Troubleshooting Your Plants

A thriving hydroponic system starts with clean, well-conditioned water. Poor water quality can lead to pH instability, nutrient absorption issues, algae growth, and even plant disease. By preparing water properly, you prevent these problems before they begin, ensuring healthier, stronger plants from the start.

For an indepth breakdown on choosing the right water source, filtration methods, and treatment solutions, refer to the full Water Preparation Guide.

Now, let’s dive into troubleshooting!

Wilting Plants

What It Looks Like & How to Recognize It

Wilting plants may appear droopy, weak, or lifeless, despite proper watering. Leaves can curl inward, stems may lose firmness, and overall growth may stall.

Common signs of wilting stress include:
• Leaves soft or curling downward
• Uneven coloration, sometimes pale or dull
• Growth slowing down
• Plants failing to recover after watering

Possible Causes & Solutions

• Water Quality Issues: Poor water preparation can cause chlorine toxicity, excess minerals, or microbial buildup, leading to wilting. Use PHLO to neutralize chlorine & condition your water water prep guide.
• Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD): Ensure your humidity & temperature are in balance (0.8 - 1.2 kPa). Use a hygrometer and thermometer to monitor conditions.
• Water Flow Problems: Pumps or tubing may fail to deliver water evenly. Run a manual test to ensure consistent flow to all plant sites.
• Watering Schedule Concerns: Some hydroponic setups retain excess water, reducing oxygen exchange. If "feeder" roots appear, increase aeration using wave makers or surface agitation techniques.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Lack of key nutrients like nitrogen, magnesium, and potassium can cause wilting. Use balanced natural formulas like PHLO, Veg+Bloom, and VBX.
• Pests: Look for aphids, spider mites, or whiteflies. Introduce ladybugs or neem oil treatments for natural pest control.
• Root Health Issues: Roots should be white and firm. If roots turn brown and mushy, boost oxygenation which can be done with wavemaker pumps or airstones to prevent root rot.

Yellowing Leaves

What It Looks Like & How to Recognize It

Yellowing leaves may start with lower leaves and progress upward. Early signs include pale green patches, leading to uniform yellowing. Severe cases can cause leaf edges browning or falling off.

Key indicators of leaf chlorosis (yellowing):
• Light green → full yellow discoloration
• Dry, papery texture or slow degradation
• Leaf veins remaining green while edges yellow

Possible Causes & Solutions

• Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD): Ensure your humidity & temperature are in balance (0.8 - 1.2 kPa). Use a hygrometer and thermometer to monitor conditions.
• pH Imbalance: Hydroponic plants thrive at 5.5 - 6.5 pH, but untreated water can cause fluctuations. Use PHLO to stabilize pH naturally Water Prep Guide.
• Nutrient Deficiency: Nitrogen, magnesium, and iron are crucial for maintaining green leaves. Utilize PHLO, Veg+Bloom, and VBX for better absorption.
• Overwatering: Stagnant water prevents oxygen uptake, leading to yellowing and weak roots. Increase aeration using air stones, wave makers, or surface agitation.
• Pests: Sapsucking insects like thrips and aphids drain nutrients, causing yellowing. Introduce beneficial insects or neembased deterrents.

Browning Leaves

What It Looks Like & How to Recognize It

Browning usually starts at leaf edges, moving inward. The texture may become crispy or brittle, often accompanied by dark spots or burned patches.

Indicators of leaf scorching or nutrient burn:
• Brown edges, crispy tips
• Uneven spotting or dryness
• Leaves curling or shriveling

Possible Causes & Solutions

• Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD): Again, ensure your humidity & temperature are in balance (0.8 - 1.2 kPa). Use a hygrometer and thermometer to monitor conditions.
• Electrical Conductivity (EC) Imbalance: Excess nutrients cause burns. Maintain EC between 1.2 - 2.0 mS/cm.
• Water Contaminants: Unfiltered tap water may contain chlorine or salts, stressing plants. Treat water using PHLO to neutralize impurities.
• Light Stress: Too much light intensity causes scorching. Move lights higher or reduce duration.
• Pests: Leaf damage can result from fungus gnats or mites. Sticky traps and predatory insects can help reduce populations naturally.

Stunted Growth

What It Looks Like & How to Recognize It

Plants grow slowly or stay small, despite proper care. Leaves may seem miniature, stems thin, or roots underdeveloped. Growth may stall completely in extreme cases.

Signs of growth stagnation:
• Slow growth, weak stems
• Tiny, pale leaves
• Underdeveloped roots

Possible Causes & Solutions

• VPD & Humidity Issues: Low transpiration rates can cause poor nutrient uptake. Keep VPD at 0.8 - 1.2 kPa.
• pH & EC Imbalance: Untreated water may contain harmful minerals, disrupting nutrient absorption.
• Light Deficiency: Insufficient light intensity weakens plants. Adjust height & duration based on plant type.
• Poor Germination Practices: Nutrients added too early can weaken seedlings. Start only with filtered or PHLOtreated water.
• Pests: Some insects target young plants, stunting growth. Try sticky traps & beneficial insects.

Water Preparation: The Key to Healthy Plants

Many common hydroponic issues stem from poor water preparation—whether from chlorine toxicity, excess minerals, pH swings, or microbial buildup. Using PHLO-treated water ensures stable pH, proper nutrient uptake, and a cleaner root environment.

For step-by-step instructions on choosing and treating water for hydroponics, check out the Full Water Prep Guide