We receive a large number of questions directly from our customers, so that you can get a better overview of the topic of hydroponics, we have summarized the most important questions in a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). Is your question not included? No problem, please contact us and we will be happy to help you.

Where can these plants be produced and delivered?

Litrax hydroponic systems are small and large systems that can be used privately at home (or in restaurants / agriculture). Hydroponic systems can be used to grow fresh lettuce, flowers and herbs at home in the living room, kitchen, cellar or balcony for every season, i.e. over 12 months a year, without any soil.

The special plant growth lights, with the same optical waves as those of the sun, can be used to simulate growth from the warm south. The plants grow much faster, with the same mineral and vitamin content as in agriculture, for example. A kind of self-sufficiency with very high sustainability and low water consumption – over 70% less than with soil.

Which fertilizers are suitable for hydroponic systems?

We carry suitable fertilizers in our range of hydroponic products:

Wuxal universal fertilizer for hydroponics

Absolutely not recommended for hydroponics, due to a lack of suitable hydroponic nutrients:

Hydroponic fertilizer
Non-homogenized organic plant fertilizers
- The organic plant parts contained in it can clog and damage the pump of the Litrax.ch hydroponic systems.
Pot plant fertilizer
Garden plant fertilizer

Further questions & answers:

This comprehensive FAQ documentation covers all essential aspects of hydroponics, from the basics to advanced topics. It is designed for professionals and home users and is based on established knowledge from the field. The content is divided into sections, with clear questions and answers for better clarity. Contact us if you have any further questions.

1. introduction to hydroponics

What is hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, in which the plants grow in a nutrient-rich water solution or in inert substrates such as clay balls or rockwool. The roots receive nutrients directly from the solution, which enables controlled growth. There are passive (without pumps) and active systems (with circulation).

What is the history of hydroponics?

The first experiments date back to the 17th century. Francis Bacon described soilless cultivation in 1627, and in the 19th century researchers such as Julius von Sachs and Wilhelm Knop developed modern methods. The term “hydroponics” was coined by William Frederick Gericke in 1937. Today it is used in commercial cultivation, space travel and home use.

What are the advantages of hydroponics?

Faster growth (up to 30-50% faster than in soil) and higher yields thanks to optimum nutrient supply.
Water saving: Up to 90% less water consumption as the solution recirculates.
Fewer pests and diseases as no soil is involved.
Space-saving: Ideal for vertical systems in small rooms.
Year-round indoor cultivation, regardless of the weather.
No weeding or soil cultivation.

What are the disadvantages of hydroponics?

Initial investment for a Smart Garden System (e.g. GIAN Smart Garden 4) and small pH meter.
Dependence on electricity (for active systems) – failures can damage plants, similar to hot summers, continuous rain or lack of water.
Requires regular monitoring of pH, EC and nutrients.
Not suitable for all plants (e.g. tuberous plants are more difficult).
Waste products from substrates such as rock wool at the end of a plant cycle.
Slightly higher energy consumption for indoor lighting, but in the context of an LED energy-saving lamp.

2. types of hydroponic systems

What are the main types of hydroponic systems?

There are passive and active systems. Passive systems are simple and current-free (e.g. Kratky method), active systems use pumps for circulation.

Deep Water Culture (DWC): Plants float in aerated nutrient solution, as with Smart Garden systems. Easy for beginners, ideal for salads. Advantage: High oxygen supply thanks to air pumps. Disadvantage: Risk of root rot if there is insufficient aeration.
Nutrient Film Technique (NFT): Thin film of nutrient solution flows over the roots in inclined channels. As with Smart Vertical Farms. Good for herbs and salads. Advantage: Efficient nutrient consumption. Disadvantage: Sensitive to pump failures.
Ebb and flow (Flood and Drain): Periodic flooding and emptying of the containers. Versatile for vegetables. Advantage: Good oxygen supply. Disadvantage: Greater effort.
Aeroponics: nutrient solution is sprayed as a mist. For professionals, high yields. Advantage: Maximum growth. Disadvantage: Expensive and error-prone.
Drip system (drip irrigation): Nutrients drip onto the roots. As with Smart Tower systems. Ideal for large plants such as tomatoes. Advantage: Precise control.
Fogponics: Ultrasonic nebulization, energy-efficient for space stations.

Which system is suitable for beginners?

For home users: Passive DWC or Kratky method (e.g. in a container like our Smart Garden systems) .
For professionals: NFT or ebb and flow for scalable setups (see Agriculture systems).

Indoor vs. outdoor: which systems fit where?

Indoor: All systems possible, with artificial light.
Outdoor: NFT or DWC, use sun, but protect against rain and pests.

3. basics: nutrients, water and substrate

Which nutrient solutions do I need?

Plants need macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S) and micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, etc.). Use special hydroponic fertilizers (mineral or organic). Mineral is easier as nutrients are immediately available. Monitor EC value (electrical conductivity): 0.2-0.4 mS/cm for cuttings, up to 2.4-2.6 mS/cm during fruiting.

