A basil plant in water is not just another one of those “water gardeners” types. Many of the Mediterranean’s best gardens are actually plants grown in water, pots on sandy or rocky soil being an excellent place for them to grow. Basil is similar to other culinary herbs in that it grows well in sunny areas and is hardy in many environments. It will grow in pots, window boxes and hanging baskets, though basil tends to be most successful in its original soil. If you have never planted basil in water, you may want to read through the directions for setting up a traditional pot before venturing into this new way of planting.
The plant extract is mixed with either water or a liquid detergent such as citrus juice, peroxide, or bleach, depending on how it needs to be treated. Each cleaning agent works on a different variety of herbs, so be sure that you are choosing the correct detergent or detergents for your basil plant extracts. Follow the instructions for applying the cleaning agents on the package to ensure the solution is diluted enough to get the herbs to thrive in their new environment.
To successfully move your plant from a plastic container into a water solution, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions carefully. Most herbs will do well in a standard 4-inch container but there are a few exceptions to this rule. Consult with the herb section of your local nursery to determine which herbs will work best with which sized container. If you are growing more than one plant, make sure that they are planted in separate pots. All pots should be filled with the same mixture so that the plants have the same moisture content when transferred to the reservoir.
If your container plants are in pots, fill each with enough water to overflow. The plants will settle to the bottom of the pots, but they will also take up too much water so they should be watered again after about an inch. Do not let the hydro agent stay in contact with the leaves of the herbs for any length of time. Once the Hydro solution has saturated all surfaces, it is safe to remove the pots from the water. Once the herbs are completely dry, you can place them in a basket or other container to air dry. Place them in a sunny and warm location until they are completely dry.
After the plant has settled, you should use a second solution to hydrate your new basil plants. This second solution should be used very carefully, as it could burn the leaves if it gets into contact with your hands. You can use a vegetable dish or another container filled with rocks to place the hydro pad in. Place the hydro pad by the base of the herbs, and make sure it touches the herbs every few days during the first two weeks of your basil plant in water process.
If your plants are suffering from leaf discoloration or disease you might have some type of fungus problem on one of your leaves or branches. Fungus is a living thing that eats plant material. The first sign you will notice if there is a fungus issue on a leaf is wilting or the entire plant will die. Discolored leaves and branches are a sure sign of root rot so be aware of this possibility. It is best to isolate the plant immediately from the fungus problem for treatment before it spreads to the entire plant.
When you are transplanting your plants from their pots into containers, make sure that you are providing the proper nutrients that they need to grow properly. You should start off with about four to six cups of nutrients per 8 inch pots. There are many beneficial oils available that work very well in providing plant nutrition so look for a brand that uses those nutrients.
Make sure to water your plants well after you put them in their pots so that you do not flood the soil. Your roots will need room to absorb the nutrient rich soil. Watering too often will cause roots to go into the drainage hole, which slows down root growth. In addition, be sure to fertilize your basil plant in water at least once a year but you can do it more frequently as your plants will reward you with greater productivity.