Rapid rooters are great for germinating seeds and plant cloning. They are also perfect to use as a growing medium in your different hydroponic systems. But do you know what rapid rooters are made of? Well, let’s discuss this.
Rapid rooter is a variety of starter plug and it is loved by both traditional growers and hydroponic gardeners. Using rapid rooters in your hydroponic garden will give you ease to gardening. They will give your seeds or plants an excellent germination rate.
So, here is what you need to know about what rapid rooters are made of. We will also guide you on how to use them.
What Are Rapid Rooters Made Of?
So, what are rapid rooters made of? Rapid rooter can be composed of sphagnum peat moss or tree barks. This peat moss is composed of all-natural
Therefore, rapid rooters are made up of composted materials. This composted material has great absorbing capacity and it does not compact easily.
Rapid rooters are very efficient and are made to supply adequate air to water ratio especially to your plant roots. The excellent air to water ratio is thanks to the peat moss it’s made of. So, this helps enhances the growth of roots and development of plants generally.
Why Use Rapid Rooter Plugs?
You stand to gain a lot using rapid rooter plugs for your indoor gardening. It will make your growing process easy and it also has an excellent absorption rate.
Rapid rooter plugs are great for starting seeds which you can transplant into your hydroponics or outdoor
They are not made of nutrients, therefore no worries about any nutrient interference when you make use of them in your garden. However, they need to be soaked before use in a balanced pH nutrient solution. Doing this will encourage better seedlings or plant development.
How To Use Rapid Rooters
It’s pretty easy to use rapid rooters and we will show you how.
General Hydroponics Rapid Rooter Plant Starters, 50 Plugs
Step 1- Soaking
Soaking your rapid rooters in distilled water to re-hydrate them is the first step. You can soak for a couple of hours or up to 24 hours. Once you’re done soaking, the rooter plugs are ready to be used.
Step 2- Plant your seeds
The next thing to do is to put the rooter plugs into your seed tray or grow tray. Put some seeds into the center holes and if there’s no hole, gently tear the tip of the plug and place your seeds. You should plant more than one seed to enhance the possibility of successful germination.
Once again, tear the tip of the plug and cover or place it over the seeds. This is to give the seed a dark environment which is required for its germination.
Step 3- Water Your Grow Tray
Put about 16 ounces of water in your seed tray every two or three days or as need be. The rapid rooter plugs will wick up water to remain moist.
Step 4- Supply with low-intensity light
Next, go ahead and cover the grow tray with a dome to retain the moisture and warm environment.
Then supply them with some low-intensity grow lights such as fluorescent, LED lights, and so on. Remember to always keep your plugs moist by adding water to the grow tray when needed.
Step 5- Germination
Make use of a heating pad or mat to provide some extra heat to your seeds. This is done because seeds tend to germinate better when supplied with some little heat.
After a couple of days, your seeds will begin to germinate and emerge out of the hole reaching for light. Once your seedlings grow to a certain stage, you can increase the intensity of light. This will help prepare them for their vegetative stage.
Once you notice some good amount of root system emerging through the bottom of the rapid rooter plug, that’s a sign it’s ready to be transplanted. So, your seedlings are ready to be transplanted into your hydroponics system or traditional outdoor garden.
When your seedlings are transplanted into your hydroponic system, supply them with a low dose of nutrient solution. Then gradually increase their nutrient dose to gear them for their subsequent plant’s stages.
Storing Rapid Rooter Plugs
Your rapid rooter plugs need to be stored properly to prevent them from going bad. Inappropriate storage of rapid rooter plugs can cause pathogens, mold, and fungi infestation. When you notice this infestation, there’s nothing that can be done. So they must be disposed of properly.
The right way to store your rapid rooters’ plug is in an airtight container such as Ziploc bags. One other occurrence you may notice when you open your rapid rooter package is to find them very dry. They have not turned bad in this case. You can fix them by simply immerse them in some water to re-hydrate them. Also, apply nutrients to them.
FAQ’s
Are Rapid Rooter plugs organic?
Rapid Rooter Plugs are not organic. They are made with materials that are commonly found in our environment. Rapid Rooter plugs are made from natural products.
Are rapid rooters reusable?
Rapid rooting is used to quickly and easily root cuttings and seedlings in containers. It speeds up the process of root formation. After rooting, the plant can be transferred into its final container or planted directly in the garden.
If you’re using plastic plugs, you must remove all of the plug from the pot and then reuse it on another plant. The plastic plugs on Amazon are really cheap, they can be reused on many plants. When you put it in the pot, the soil is held in place.
What pH do you soak rapid rooters in?
This is what we used to soak them in and what most of the nurseries use. However, some people have had success soaking them in a different pH than 6.
How do you grow seeds from a plug?
It is best to grow plants from seed directly in the soil. There are exceptions, such as seedlings that need to be potted up before they can go outside. But generally, it's easier to plant seeds in soil than to plant plugs in soil.
If you want to plant a plug in soil, you'll need to take the plug out of its pot, place it in a container of soil, and water well.
Can I put Rapid Rooter in soil?
Yes, you can use it in the soil. You will need to do a little preparation before applying this product to the soil. How long does it take for the root to start growing? When it is applied, the root will start growing within one to two hours. The roots will start growing very rapidly and will start to grow into the soil. After 2-4 weeks, the root system will be fully developed and it will not require further maintenance.
How do I apply Rapid Rooter? Apply Rapid Rooter to the soil with a trowel or shovel. Spread it on top of the soil using a hand spreader. Mix it with the soil using a hand spreader. How often should I apply Rapid Rooter? Apply Rapid Rooter at least once a year. The best time to apply this product is in spring and fall. It is recommended that you apply the product twice during the season. If you are applying it in spring, apply it in March. If you are applying it in fall, apply it in September.
Conclusion On What Are Rapid Rooters Made Of?
Rapid rooters plugs are made of sponge-like materials and are also composed of entirely natural
Using rapid rooter in your Garden will make things easier because they will easily take in water and nutrient solutions. They will also provide the root of your plant with good air circulation. Therefore, they will encourage a healthy root system, especially in your seedlings. So, this will turn into offer great harvest and profitable one for your garden.
Eunice is an enthusiastic gardener with a passion for growing beautiful flowers. She loves nothing more than spending time in her garden, tending to her plants and enjoying the outdoors. Eunice has been gardening for over 15 years and has developed a unique style of landscaping that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. She is especially fond of growing roses and enjoys experimenting with different varieties and colors. Eunice takes great pride in her garden and often shares the fruits of her labor with friends and family. In her spare time, she enjoys reading gardening magazines and attending local horticulture events. Eunice is passionate about her hobby and is always eager to share her knowledge and experience with others.
