’re after beauty, Purple Taro is the way to go. As long as you take care of them according to their habits, they’ll stay green and healthy. Put a few pots in your home, and not only will they look great, but they will also purify the air – so why not enjoy them?
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