The Worst Plants for Aquaponics (Avoid these 15)
Introduction:
Many of the plants can grow in aquaponics, but some are the worst plants for aquaponics than others. Aquaponics, a sustainable system of food production where aquaculture and hydroponics are combined, contains many advantages. The plant selection predominates the success of the aquaponic system, however. The hydroponic system is only suitable for some types of plants, as various factors such as root system requirements, nutrient uptake, and compatibility with aquatic life may hinder plant growth. Now, let’s examine the plants that should be avoided when it comes to aquaponics and learn why they are not a suitable option.
Some plants, like tomatoes, are water-lovers and may not survive drought conditions. The rest of the plants, like lettuce, can be deprived of water for a certain time and will still be alive. The aquaponics system is incompatible with plants that need a lot of water and they deteriorate when in the fish tank environment.
Along with this, there are the worst plants for aquaponics that are harmful to fish and plants.
Nevertheless, the fact that some plants are not suitable for aquaponics is the only drawback.
The Worst Plants for Aquaponics
- Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
- Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)
- Grapes (Vitis spp.)
- Mint (Mentha spp.)
- Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
- Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
- Onions (Allium cepa)
- Papaya (Carica papaya)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Willow Trees (Salix spp.)
- Peppers
- Corn (Zea mays)
- Melons (Cucumis melo)
- Cucurbita pepo pumpkins
- Larger Varieties of Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum)
FAQs
Here are the worst plants for aquaponics:
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
Chrysanthemums grow better in soils that have little acidity and are well-drained. These conditions make them unsuitable for aquaponics. Famous for their big-sized and striking inflorescences, chrysanthemums are among the most widely grown ornamental plants in flower production. Roses are commonly used in celebrations and floral decorations, which has resulted in the development of many of them into intensive cultivation on flower farms. Beyond being a source of beauty, such elements provide a variety of valuable services for contemporary gardens.
Regrettably, although the planting processes of these plants can be quite easy when given the appropriate substrates, they are incompatible with many aquaponic systems. The chrysanthemums will do best in a porous substrate with a slightly alkaline pH level. It renders the process of searching for such plants and fish a challenge.
If the aquaponic systems are to be economically viable, the production and maintenance cost of plants should be at least equally high as that of the energy cost. The main thing that gives these plants their value is their beautifully colored flowers which are produced in enormous numbers by combining rich macro and micro nutrients. Inadequacies of calcium, sulfur, and magnesium, which are low in the aquaponic system by nature, can cause a slight or abnormal blossom production.
Blueberries (Vaccinium spp.)
Blueberries grow well in low pH and such conditions are harmful to fish in a system. Berries are most often hard to grow in aquaponic systems because they are very competitive. They are known to be highly competitive when grown together with other plants. They usually take up most of the available space and nutrients leaving their neighbors with less. Shrubs provide fruit after they reach 3 – 8 feet (0.9 – 2.4 meters) tall, so they should not be planted too closely as it will limit their development. This considerably cuts down the number of fruit-bearing plants that can be grown in a small area.
To begin with, blueberries are very demanding and challenging to cultivate in aquaponics because they need lower pH levels to absorb the required high amounts of nutrients. Acidic conditions in the water with a pH lower than 6 can be very unfavorable for many fish species. The plant in general may grow in a neutral environment but the fruits may not ripen properly.
The second reason to not grow blueberries in an aquaponic system is that they are prone to pathogens, fungi, and viruses and they tend to develop shallow and fine root systems. If the three plants are grown nearby, they may welcome some pests that are hard to remove because their shoots are tangled and woody. Unlike trees or shrubs that have deep root systems, propagation through plant division is not an option for them.
Grapes (Vitis spp.)
A single grape plant may demand 9 square feet and be able to bear fruit after a few years. It is not easy to successfully achieve grape cultivation in vineyards that have wide and open sunlit areas. Creating these vines with limited space for growing in an aquaponic system would be a thing to marvel at. These plants would require the use of a special arrangement with a trellis or arbor-like structure that would be able to sustain the lengthening shoots and heavy fruits of these plants. At birth, one plant would need 9 sq. ft. and it may take years to become a fruit-bearing tree!
