ISHS Acta Horticulturae 99: Symposium on Substrates in Horticulture other than Soils In Situ
GROWING ORNAMENTAL PLANTS IN INERT SUBSTRATES |
| Authors: | O. Verdonck, D. De Vleeschauwer, M. De Boodt |
| Abstract:
Due to the fact that it is becoming more difficult to find good quality organic substrates in big quantities a research is set up since several years to optimize the culture of ornamental plants in inert materials. As inert materials perlite, expanded clay and vermiculite are used as insulators in buildings and these materials are available in big quantities and more these products can be used as long as possible because they are inert and non destructive. Two systems of cultivation were tested out, namely with and without a contant waterlevel, in order to test out which is the best method for each different material. Two different plants(Fatshedera, Dieffenbachia exotica) were grown in the three different materials and with the two different systems. These growth experiments indicated that these 3 inert materials with a constant waterlevel can be used succesfully. When no constant waterlevel is hold only vermiculite and perlite can be used because of their better watereconomy. | |
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