In the diploma thesis, we compared hydroponic and conventional cultivation in substrate for pelargonium (Pelargonium × peltatum 'Allegria Fuoco'), lobelia (Lobelia erinus), and immortelle (Helichrysum petiolare 'Silver'). The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the suitability of hydroponic cultivation for ornamental plants under Slovenian conditions. The experiment took place in the greenhouse of the Biotechnical Faculty experimental field in Ljubljana from 7 March to 23 April 2024. We monitored plant height, number of shoots and flowers, as well as fresh and dry mass of above-ground and below-ground parts. Electrical conductivity and pH of the nutrient solution and substrate were measured. Pelargoniums grown in the hydroponic system grew on average 0.19 cm per day, while those grown in the substrate grew 0.12 cm per day. Pelargoniums and lobelias grown in the hydroponic system developed more flowers on average compared to plants grown in the substrate. The fresh mass of the below-ground parts of lobelias grown in the hydroponic system was 251.7% higher than in the substrate. In pelargoniums grown in the hydroponic system, the fresh mass of the below-ground part was 162.9% higher than in the substrate. Immortelle grown in the hydroponic system had, at the final measurement, 24% fewer shoots per plant, and the mass of both below-ground and above-ground parts was lower compared to plants grown in the substrate. Measurements of pH and electrical conductivity showed appropriate values for the growth of the selected plants, indicating that the poorer performance of immortelle was not due to chemical parameters but rather to the specific requirements of the plant. Pelargoniums and lobelias proved to be suitable ornamental plant species for cultivation in a hydroponic system.
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