The mature grapes are very difficult to maintain, because the vines may be as widespread as 15 meters away from the main plant. The fact that these are heavy and require a lot of nutrients makes it unprofitable to produce aquaponic grapes. Focusing on the production of shoots and branches requires a large amount of nutrients. Likewise, the lion’s share of investment would be directed to ensure the integrity of the structure.
Be ready to wait for years if the initial fruits do not even start to grow. Plenty of nutrients are found in an aquaponic system, but grape vines must have their root network well established and widespread to be able to use all the nutrients needed by the grapes for their growth. It is the dream of an aquaponic grape farm that may seem appealing, but the reality is, this may not be worth it unless you have an abundance of resources.
Mint (Mentha spp.)
The mint leaves themselves emit essential oils that can keep many insects away. Although mint is the most effective plant to grow in gardens and around pond systems, its convenience of growth and rapid growth are the same reasons why its use in aquaponics is not advised. This plant with 20 or more species and useful varieties is a fast grower and can fill a space in a short period. The plants can grow up to a height of 48 inches (122 cm) since the nutrient is highly available. This is the tallest among the nearby herbs. Its suckering roots can be spread randomly and it can grow indefinitely.
It would be wise to choose parsley and chives instead of mint if you cannot devote the time and effort needed to regularly harvest and prune your mint plants. These are less likely to be choked out by your system so there’s more room and nutrients for other useful crops. Without regular maintenance, mint plants that have grown too tall with thick branches may also become a pest and disease vector.
However, if you are an experienced aquapod or have a place in your home where the plant can grow without a lot of light, it is possible to grow mint for your herb. It is still a very popular plant to grow because of its multiple uses in the garden. The blooms are magnets for pollinators, while the leaves produce oils that can act as a deterrent to a lot of pests. Without a doubt, they are also an essential tool for cooking.
Bamboo (Bambusoideae)
Bamboo, which is famous for its fast growth and durability, may be tempting to consider for aquaponics at first sight. While it can effectively remove nutrients, its invasive character and high nutrient demands make it unsuitable for the system.
Bamboo’s rapid growth could eliminate other plants quickly, disturbing the balance that is important for the aquaponic system. In a way this imbalance not only affects other plants’ growth but also challenges the system equilibrium, and as a result, nutrient deficiencies may occur for fish and other organisms within the system.
Potatoes (Solanum tuberosum)
Potatoes are cold-loving and can be an issue for some species of fish that are used in aquaponics because they need slightly acidic water, which is not suitable for most fish.
It is still possible to grow root crops in an aquaponic setup, but it requires advanced knowledge of media beds and a more careful way of water management. To prevent the plants’ crowns from collapsing and provide enough soil for the roots to grow, a bed filled with peat, pebbles, or ‘hydroton’ (clay balls) is required.
Besides, the media bed for growing potatoes is more complex compared to those for most types of herbs and leafy greens. In the meantime, potatoes will need cool conditions and slightly acidic water (pH 5.5 – 6.5). Such a wide range can have negative effects on many fish types, and thus, the choice of economically profitable species to be grown together with potatoes can be a difficult one. The beneficial microorganisms might have a hard time helping cycle nutrients in pH levels below 6.
The above-ground features of potatoes can be quite tricky, especially when one such productive stem does not always mean the same tubers. Always be mindful of the fact that, with potatoes, the underground part is what matters. While nutrient conditions are not optimal, the vegetative structures can still stretch and grow longer than the setup might allow, without producing quality tubers. As for sweet potatoes, the energy may become more likely to be directed towards the production of more leaves instead of tubers in aquaponics.
Onions (Allium cepa)
Onion is a vegetable that is very vulnerable to nitrate concentrations and may fail to germinate if there are other nutrition deficiencies, such as iron.
But the onion, an onion that might be challenging to grow in an aquaponic system, needs special conditions and a wicking bed or floating raft system for the bulbs to develop in high quality. The roots of the plants must be planted in a porous substrate that would be periodically flooded and drained with nutrient solution. For the sake of having sustainable growth, temperatures should be kept at about 12-25˚C (54-77˚F). In the case of bulbs, the temperature outside the range may have the opposite effects, either the bulbs fail to sprout or they grow too fast.
One of the main problems of onion bulb growth in water containing high levels of nitrogen is the onion bulb’s sensitivity to nitrate levels. The amount of nitrates is more than needed and this may change the color and photosynthetic efficiency of the leaves, with the bulbs having a poor flavor. Nitrogen, zinc, and potassium will require monitoring and adjustments from time to time. In addition, some other trace elements such as iron may also be deficient, which would lead to crops not growing well.
