Hydroponics is a perfect option for growers or gardeners who are planning to cultivate their cannabis in a controlled environment. The hydroponic growing system never uses soil to grow mature plants. For hydration & nutrition, this hydroculture system uses water & mineral nutrient solutions. Rockwool is a good material for hydroponics as it comes with good capillary action. However, Rockwool has a number of significant drawbacks. Rockwool is usually manufactured from minerals & rocks that aren’t biodegradable. Apart from that, the pH level of Rockwool is high. So, pH and nutrient solutions must be controlled properly. For these reasons, many cannabis growers choose Rockwool alternatives that are sustainable, eco-friendly and have a proper pH level. In this article, we will discuss 4 popular hydroponics Rockwool substitute for growing cannabis.

Coco coir

Coco coir is one of the best alternatives to Rockwool produced from coconut husks. This is hydrophilic and it has a high-water retention rate. Coco coir mainly forms a gel-like element after exposure. It has enough moisture that helps to keep the plants completely hydrated and save them from root rot & fungal development problems. Coir substrate is used as a hydroponic media and an additive for soil mixes. The main benefit of coco coir is that it is 100% biodegradable and sustainable too. This is a versatile growing media. It is used for seedling production, cuttings, & growing cannabis plants. Key benefits of clay pebbles include:

Lightweight & absorbentRenewableBiodegradableLittle maintenance requiredStandalone medium Clay pebbles

Like coco coir substrates, clay pebbles are a very popular choice for growers who are searching for a good growing media for hydroponics. Clay pebbles are completely hydrophilic, which means they can easily absorb water during hydration. They have a good nutrient capacity that helps to control nutrient delivery properly. Clay pebbles also offer proper aeration to the root. Apart from that, these clay balls are also biodegradable. Key benefits of clay pebbles include:

High moisture retentionIncreased aerationProper drainageEco-friendlyLong-lasting Perlite

Perlite is another well-known substrate widely used to grow cannabis. This is made of volcanic rock that is added to peat-based growing media. Perlite is one of the perfect options for wick-type hydroponic systems. Horticultural perlite is highly beneficial for hydroponic gardens. It never attracts diseases and pests, & it can also be replaced. Its pH helps plants absorb nutrients properly. Key benefits of using perlite include:

InorganicNeutral pH range (6.5 to 7.5)LightweightHigh in essential elements (iron, sodium, and calcium) Vermiculite

Vermiculite is a naturally occurring substrate that is used as a growing media in hydroponic gardens. It also has a high-water retention capacity and it helps to regulate the pH level of soil for optimal plant growth. This is an eco-friendly growing media to keep cannabis healthy in a hydroponic system. However, vermiculite is not highly recommended for growing mature cannabis but rather to start seeds & cuttings. Other benefits of vermiculite include:

An environmentally friendly growing medium.Completely natural mineralHigh water retention rateKeeps cannabis healthyGood pH level for optimal plant growth

Professional hydroponic growers always prefer unique growing mediums to grow cannabis faster. The above-mentioned hydroponics substitutes are biodegradable and they can be used for a long time. Looking for the best hydroponics Rockwool substitute? Contact Riococo Worldwide. Our premium quality coco coir substrate can be used in every phase of cannabis production. This is sustainable, cost-effective, easy to use, and long-lasting. We offer the best product for excellent cannabis cultivation.