Plant Nutrition 

Great plants start with the right nutrition.

Through decades of horticultural research, we now understand what nutrients plants need — and when they need them — throughout every stage of growth. HydroStoep makes it easy to deliver those nutrients with precision.

Modern hydroponic fertilizers contain carefully balanced nutrients in a simple water-soluble form. Once dissolved, these nutrients are absorbed directly by the plant roots, helping plants grow stronger, healthier, and more productively.

As plants develop, their nutritional needs change. Young plants prefer lighter feeding, while flowering and fruiting plants require increased nutrient strength to support vigorous growth and higher yields.

Essential Plant Nutrients

Just like people need a balanced diet, plants require a combination of essential elements to grow, flower, and produce at their best. In hydroponics, these nutrients are delivered directly to the root zone in a form plants can absorb efficiently.

1. Primary Nutrients (NPK)

These are the key building blocks of plant growth:

• Nitrogen (N): Supports leafy growth, stem development, and healthy green colour.

• Phosphorus (P): Promotes strong root development, flowering, and energy transfer within the plant.

• Potassium (K): Supports overall plant health, water regulation, plant strength, and resilience to stress.

2. Secondary Nutrients

Plants also require supporting nutrients for strong and healthy development:

• Calcium (Ca): Essential for strong cell walls and healthy new growth.

• Magnesium (Mg): A key component of chlorophyll, helping plants convert sunlight into energy.

• Sulfur (S): Supports protein formation and important plant processes.

3. Micronutrients

Although needed in smaller amounts, micronutrients remain essential for healthy plant performance. These include Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Boron (B), Molybdenum (Mo), Chlorine (Cl), and Nickel (Ni).

Nutrients for Every Growth Stage

Plants need different nutrient balances throughout their life cycle.

Higher nitrogen levels support strong leafy growth during early stages. Increased phosphorus benefits root establishment and flowering, while potassium becomes increasingly important for plant strength, fruiting, and stress tolerance.

A balanced nutrient program helps plants grow consistently and perform at their full potential.

Nutrient Strength & Feeding Guide

In hydroponics, nutrient balance is not only about what is supplied — but also how strong the solution is.

Dissolved nutrients must be delivered at a concentration that supports growth without stressing the plant roots. In HydroStoep systems, this balance is managed using EC (Electrical Conductivity) as a practical guide.

EC does not measure specific nutrients in the water. Instead, it indicates the overall concentration of dissolved minerals, helping growers maintain consistent feeding strength.

Plant needs change throughout their growth cycle. Young plants perform best with lower nutrient concentrations, allowing roots to establish safely. As plants mature and begin flowering or fruiting, their demand increases, requiring stronger nutrient solutions to support development and yield.

The feeding tables below provide a practical guide for HydroStoep systems. They are based on the combined use of Omnia Omnical (Calcium Nitrate) and Hygrotech Hygroponic fertilizer, offering a reliable starting point for balanced and effective plant nutrition.