Although fish waste can in general supply onions with all the essential nutrients that they need to grow, it is however not certain that such nutrients will result in bulbs of desirable sizes. You cannot measure the rate of growth of the bulbs or make a complete examination of them until the intended date of harvest. This would be a challenge when it comes to people who are not experts in onion production.
Papaya (Carica papaya)
Papaya trees, with roots that penetrate deep into the ground and have powerful growth, present a serious issue in aquaponics. In such a case, aquaponic roots can enter the infrastructure, resulting in damages such as grow bed destruction, pipe blockages, and other system components.
Furthermore, papaya trees are also water-intensive plants and therefore the aquaponics system is put under pressure which negatively impacts the water quality and nutrient distribution. Providing for the papaya trees’ needs with those of the fish and other plants in the aquaponic system can be a challenge, meaning that papaya may not be the best plant for aquaponics.
Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
If you are after a high-quality ginger root, you can’t let it be submerged in water. A remarkable root crop that is famous for its strong flavor, ginger has diverse applications in both traditional and modern medicine as well as cooking. It is without a doubt one of the most complex and difficult plants to grow in an aquaponic system, and should only be left to the professionals! This requires a minimum of 10 months for the production of rhizomes that can be harvested. Upon growing up to 3 feet (91 cm) wide in the optimal growing environment, the crop will use space that conventional and fast-growing crops may use.
Water immersion of the media bed should also be avoided to ensure that the ginger roots are of good quality. Undoubtedly, they (roots) can go bad very quickly and spoil, so they will no longer be able to grow, and they will be unfit for consumption. A setup that does not only hydrate the growth medium but also gives way for complete drainage (e.g. flood-and-drain setups) is required.
The ginger roots spread and leaves grow in all directions and cover the media bed. This can prevent other plants from getting enough sunlight. It is not necessarily the case that the level of coverage by their root systems and the size of rhizomes they produce is the same as that of the other trees. As in the case of onions and potatoes, the roots are hard to keep in order because they are to be fully assessed only at the harvesting time. Not only that but additional nutrients and micronutrients may also be necessary for good growth.
Willow Trees (Salix spp.)
The willow trees are a popular choice for their quick growth and strong root systems, but they are unsuitable for aquaponics. The extensive roots of willow trees can even get into grow beds, damaging the structure and affecting the system’s functionality.
On top of this, their high water uptake can make the aquaponic system more stressed and result in an imbalance of water distribution and nutrient availability. For these reasons, willow trees should not be included in aquaponics since they could pose a danger to the sustainability and productivity of the system.
Peppers
Peppers thrive under conditions of high humidity and consistent warmth, which is not always easy to provide in an aquaponics system. Peppers may be quite demanding for aquaponic systems as they require warm and humid conditions (65 – 60%) throughout the entire period. In countries with temperate climates, they would be grown in a greenhouse to shield their shoots from the cold until they have matured sufficiently to produce their edible and spicy fruits. The fruit-bearing branches of the established shoots usually take around five months or more to start producing fruits.
Pepper roots must be in the water at temperatures between 16 – 21C (61 – 70F), while water temperatures that are much higher than that will cause the fruits to be deformed. In addition to the water’s pH necessitating regulation and keeping it between 5.5 and 6.5, some types of freshwater fish might experience difficulties in this range. The limestone should be removed from the media bed to prevent surges in pH levels.
The next thing is temperature and pH maintenance. The nitrate levels should be constantly checked too. While peppers are rather tolerant of nutrient deficiencies, they will nevertheless need more than nitrates to achieve good flowering and high-yielding fruit production. Other nutrients such as phosphorus and potassium might need to be added to your system. Consequently, a strong and stable structure, which would cost more labor and materials, would be required to hold up the fruits as they grow.
Corn (Zea mays)
Corn in an aquaponics system is possible but it’s by no means straightforward! Though it seems to be possible to cultivate corn in aquaponic systems the truth is that the process is far from easy and simple. This crop has a lot of requirements, many of which can only be fulfilled with matured acreage. It is a warm-season crop that has the best-growing conditions in air and water temperatures ranging between 25 – 32˚C (77 – 90˚F).
