Helios & Plantcare FAQ

Not all plants can be grown in water, but many plants can be propagated and grown hydroponically.

Some examples of plants that can be grown in water include pothos, philodendron, spider plant, Chinese evergreen, lucky bamboo, and many herbs such as mint, basil, and parsley.

However, plants that have a high water requirement or are adapted to growing in soil may not be able to survive long-term in a hydroponic system.
It's important to research the specific requirements of the plant you want to grow in water before attempting to grow it hydroponically.

There are many houseplants that can be grown hydroponically. Some popular options include:

1. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
3. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
4. Philodendron (Philodendron species)
5. Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema species)
6. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
7. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
8. African violet (Saintpaulia)
9. English ivy (Hedera helix)
10. Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa)

These plants have been found to do well in hydroponic setups, as they do not require extensive root systems to thrive and are tolerant of varying nutrient levels. However, it is important to research the specific needs of each plant and ensure that they are provided with the appropriate nutrients, light, and growing conditions.

The frequency of water changes for plants growing in water depends on several factors such as the size of the container, the type of plant, and the level of water evaporation.

Generally, it is recommended to change the water every one to two weeks for most plants grown in water.
However, some plants may require more frequent water changes, while others may tolerate longer periods without a water change.

It is important to monitor the water quality and the appearance of the plant regularly.
If the water becomes cloudy, foul-smelling, or slimy, it is an indication that the water needs to be changed immediately. Additionally, if the plant's roots begin to look brown or slimy, it may also be time for a water change.

It depends on the quality of your tap water. Some tap water contains high levels of minerals, chlorine, or fluoride, which can harm or even kill your plants.
In this case, it is best to use filtered water, distilled water, or rainwater.

If your tap water is low in mineral content and does not contain harmful chemicals, it can be used for your plants.
However, keep in mind that plants generally prefer water with a neutral pH level of around 6 to 7, so you may need to adjust the pH of your tap water before using it for your plants.

Plants grown in water need a sufficient amount of light to carry out photosynthesis, which is the process of converting light energy into chemical energy to fuel growth and other plant functions.
Generally, plants grown in water require the same amount of light as those grown in soil, which is typically around 6-8 hours of sunlight per day.

It is important to note that different plant species have varying light requirements, so it is best to research the specific needs of the plant you are growing.

Yes, many plants can be propagated in water. In fact, water propagation is a popular and easy way to propagate many houseplants. Some examples of plants that can be propagated in water include pothos, philodendrons, spider plants, and many succulents.

To propagate a plant in water, simply cut a healthy stem or leaf and place it in a jar or vase filled with water.
It's important to change the water every few days to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the plant has access to fresh nutrients.

After a few weeks, roots should begin to grow and you can transplant the cutting into soil or leave it in water if desired.

Gently remove the pit from the avocado without damaging it and clean off all residue. 

Submerge the pit in a jar of clean water for 24-48 hours.

(Optionally) carefully peel off the skin of the pit, exposing the pale wood-like seed. 

Wrap your clean pit in a moist paper towel and put in a plastic bag. Store the bag somewhere dark at room temperature and
​check every three days to see if the towel is still moist and/or if the first sprouts are showing yet (this can take from a week up to two months). ​

Get out your Helios constellation, fit it on the vase, and customize the size of the star-shaped opening by folding the perforated lines.

Carefully place your sprouted pit in the disk, making sure the roots are submerged.

When the stem reaches 20 cm, cut back to about half to force the creation of more roots.

Watch your young plant grow!
Change the water every now and then, and occasionally add nutrients to the water for stronger growth.

It can take several weeks for an avocado pit to sprout roots.
Some pits may grow roots within a week, while others may take up to two months.
Be patient and keep checking up on your pit regularly.

Yes, once the avocado pit has grown roots, it can be planted in soil.

Plant it in a pot with well-draining soil, leaving the top of the pit exposed. Water it regularly and keep it in a warm, sunny location.

Use Waterworks to naturally manage watering your plant.

It can take several years for an avocado pit to grow into a tree.

Avocado trees are slow-growing, so be patient and enjoy the process of watching your tree grow.

No, it's not too late to prune your avocado seedling if it has become leggy. In fact, pruning is the best way to encourage new growth and make the plant more compact.

To prune a leggy avocado seedling, you can start by removing the lower leaves along the stem, leaving only the top leaves intact. Then, cut the top of the stem back by a third to a half, depending on how much you want to reduce its height. This will encourage the plant to produce new growth from the remaining leaves and nodes on the stem.

