Seramis-Hyrodponics

[Chuckles]

Has anyone else used Seramis www.seramishydroponics.com/index.php/cName/seramis-clay-granules

I have some which I've had for years, and the few houseplants I have are planted in it. I don't use the water indicators, didn't rate them much.

I was thinking of using it to start some seeds off and wondered if anyone had tried it

[Deleted]

I would be worried about damping off Busy Bee

I don't like using water retaining gel etc. I can't get my head round how they work - surely the gel or granules rob the compost of moisture. And not all plants appreciate having damp/wet roots 24/7

[Susie Snowdrop]

I read somewhere that the roots of the plant have to actually grow THROUGH the gel for it to be of any benefit . If you water regularly I can't see the point of it at all.

[Chuckles]

Seramis is a clay type granule rather than a gel, it's like cat litter

[sweetleaf]

greety said:

Seramis is a clay type granule rather than a gel, it's like cat litter

I havent used Seramis but I have been intrigued by Hydroponics........ although its reputation has been sullied by its use for less than legal purposes.
It used to be a method for growing food crops indoors, posited as a good way of supplementing food for spacegoers, featured in star trek etc, now if you bought equipment you would be recorded as having done so...just in case.

If you grew in the Seramis nutrients would have to be monitored acidity regulated etc. Very complicated, expensive and not for your average gardener.
If you sowed seeds in it they would probably get washed down through it, and rot.

[mickthecactus]

Seramis is quite popular in the cactus world, particularly when used for rooting cuttings. I haven't tried it but will do so this year.

[Rosefriend]

Does anyone know whether it can be used for seeds etc. I am thinking of the trials actually - well it would be a help wouldn't it - or would it makes everything too wet?

RF

[andy]

I can't see how it could be used for seed sowing Rosefriend...the clay granules (also sold under the names of hortag and leca) are too big. However, it might be worth giving it a go with some cheap seeds such as canlendula or godetia.

Used to use an awful lot of hydroponic houseplants in the displays when i worked with interior landscaping. I still have a few at home and i've had them for 10 years and are still growing strong.

Apparently, almost any plant can be grown hydroponicly as long as they're grown like it from day one....hydroponic plants can also be transplanted into soil if ever needed but it can't be done the other way round.

HTH

[Chuckles]

Quite interesting hearing other views on this subject.

As said previously I have houseplants in Seramis and I did transplant from compo to Seramis. From what I've seen with my plants it encourages better root growth in a similar way to adding course sand or gravel to compo.

The granules absorb and hold the water, you do need to take care that you don't over water though. With house plants I guess we all get familiar with what water they need. I've had problems with things rotting before I got used to it.

As far as I remember I was once told it was good for seeds because it allowed good root growth. I have done some of the GWD trial sweetpea seeds in Seramis. I want to try some other seeds in it too, not sure how much I have left now and I think it's quite expensive. Could possibly do a mixer and see how that goes.

The only thing I hate about this particular product is the colour.........it's orange. You could get round it by putting some small gravel on the top, however I judge the dryness of the granules by sight and touch so you'd need to be careful if you did use it.