The leaves and the shoots require a minimum of 8 to 12 hours of full sunlight a day, a requirement that is usually hard to fulfill with regular and indoor lighting.
Even if you manage to bring your stalks of corn to maturity and they create inflorescences, it is not certain that they will develop into fruits. The corn species that cannot be pollinated by wind may need to be pollinated manually to be viable. It can take from a couple of days to a full week for the manual pollination to be completed. Instead of this, you can decide to use strong fans to blow pollen from the male corn tassels which will then fall on the female corn silks.
In addition to the necessity of several rows of corn to increase the possibilities of successful pollination, aquaponic cultivation of this kind can attract many pests to your system as well. In monocultures of corn, earworms, smut, Stewart’s wilt, and rust are the common pests. Such practices can lead to fruit spoilage and further reduce the quality of the overall growth.
Melons (Cucumis melo)
Due to the necessity for space, sunlight, and supporting structure, melons are hard to grow in an aquaponics system. Whether it is the spherical cantaloupes, the long, oval-shaped honeydews, or the various watermelons with their many shapes and sizes, nowadays we can see a large diversity of cultivars of melons.
The main types that are grown most often are the cantaloupe, muskmelon, and honeydew, which are the ones known for their sweet flesh and thick rind. The C. melo is an annual herb that needs warm temperatures and rich soils. It is typically grown as a trailing or climbing plant. It is quite picky for this system, requiring more space and light, and a supporting structure to grow.
The melon is a fruit that takes a long time to reach maturity into well-fruiting vines. To begin with, the stems and leaves are nourished by the nitrates that are supplied continuously. Gradually, the roots will require reinforcement with phosphorus and potassium, which are essential for flower and fruit growth. The fact that the aquaponic system is supposed to be cyclic and self-sufficient means that in order to maintain the cycle, these nutrients will have to be added which then makes it less economical.
In an aquaponics system, raising melons can be more labor-consuming as the vine will have to be supported more and more as it grows. As soon as fruits start to appear, the structures supporting them will have to be strengthened so they may safely carry their weight. The melons that have been picked from an aquaponically grown system, even if with supplementary nutrients, will be compromising their protein content.
Cucurbita pepo pumpkins
The variety of pumpkins (Cucurbita pepo) is not easy to cultivate in aquaponics. Pumpkins, which come from North America, are especially known for their enormous size, spreading vines, and bright orange flesh. Being incompatible with aquaponics, they are high-growth plants.
Pumpkins need spacing, sunlight, and support like melons. In the case of small aquaponics systems, the vines that grow fast can take up the space of other plants and thus disrupt the balance. Aside from this, the massive root system of these trees might subdue the aquatic habitat.
Pumpkins are extremely nutritious plants; they require a lot of nutrients to grow well and become mature. The pumpkins in aquaponics systems rapidly consume nutrients to the point where there is no sufficient nutrients left for other plants and aquatic life.
By the way, pumpkins grow slowly, which means that it takes months. They require pruning and structure support maintenance at this moment. Large fruits need to be held firmly to avoid damage and ensure complete development.
Pumpkins can also be influenced by temperature and humidity changes. The environmental factors of pumpkin production in aquaponics are often complex, which can result in stress and low yields.
Pumpkins are the top choice, but their demanding nature and space-intensive growth, make them unsuitable for aquaponics. Pumpkin growers who take the soil-based route may do more effectively as plants need to meet and this way yields more.
Larger Varieties of Tomato Plants (Solanum lycopersicum)
Although small tomato types fit well with aquaponics, large tomato types have some special tasks. These plants need a very big space and good support because of their size and weight. Furthermore, the occurrence of roots within the pipes can cause system failures by clogging the pipes and obstructing water flow, thus leading to reduced efficiency.
Managing taller tomato plants in aquaponics demands careful planning and maintenance to prevent such problems and create a perfect environment for aquatic plants and fish.
Choosing the Best Plants for Your Aquaponics System
Aquaponics is a great way to produce food in an environmentally friendly way; however, it is very important to choose the right plants when creating an aquaponics system. We’ve also discussed the worst plants for aquaponics, including chrysanthemums and larger tomato varieties, and the reasons they’re not successful in this system.