It's important to make clean cuts with a sharp, sterile tool to avoid damaging the plant. You can also dip the pruning tool in rubbing alcohol or a solution of one part bleach to nine parts water to disinfect it between cuts to prevent the spread of any diseases.

After pruning, make sure to keep the plant in a bright spot with enough light, water, and nutrients to support new growth. With time, your avocado seedling should become fuller and more compact.

It is possible to grow an avocado tree from a pit in the Netherlands, but it is unlikely that it will bear fruit.

Avocado trees require a warm and humid climate, and they do not tolerate cold temperatures or frost well.

In addition, avocado trees require cross-pollination from another tree to produce fruit, which can be difficult to achieve indoors or in a climate that is not suitable for avocado trees.

Therefore, while growing an avocado tree from a pit can be a fun and rewarding project, it is unlikely to result in a fruit-bearing tree in the Netherlands.

It is possible to grow some plants in just water, but adding nutrients can help them grow better and healthier.
Plants need essential nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to grow properly. These nutrients can be found in soil, but in a water-only setup, they need to be added manually.

There are many commercial plant nutrients available in the market that can be used to add essential nutrients to the water. Alternatively, you can also make your own nutrient solution using household items such as Epsom salt, baking soda, and seaweed extract. It's important to note that different plants have different nutrient requirements, so it's essential to research the specific needs of your plant before adding any nutrients to the water.

There are several home-made fertilizers that can be used for hydroponic plants. Here are a few options:

1. Compost tea: This is made by soaking compost in water for a period of time and then using the resulting liquid as a fertilizer. Compost tea is rich in nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
2. Fish emulsion: This is made by blending fish waste, such as fish heads or guts, with water. The resulting liquid is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth.
3. Seaweed fertilizer: This can be made by soaking dried seaweed in water for a period of time. The resulting liquid is rich in micronutrients, including iron, magnesium, and zinc.
4. Epsom salt solution: Epsom salt is a good source of magnesium, which is essential for plant growth. You can dissolve Epsom salt in water and use the solution as a fertilizer.

It's important to note that homemade fertilizers should be used with caution, as they can be more difficult to measure and can potentially harm plants if not used correctly. It's recommended to do thorough research before using any homemade fertilizer and to always start with a small amount to see how your plants react.

Hydroponic plants require adequate light and warmth to grow, so it is important to place them in a location where they can receive enough light and warmth. Here are some tips for where to place hydroponic plants in your house:

1. Choose a sunny spot: Hydroponic plants need plenty of light to grow properly, so choose a sunny spot in your house that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you don't have a sunny spot, you can use grow lights to provide the necessary light.
2. Avoid drafty areas: Hydroponic plants prefer a warm, stable environment, so avoid placing them in drafty areas or near air conditioning or heating vents.
3. Provide adequate space: Make sure to give your hydroponic plants enough space to grow and spread out. Crowding can lead to stunted growth or disease.
4. Consider the humidity: Some hydroponic plants prefer high humidity, while others prefer lower humidity. Be sure to research the specific needs of your plants and place them accordingly.

Overall, the best location for hydroponic plants is a warm, sunny spot with adequate space and proper humidity levels.

There are a few ways to tell if your hydroponic plants are getting enough nutrients:

1. Check the color and size of the leaves: Healthy plants should have bright green leaves that are neither too large nor too small. If the leaves are yellowing, browning, or becoming brittle, this can be a sign of nutrient deficiencies.
2. Monitor growth rate: If your plants are growing too slowly or too quickly, this can also indicate nutrient imbalances.
3. Use an EC meter: An EC (electrical conductivity) meter can measure the concentration of nutrients in your hydroponic solution. If the reading is too low, it means your plants aren't getting enough nutrients; if it's too high, it means there may be too many nutrients, which can lead to toxic buildup.
4. pH testing: Hydroponic plants require a specific pH range in order to properly absorb nutrients. A pH tester can help you ensure that the pH of your nutrient solution is within the appropriate range for the plants you are growing.

It's important to regularly monitor and adjust nutrient levels in your hydroponic system to ensure your plants are healthy and thriving.

