Hydroponics is an extremely efficient and precise method: when it works well, it allows rapid growths, superior quality and resource savings.
However, when something is misadjusted, negative effects appear within hours.
In this article, we analyze the most common mistakes made by both beginners and long-time growers, explaining how to avoid them simply and definitively.
In the article, we also report how Tomato+ greenhouses automatically reduce these risks.
This is the most common mistake.
If EC and pH are not in the optimal range, the plant cannot properly absorb nutrients, even if they are present.
Problems caused:
slowed growth
apparent (but false) deficiencies
damaged roots
How to avoid it
Measure values regularly.
Keep pH between 5.5 and 6.5.
Avoid ECs that are too high: they don't accelerate growth, they stunt it.
With Tomato+
Greenhouses automatically adjust critical parameters and alert the user in case of abnormalities.
Light is one of the most sensitive factors. It is not enough to just turn on the LED: the quality of the spectrum, the intensity, and especially the distance from the plant matters.
Common mistakes:
LEDs too close → burned leaves
LEDs too far apart → spun plants
Wrong spectra → slow growth
LEDs generate a lot of heat, so they must be kept away from plants.
This causes:
low efficiency (a lot of light is lost)
high power consumption
risk of "light stress"
LEDs are liquid-cooled, a unique technology in the domestic and compact professional sector.
This allows:
to place the light very close to the plants without risk
greater luminous efficiency
drastic reductions in energy waste
less heat to dissipate → lower overall power consumption
Water that is too hard, rich in chlorine or has heavy metals compromises the nutrient solution.
Typical signs:
white deposits on roots
unstable pH
Inconsistent EC
How to avoid it
Use demineralized water or water with few salts.
On Horto2 and Horto4 → always demineralized water + predosed granular solution.
A more frequent problem than you think.
Consequences:
"drowned" roots
pumps running dry
Continuous surges in nutrient solution
Solution: follow the levels given and check for proper oxygenation.
Roots need oxygen. Without oxygen → stunted growth.
How to avoid it.
Use an oxygenator in homemade systems.
Keep water between 18-22 °C.
With Tomato+
Systems are designed to automatically maintain optimal levels of oxygenation and temperature.
Residues, algae and biofilms can compromise subsequent cultivation.
How to avoid it
Thoroughly clean tanks, tubes and components.
Avoid harsh cleaners (pure bleach, ammonia).
Too many nutrients → burned roots.
Too few → slow growth.
Solution:
Adhere to dosages.
Do not mix products from different brands.
Check EC after each correction.
Leaves only show the end effect.
The real diagnosis should be made on the roots.
Typical problems:
brown roots → poor oxygenation
bad smell → rotting
Thin roots → stress or too much light
Check them at least weekly.
The microclimate determines how fast the plant grows and how well it grows.
Common mistakes:
environment too hot → stress
high humidity → mold
still air → poor photosynthesis
Ideal ranges:
Temperature: 20-25 °C
Humidity: 40-60 %
Horto2, Horto4 and Horto Professional automatically manage the microclimate, adjusting:
ventilation
temperature
humidity
recirculation and air movement
This eliminates almost all environment-related errors.
Not all plants grow the same way.
Examples:
basil → lots of light and fast cycles
lettuce → lower light and more water
mint → suffers ECs that are too high
Solution: use dedicated growth plans.
With Tomato+
Growth Plans are already optimized and, on Horto Professional, are dynamically corrected via AI.
Errors in hydroponics stem from suboptimal parameter management.
With the right tools-or a Tomato+ greenhouse-many of these risks are completely eliminated, enabling professional results even without experience.
Thank you for reading this article. Keep following us to discover new content on hydroponics, vertical farming and smart agriculture.
Tomato+ Team