For instance, chrysanthemum plants and blueberries have some specific needs that are hard to implement in aquaponics systems. Some, such as ginger and papaya, can be hard to control because they are too aggressive and have a lot of roots that grow all over the place.
In order to keep your aquaponics system running successfully, pick the plants that are good for your system. The use of the right plants can lead to the creation of a system that is productive for both the plants and the fish.
In the end, it all boils down to selecting suitable flora, which is the main factor for your aquaponics system to work. Select carefully, and you’ll get all the benefits of food production that is environmentally friendly.
FAQs
What cannot be grown in aquaponics?
Keep the chrysanthemums, mint, blueberries, potatoes, onions, ginger, and peppers away from your aquaponics system, with the fish, as they cannot live together. These plants have specific requirements that cannot be ensured for the fish and which eventually may lead to the death of the fish.
What is aquaponics weakness?
The fact that it is very expensive (more than hydroponics and soil production systems) to start aquaponics is one of its weaknesses; Aquaponics will require a deep understanding of nature.
What kills fish in aquaponics?
Toxic to fish at levels of five ppm, nitrite should be kept at 1 ppm or less for the tilapia. The process of taking out the ammonia and nitrite from aquaponics systems is called biofiltration (Figure 1). Biofiltration serves as the link between the fish component and the hydroponic component of an aquaponics system.
What is the plant deficiency in aquaponics?
Nitrogen is the main constituent of chlorophyll that is necessary for plants to carry out photosynthesis. A nitrogen deficiency in aquaponics plants can cause yellowing of the leaves, stunted growth, and a decrease in the amount of production. When fish are stocked at lower densities and fed at inadequate rates, nitrogen deficiency can occur.
What is better than aquaponics?
Hydroponics suits best plants with high nutrient requirements; you can modify the solution as per the plant’s needs. A characteristic of aquaponics is that plants with less needs are usually supported. Such plants include lettuce, leafy greens, and herbs. Either way, if you have more fish and the tank is large enough, you can feed them more.
What chemical kills fish?
Rotenone is not a fish poison because it does not suck oxygen out of the water but rather it prevents oxygen transfer and cellular respiration. All of the fishes are susceptible to rotenone, but the mortality rate is different for each species.
How can aquaponics fail?
Because of Poor Water Quality in Aquaponics Systems, There are no bacteria that are beneficial for the breakdown of ammonia and nitrate. The pH changes with the decomposition of plant waste or inefficient buffering capacity and the presence of dangerous chemicals or pollutants in the water source.
What kills fish naturally?
The primary reason for the death of wild fish is insufficient oxygen in the surface water. A rapid depletion of dissolved oxygen may lead to asphyxiation and death of most sensitive fish species within a couple of hours. The disappearance of oxygen from water can be due to both natural processes and severe storms that usually accompany them.
What causes high pH in aquaponics?
High system pH is almost always due to calcium carbonate or limestone buildup in the system (when the system is not carbonated as in the form of a grow bed of limestone or concrete in the fish tank). When softening water, there is carbonate buildup in the system, and your pH is being “buffered” or maintained artificially high by the carbonate cycle of your water.
How do you increase calcium in aquaponics?
This is a mix of magnesium hydroxides and calcium. It will be reflected in an increased pH value. Mingling 1 part of the potassium hydroxide and 1 part of the hydrated lime will also raise the potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels. In the neutral pH level aquaponics systems where there’s no need for the pH level to be raised.
What causes pH to drop in aquaponics?
Nevertheless, the pH can become lower, as the ammonia is converted into nitrites and then nitrates by the beneficial bacteria. Therefore, it is vital to measure the system’s biological activities and make the necessary adjustments to pH.
Conclusion:
Lastly, I will coclude my topic here about the worst plants for aquaponics :
Many plants can be cultivated using aquaponics, but in order to maximize performance and output, it’s important to understand the traits and needs of each plant. many plants have different characteristics and requirements, so the enthusiasts and begginers should have complete knowledge about to make their decisions for growing plants.
. While the plants mentioned in this article may pose challenges in aquaponics setups, there are still countless other options to explore. With proper research, experimentation, and a willingness to learn, aquaponic gardeners can create thriving ecosystems that benefit both plants and fish alike.”
Reference Links
https://aquaponicsassociation.org/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309336645_Survey_of_Aquaponics_in_Europe
https://www.researchgate.net/topic/Aquaponics