Hydroponic Gardening Mediums

When it comes to hydroponic gardening mediums there are several excellent options to pick from.   It really is a matter of preference and budget when it comes to growing hydroponic cannabis.

With that being said the most common hydroponic gardening mediums are oasis cubes, rockwool, expanded clay pebbles, coco fiber / chips, perlite, rock and vermiculite.

RockWool Hydroponic Growing Mediums

Rockwool is one of the best known hydroponic growing mediums as it has been around for a long time.  Ideal for both cannabis seeds and marijuana clones.

However it is important to note these will need to be pre-soaked in PH balanced water.   Great for air flow however not great to inhale or for the environment which is why I go with oasis cubes which I mention below.

GRODAN A OK Rockwool Stonewool Hydroponic GrowGrodan Rockwool – hydro growth mediumGrodan Rockwool Plant Plugs, Macro, 50-PackGrodan Rockwool – 4x4x2.5in. Cubes, 6 pack w/holesGrodan Rockwool Cubes (1 inch) 100 CubesGrodan Delta 10 Wrapped Gro-Blocks 4

Oasis Cubes – Hydroponic Growing Mediums

Many cannabis growers swear by oasis cubes as one of the best hydroponic growing mediums.   Understandably so as oasis cubes are excellent for both growing cannabis from seeds and growing cannabis from clones.  Similar to rockwool it can be used for germination however unlike rockwool, oasis cubes do not have to be soaked prior to using.

Additionally cannabis growers will appreciate the neutral PH and great water retention making it the perfect choice to use with many hydroponic gardening systems.

Oasis Horticubes 2 Pack – hydroponic gardeningGrodan – oasis growth cubes  – hydroponic gardeningGrodan A-OK 36/40 1.5 Inch Starter Plugs, Sheet of 98Oasis Root Riot Starter Cubes-X 100

Expanded Clay Pebbles – Cannabis Hydro Mediums

Hydroton or expanded clay pebbles is another wonderful hydroponic growing medium especially for cannabis cultivation.   Like the oasis cubes they have a neutral PH however they are more expensive.  Although with expanded clay pebbles you can re-use them making it more of an investment so it ultimately depends on preference and budget.   Moreover your cannabis plants will enjoy the support this type of hydroponic growing media provides.

With that being said the only real drawback to using expanded clay pebbles is being careful not to breathe in the dust.  Overall this is a great hydroponic medium for cannabis cultivation and available at any hydroponics store or even home depot these days.

ORGANIC Hydroton Leca Expanded Clay Pebbles GrowGROW!T GMC10L Clay Pebbles 10 Liter Bag, 4mm-16mmHydrofarm Grow it Hydroponic Clay Pebbles Grow Media5 lbs Expanded Clay Aggregate Pebbles Rocks Growing Media2 lbs xGarden LECA Expanded Clay Pebbles – Horticultural Grade10L GIANT HYDROTON Clay Pebbles Hydroponic 10 Liters of

Coco Chips / Fiber –  Grow Cannabis Hydroponically

Coco chips which come from coco husks are an well known hydroponic cannabis growing medium that is becoming increasingly popular among cannabis growers.  Not only is coco chips organic but it holds in moister unbelievably well while providing amazing airflow for roots.

Growers can either get coco chips which resemble wood chips or opt for coco fiber which is stringy.  Either way using something like this would be great for both experienced and those new to growing cannabis.

General Hydroponics CocoTek Bale Coco Growing Media, 5kgMr Stacky Blocks 5KGB Coco Coir Peat BlockCoco Choir Block (1, 11 Pound Block)Roots Organics Compressed Coco Fiber Fertilizer, 5 kg

Perlite – Marijuana Hydroponic Mediums

Although not recommended for new growers perlite can be used to grow cannabis.  As this is generally a soil additive used to enrich soil.   Great for drainage and air flow but very temperamental to work with at it is a type of volcanic glass that pops like popcorn when heated.

Due to the fact it does not retain water it floats which means it is not suitable for most hydroponic grow systems.   This is why many savvy growers will mix this with vermiculite and get some outstanding results.

8 Quarts Horticultural Grade Premium PerliteEspoma PR8 8-Quart Organic PerliteHoffman 16504 Horticultural Perlite, 18 QuartsViagrow 4 cu. Ft. Perlite – hydroponic growing mediaGROW!T  #2 Perlite, Super Course, 2 Cu Ft Hydroponic Perlite10L Liters / 2.5 Gallon OF Course Perlite #3 Great For Seed Starting,

Rock – Hydroponic Growing Mediums

Inexpensive, widely available, rock makes for another organic hydroponic growing medium.  Many growers absolutely swear by river rock, lava rock and pea gravel.  It all depends on what is available in your area but luckily most of these can be easily found at your local home and garden store.  Obviously this type of growing medium would be great for those who are going to grow a bunch of plants.

American Fireglass Small Black Lava RockMighty 109 Grey Pea Gravel /Bulk QtySupply Guru River Rocks, Pebbles, Outdoor DecorativeHoffman 14452 Volcanic Lava Rock,FloraCraft, Rocks with 5-Pound Square Reuseable Jar, Multiple

Vermiculite – Hydroponics Growth Mediums

Finally vermiculite is another commonly known hydro growing medium used by cannabis growers all over the world.   Vermiculite is a mined rock and it is very important to get vermiculite that is compatible with hydroponic grow systems.   Great for moister retention however best when used with perlite as this will allow for good moisture and perlite will ensure phenomenal oxygen flow to the roots.

In conclusion not matter which hydroponic grow medium use it all comes down to growers choice and experimenting until you find what works for you.

8QT Professional Grade Vermiculite by Plantation ProductsMidwest Hearth Vermiculite Granules for Gas Logs – 12 oz bagJosh’s Frogs Vermiculite (10 quarts)ORGANIC Vermiculite Coarse Grow Media – Orchids

Check out these other cool resources by Hydro AC

• Marijuana Spider Mite Control
• Indoor Grow Room Lights
• Humidity for Growing Cannabis
• How to Cure Marijuana for Top Shelf Potency and Taste
• Small Indoor Grow Rooms
• Grow Room Cooling Systems
• Marijuana Home Decor