Hydroculture is now a well-known term in the world of houseplants and interior planting. But did you know that the origins of this technique go back to scientific experiments in the 19th century?
The beginning of soil-free plants
In the 19th century, the story of hydroculture began in laboratories where scientists like Polstorff and Wiegmann experimented with plant growth in sand enriched with mineral nutrients. Soon after, German botanists Knop and Sachs took it a step further with "water culture", where plants grew directly in water containing nutrients. These experiments laid the foundation for revolutionary plant nutrition but remained confined to the realm of science.
In the 1930s, Professor William F. Gericke proved that large-scale plant cultivation in water basins was possible. This technique was successfully applied in remote locations where, despite poor soil, fresh vegetables were grown. This marked the beginning of the practical application of hydroculture.
The breakthrough in hydroculture
The real transformation of hydroculture into a practical method for houseplants took place in Switzerland. Pioneers such as Mr. Vatter and Gerhard Baumann experimented with new materials and systems. Baumann introduced expanded clay pellets (LECA) as a substrate, an innovation that made growing plants without soil easier and more efficient. The first commercial hydroculture systems were developed under the brand names Luwasa and Plantanova, which became popular in offices and hospitals.
Nieuwkoop Europe: A pioneer in the Netherlands
In the 1960s, the collaboration between Luwasa and Hans Nieuwkoop brought hydroculture to the Netherlands. While others focused on mass production, Nieuwkoop chose a wide variety and larger plants, perfectly suited for the business market. This strategic differentiation laid the foundation for Nieuwkoop Europe, which has now been a leading player in hydroculture for over 50 years. Today, Nieuwkoop Europe is the green fulfilment partner in the green industry and helps customers worldwide green their interiors and exteriors.