Development and Physiological Performance of Hydroponically-Grown Ornamental Indoor Plants in Relation to their Potential Use in Botanical Biofilters: Effect of Mineral Nutrient Availability

Abstract

Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of mineral nutrient availability on development and physiological performance of several common indoor ornamental plant species (Anthurium sp., Chlorophytum comosum, Epipremnum aureum, Plectranthus fruticosus, Spathiphyllum sp., and Tradescantia pallida) cultivated in hydroponics with potential use in active botanical biofilter systems. Plants were grown in expanded clay granules at four levels of mineral nutrient availability provided by two types of commercial mineral fertiliser. The growth stimulative effect of increased mineral nutrient availability depended on plant growth rate, with a lower effect on slower growing species. The need for nutrients increased in the order Anthurium < Spathiphyllum < Epipremnum < Chlorophytum < Tradescantia < Plectranthus. Tissue water content showed pronounced differences between various plant species as well as between plant organs. For several species, increase in mineral nutrient availability resulted in a significant increase in tissue water content. Chlorophyll fluorescence analysis showed that indoor plants can successfully adapt to low and moderate mineral fertiliser levels with balanced individual nutrient rates, without negative consequences to photochemistry of photosynthesis. Consequently, indoor plants can be cultivated at a relatively low concentration of mineral nutrients for optimum utilisation in active botanical biofilter systems.