If there’s one thing Umbrella Grass (Cyperus) loves, it’s having “wet feet.” In fact, keeping the soil constantly moist can feel like a full-time job because you practically can’t skip a single day of watering. That’s exactly why hydroponics is a total game-changer for this plant. Believe it or not, this thirsty beauty is perfectly happy living without any soil at all!
Different Ways to Go Hydro
There are a few different ways you can set up your Umbrella Grass for hydroponic success. If you have a hardy, native variety, it’ll do great planted right in the shallow zone at the edge of a garden pond. Smaller species from Asian marshlands actually thrive inside an aquarium. And of course, any variety of Umbrella Grass can be grown as a classic hydroponic houseplant in a pot.
Choosing the Right Pot and Substrate
Umbrella Grass can get pretty tall and top-heavy, so you’ll want to pick a pot that’s sturdy and large enough to keep it from tipping over. Pots with built-in water level indicators are a lifesaver here. Since you aren’t using dirt, you’ll need a “substrate” to hold the plant in place. Good options include:
- Lava rocks (granulate)
- Perlite
- Clay pebbles (like Seramis or LECA)
Pro Tip:
If you’ve just started a small plant from a cutting or another propagation method, you can temporarily keep it in a simple glass of water with some decorative stones or sand for stability.
How to Switch from Soil to Hydro
If you already have an indoor plant sitting in soil, you can easily transition it to a hydro setup. The best time to do this is in March, right when you’d normally be repotting for the spring. Here’s how to do it:
- Carefully remove the plant from its old pot.
- Shake off as much loose soil as possible with your hands.
- Place the root ball in a bucket of water for a few days to help loosen the stubborn leftover dirt.
- Give the roots a final, thorough rinse to make sure they’re clean.
- Put a layer of your chosen hydro-substrate into the new pot.
- Position the plant and fill in the remaining space with more substrate.
- Add water until your water level indicator hits the “maximum” mark.
Don’t Forget the Fertilizer!
In a hydroponic setup, your Umbrella Grass relies entirely on you for its vitamins. If it’s living on the edge of a pond, it’ll find plenty of nutrients on its own. However, if it’s in an aquarium or a pot, you’ll need to regularly add a suitable liquid fertilizer to the water to keep it lush and green.