How important is water quality?

Very important!

pH value: 5.5-6.5 for optimum nutrient absorption.
EC value: Indicates fertilizer concentration (1.0-2.0 mS/cm typical).
Use tap water, but dechlorinate it or use rainwater.
Regular changes of the solution prevent salt deposits. Temperature: 18-25°C.

Which substrates are suitable?

Ideal: LITRAX growth sponges
Alternatively: Inert materials such as clay balls (Hydroton), perlite, Rockwool (rock wool) or coconut fiber. They support the plants and retain moisture without binding nutrients.

4. light and environmental conditions

What light spectra do I need for different growth phases?

Plants use the PAR spectrum (400-700 nm).

Germination/seedling: Blue light (400-500 nm) for compact growth, 200-400 PPFD, 18-24 hours/day.
Vegetative phase: high blue content + red (600-700 nm), 400-600 PPFD, 18/6-hour cycle.
Flower/fruit: High red + some infrared (720-740 nm) for flowering, 600-900 PPFD, 12/12 hour cycle. LED lamps are efficient and customizable. For cannabis: Blue light in veg, red in flower.

Which environmental conditions are optimal?

Temperature: 20-28°C during the day, 15-20°C at night.
Humidity: 40-60% (higher for seedlings).
Ventilation: Good for CO2 supply and against mold.
Indoor: LED lamps, fans.
Outdoor: Full sun, protection from wind (greenhouse, orangery)

5 Suitable plant types

Which plants are suitable for hydroponics?

Almost all of them:

Leafy vegetables (lettuce, spinach, pak choi),
Herbs (basil, mint),
Fruit vegetables (tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, chili),
Berries (strawberries).
Cabbages, onions, garlic, zucchinis, only with suitable substrates and larger plant containers (see Smart Vertical Farm).
Less suitable: Tuberous plants such as potatoes (but possible).

Which plants for which system?

DWC/NFT: salads, herbs (low-growing).
Drip/ebb tide: tomatoes, peppers (taller plants).
Aeroponics: Everything, but ideal for rapid growth.

6. growth stages and care

How do I care for plants during the growth phases?

Germination: Growth spongemoist absorbent cotton or Rockwool, blue light.
Vegetative: High nutrients (N-rich), 18 hours of light.
Climate control (professionals): Humidity, automated ideal climate, CO2 supply for strong growth (only for professionals, with control unit)
Flowering: P- and K-rich, 12 hours of light. Regular control: adjust pH/EC, change solution every 1-2 weeks.

How often do I need to fertilize and water?

In active systems: Continuous circulation.
Passive: Top up as required. Fertilizer: Dose according to EC value.

7. common problems and solutions

What are the common problems?

Nutrient deficiency: Yellow leaves (N deficiency), brown spots (Ca deficiency). Solution: Check EC/pH, adjust fertilizer.
Overfertilization: Burnt leaves. Solution: Dilute the solution.
Root rot (Pythium): Brown roots. Solution: Increase aeration, use hydrogen peroxide (3%), disinfect system.
Algae growth: block light, cover solution.
pH fluctuations: Daily measurement, add acid/base.

8. dealing with vermin (pest control)

What pests occur in hydroponics?

Possible: aphids, spider mites, thrips, fungus gnats, root rot pathogens (in tomatoes).
Rarely: in herbs and resistant leafy vegetables or certain salads (Lollo Rossa), peperoncini.

Methods for indoor pest control?

Prevention: Clean system, quarantine of new plants.
Natural: neem oil (spray 1-2 tsp/liter of water), hydrogen peroxide (3% diluted), beneficial insects such as predatory mites or ladybugs.
Physical: nets, spray leaves for high humidity against thrips.
Chemical: Only if necessary, special hydro-fungicides.

Methods for outdoor pest control?

Similar to indoor, plus nets against insects, promote natural enemies (e.g. birds).
More risk from environment: Regular inspection, prioritize biological agents to protect ecosystem.

9. harvest and yield

How often can I harvest?

Depending on the plant: lettuce 4-6 weeks, herbs continuously, tomatoes 8-12 weeks per cycle.
Indoor: Up to 4-8 harvests/year. Continuous harvest cycles, independent of climate.
Outdoor: Seasonal, 1-2 harvests/season
Container and vertical farm systems (professionals): 5-14 harvests.

How do I maximize the yield?

Optimal nutrients, light (600-900 PPFD in flower), training (e.g. topping), CO2 enrichment. Yields: Up to 2x higher than in soil.

10. tips for professionals and home users

Tips for home users?

Start small (e.g. with a DIY-DWC in a bucket). Invest in pH/EC meters. Use timers or apps for monitoring.

Tips for professionals?

Scale modularly with vertical farms & rotating towers, automate (e.g. with climate control unit and AI for nutrient, CO2 and pH control). Experiment with aquaponics (fish + plants). Costs: beginner setup CHF 90-300, professional systems over CHF 500.