Preventing pests from infesting your plants requires several strategies, including:

1. Keep your plants healthy: Healthy plants are less susceptible to pest infestations, so make sure you're providing them with the right amount of light, water, and nutrients.
2. Inspect plants regularly: Check your plants regularly for signs of pest infestation, such as yellow or brown spots, holes in the leaves, or webs.
3. Quarantine new plants: Before bringing new plants into your home, inspect them thoroughly for pests and keep them in quarantine for a few weeks to make sure they're not carrying any pests.
4. Practice good hygiene: Keep your plants and their surrounding area clean and free of debris to prevent pests from taking up residence.
5. Use natural remedies: There are many natural remedies you can use to repel pests, such as neem oil, soap spray, or diatomaceous earth.
6. Consider using pesticides only as a last resort: If you've tried natural remedies and your plants are still infested, you may need to use a pesticide. However, be sure to choose a product that's safe for indoor use and follow the instructions carefully.

Algae growth in plant water can be prevented by taking the following measures:

1. Change the water regularly: Regularly changing the water will reduce the chances of algae growth in the plant water. Depending on the plant and container size, changing the water once a week or every two weeks is recommended.
2. Keep the container in a shaded area: Direct sunlight can accelerate algae growth. Keep the container in a shaded area that receives indirect sunlight.
3. Add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide: Adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide to the water will help prevent the growth of algae. Use one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water.
4. Use a dark container: Light can promote algae growth. Use a dark-colored container to prevent light from entering the water.
5. Add activated carbon: Activated carbon absorbs impurities and can help reduce the growth of algae. Add a small piece of activated carbon to the water.

By taking these measures, you can prevent or minimize algae growth in your plant water.

Yes, it is important to change the container or jar of your hydroponic plant as it grows.

As the plant grows, its root system will expand and may outgrow the container it is in, causing the plant to become root-bound and limiting its growth.

It is recommended to transfer your hydroponic plant to a larger container or system when you notice its roots beginning to fill up the current container. This will provide the plant with more space for root growth and nutrient uptake, leading to healthier and more productive growth.

Additionally, changing the water regularly in the new container is important to ensure that the plant is receiving fresh nutrients and prevent any potential for disease or nutrient imbalances.

Yes, plants grown in water can be transplanted to soil.

However, it is important to note that plants that have been grown in water may have different root systems compared to those grown in soil.
Therefore, it is best to gradually transition the plant from water to soil by introducing soil to the roots over a period of time.

This can be done by placing the plant in a container with a soil mixture that is light and well-draining, and gradually increasing the amount of soil as the plant adapts to the new environment.

It is also important to ensure that the plant receives adequate water and nutrients during the transition period.

The length of time a plant can survive in just water without soil depends on various factors such as the type of plant, the quality of water, the temperature, and the availability of nutrients.

Some plants are better suited for growing in water than others, and some may require additional nutrients or support to survive in water.

Generally, plants can survive in water for a few weeks to a few months, but eventually, they will require soil or another growing medium to continue growing and thriving.

Some plants, such as pothos, ivy, and spider plants, are known for their ability to grow and thrive in water for extended periods, sometimes even indefinitely.

However, other plants, such as those with larger root systems or those that require more nutrients, may not be able to survive as long in water without soil.

Several houseplants have been shown to be effective at improving indoor air quality by removing pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Here are a few examples:

1. Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum) - removes formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene
2. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) - removes benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene
3. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum sp.) - removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene
4. Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) - removes formaldehyde and xylene
5. Areca palm (Dypsis lutescens) - removes formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene

It's important to note that while these plants can help improve indoor air quality, they are not a substitute for proper ventilation and other measures to reduce indoor air pollutants. It's also important to choose plants that are safe for pets if you have animals in your home.

Creating a green indoor oasis without spending any money is possible by using items you already have at home.

One way is to propagate your existing plants and grow new ones from cuttings.

You can also repurpose old containers like jars, cans, and bottles to use as planters.

Additionally, you can trade plant cuttings with friends or neighbors to expand your collection without spending money.

Finally, you can take advantage of natural light and use your windowsill to create a mini indoor garden.

Propagation is the process of creating new plants from an existing one. Here are some common methods for propagating houseplants:

1. Stem cutting: Cut a stem from the parent plant, making sure it has at least one node (the point where leaves grow from the stem). Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then plant it in a pot with moist potting soil. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location until the cutting has rooted.
2. Leaf cutting: Cut a leaf from the parent plant, making sure it has a short stem attached. Plant the stem in moist potting soil and cover with a plastic bag to create a humid environment. Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location until the leaf cutting has rooted and developed a new plant.
3. Division: Some plants, such as spider plants and snake plants, can be divided into smaller plants. Carefully remove the parent plant from its pot and separate the smaller plants from the root ball. Repot the smaller plants in their own pots with fresh potting soil.
4. Air layering: This method is best for plants with woody stems, such as rubber plants and fiddle leaf figs. Make a small cut in the stem and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss. Cover the moss with plastic wrap and secure it in place. Roots will eventually grow from the moss, at which point the stem can be cut from the parent plant and potted on its own.

