Aeroponic gardening is quickly gaining popularity among indoor gardeners. Preferred for the protection it offers against disease and pest infestation, this variation of hydroponics gardening is ideal for anyone seeking to cultivate organic produce. In order to create such growing conditions, however, very specific equipment is needed. While there are some similarities between hydroponic supplies, and those used for aeroponic gardening, there are significant differences. The source of the differences is a result of manner in which plants are cultivated.

About aeroponics

Interestingly, this form of plant cultivation does not require any sort of growing medium. Instead, the plants’ entire root system is exposed within a heavily misted environment. This mist is not basic water alone; rather it is supplemented with a rich supply of nutrients. The roots easily absorb this food supply and transfer it throughout the entire plant structure.

About aeroponic cloning

While typical hydroponics systems may be used for virtually any stage of plant growth, aeroponics works best for a specific type of cultivation. Because the root system drives this form of gardening, the greatest success is possible when working from plant cuttings. In a nutshell, new plants are generated from a single source plant in a process known as aeroponic cloning. For the best results, cuttings should be taken below the second node of a healthy plant. They are then transferred into an aeroponic system known as an aeroponic cloner.

The basics of aeroponics systems

In order to contain the nutrient-rich mist upon which successful aeroponic gardening depends, a totally or partially closed environment is needed. While there are design variations between aeroponics cloner systems, as is the case with hydroponic supplies, the basic components are the same from model to model.

Systems for aeroponic cloning all feature some sort of chamber or reservoir. This component contains the plants and provides the environment in which the cultivation occurs. In addition, some sort of pumping mechanism is required in an aeroponic cloner. This device ensures the plants are exposed to an evenly distributed supply of liquid and nutrients. As a result, the entire crop is more likely to grow at a consistent rate. The final necessity in an aeroponics gardening system is a timer. It guarantees that the nutrient rich environment remains consistent during the entire cultivation cycle.