How to grow in semi-hydro
What semi-hydro means
Semi-hydro growing uses an airy, inorganic medium (like PON) and a small water reservoir below your plant's roots. The medium wicks moisture upward, keeping roots hydrated and oxygenated. No compact soil and no guesswork. It's clean, efficient and perfect for anyone who loves plants but not the stress of knowing when and how much to water.
Why PON?
Our PON blend is reusable, pH-neutral and designed to balance air and moisture. It supports steady root growth while reducing fungus gnats and soil compaction. It also looks great and supports the weight of the plant. Because it's mineral-based and doesn't break down, it lasts for years: just rinse, refresh and reuse. Choose your PON texture to match your plant: Pon Fine for delicate roots and Pon Chunky for thick or fast-growing ones.
Step by step
- Choose your pot. Use a self-watering pot (look for a water level meter or a window so you can see the water level), or a nursery pot with drainage holes set inside a decorative cover pot.
- Rinse your PON. Before planting, rinse it well to remove dust and activate its wicking.
- Plant gently. Remove as much old soil as possible from the roots, then nestle them into the PON so the base of the plant sits about one-third of the way up from the bottom of the inner pot. This leaves room for air and a small water reservoir below.
- Feed lightly. In PON, nutrients replace what would normally come from soil. Use a fertilizer made for hydroponic or semi-hydro growing at 1/4 to 1/2 strength, added to your water when you refill the reservoir. More isn't better.
- Fill the reservoir. Fill to about 1/4 of the pot's height, just enough to keep the bottom layer of PON moist without drowning the roots. The medium wicks water up to the roots.
General care
- Refill the water line when it runs low.
- Flush with clean water monthly to prevent mineral buildup.
- Wipe leaves regularly, since dust blocks light.
- Check roots now and then. They should be firm and white, not soft or mushy.
Tip from The Plant Lady: Be prepared to lose a leaf or two when moving a plant straight from soil to semi-hydro. It's part of the adjustment. You can also put your plant in a glass jar with plain water until it grows some water roots first. I've had less leaf loss this way.