Propagation can be a fun and rewarding way to expand your collection of houseplants, and it's also a sustainable way to grow new plants without purchasing them.

If you have pets, it's important to be aware that some houseplants can be toxic to cats, dogs, and other animals if ingested. Here are a few examples of houseplants to avoid if you have pets:

1. Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) - highly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses
2. Dieffenbachia (Dieffenbachia spp.) - contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and swelling if ingested
3. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) - contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and swelling if ingested
4. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.) - contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and swelling if ingested
5. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) - contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause oral irritation and swelling if ingested

This is not an exhaustive list, and it's important to research the toxicity of any houseplants you are considering before bringing them into your home. If you have pets, it's also a good idea to place houseplants out of reach, or to use pet-safe barriers to prevent animals from accessing them.

There are several common houseplant pests that can cause problems for indoor plants. Here are six of the most well-known, along with tips for recognizing them and getting rid of them:

1. Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that can range in color from green to black. They feed on plant sap, and can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To get rid of aphids, you can try spraying your plants with a mixture of water and dish soap, or using an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, spider-like pests that can be difficult to see without a magnifying glass. They can cause yellowing, mottling, and webbing on leaves. To get rid of spider mites, you can try washing your plants with a strong jet of water, or using an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
3. Mealybugs: Mealybugs are small, white, cottony-looking insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause yellowing, wilting, and distorted growth. To get rid of mealybugs, you can try using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol to wipe them off, or using an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
4. Scale insects: Scale insects are small, flat, oval-shaped pests that can range in color from brown to black. They feed on plant sap, and can cause yellowing, wilting, and leaf drop. To get rid of scale insects, you can try scraping them off with a cotton swab or toothbrush dipped in rubbing alcohol, or using an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
5. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, white, moth-like insects that feed on plant sap. They can cause yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth. To get rid of whiteflies, you can try spraying your plants with a mixture of water and dish soap, or using an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
6. Fungus gnats: Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored flies that feed on decaying organic matter. They can lay their eggs in soil, and the larvae can feed on plant roots. To get rid of fungus gnats, you can try letting your soil dry out completely between waterings, or using a biological control such as beneficial nematodes or predatory mites.

It's important to note that different pests may require different treatments, and it's always a good idea to identify the pest before taking action. In addition to these common pests, there are many other pests that can affect houseplants, so it's important to monitor your plants regularly and take action if you notice any signs of infestation.

There are several houseplants that are edible and can be a great addition to your indoor garden:

1. Aloe vera - the gel inside the leaves can be used to soothe burns and skin irritations
2. Basil - a popular herb used in many culinary dishes
3. Mint - a refreshing herb that can be used to make tea, garnish desserts, and add flavor to dishes
4. Chives - a member of the onion family that can be used as a garnish or in cooking
5. Lemon balm - a lemon-scented herb that can be used in teas and salads
6. Oregano - a flavorful herb used in Mediterranean cuisine
7. Rosemary - an herb with a distinctive pine-like flavor that is often used in roasted dishes and soups
8. Thyme - a fragrant herb used in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine

When it comes to edible houseplants, it's important to ensure that you are using organic soil and avoiding any pesticides or fertilizers that could be harmful if ingested. Additionally, make sure to research the specific growing requirements for each plant to ensure that it is getting the right amount of light, water, and nutrients.

Plants that are known to increase humidity levels in the home include:

1. Boston Fern: This plant is known for its ability to increase humidity levels in the home, making it an ideal choice for drier environments.
2. Spider Plant: Spider plants are easy to care for and are known to remove pollutants from the air. They also help to increase humidity levels in the home.
3. Peace Lily: This beautiful plant is known for its air-purifying qualities, as well as its ability to increase humidity levels in the home.
4. English Ivy: English Ivy is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of conditions. It is also known for its ability to increase humidity levels in the home.
5. Areca Palm: This tropical plant is not only beautiful but is also known to increase humidity levels in the home.

These plants can help to maintain a healthy level of humidity in the home, which can be beneficial for the health of both people and other plants.

Plants that are native to humid environments or tropical rainforests generally enjoy having their leaves misted as it mimics their natural environment.

Some examples of plants that like to have their leaves misted include ferns, orchids, prayer plants, and Calathea.

However, it's important to note that misting is not a substitute for proper watering and humidity levels, and over-misting can lead to problems such as fungal growth or waterlogged soil.