Feeding Hydroponic Plants: Volumes, Pot Sizes & Nutrient Schedules (Australia)
A-Grade Hydroponics Feeding Chart for Coco Coir, LED Grow Lights & Indoor Plants
One of the most common questions in hydroponic gardening is: how much nutrient solution should you feed your plants? Whether you're growing indoors under LED grow lights or HPS lighting systems, the correct feeding volume in coco coir or coco perlite is essential for achieving fast growth and maximum yields.
The reality is that hydroponic feeding schedules vary depending on multiple environmental factors. This guide provides a clear hydroponic feeding chart based on pot size, along with key considerations to optimise your nutrient uptake and plant health.
Key Factors That Affect Hydroponic Feeding Volume
Before following any feeding schedule, it's important to understand the variables that influence how much nutrient solution your plants require.
Temperature & Root Zone Conditions
Maintaining the correct root zone temperature is critical in hydroponic systems. If the root zone is too cold, nutrient uptake slows dramatically, regardless of how much solution you feed. On the other hand, high grow room temperatures will increase plant transpiration, causing your plants to consume more water and nutrients and dry out faster.
Light Intensity (LED & HPS Grow Lights)
Light intensity directly impacts plant metabolism. Plants grown under high-intensity LED grow lights or HPS systems will require significantly more frequent feeding and higher nutrient volumes compared to plants under low-intensity lighting.
Humidity & Vapour Pressure Deficit (VPD)
Humidity works alongside temperature to influence feeding requirements. In high humidity environments, plants transpire less, leading to lower nutrient uptake. In low humidity conditions, plants transpire more, increasing nutrient demand. Understanding VPD (Vapour Pressure Deficit) is key to dialling in your hydroponic feeding schedule.
Hydroponic Feeding Guide Using GeoPot Fabric Pots
This feeding chart is based on GeoPot fabric pots, one of the most popular options in hydroponic gardening due to their superior aeration and root development benefits.
Important: This is a general hydroponic feeding guide. Always adjust your nutrient solution volume based on plant size, strain, environment, and growth stage.
You can split your feeds into multiple watering events per day, but the total daily feeding volume should remain consistent.
Vegetative Stage Feeding Guide (Coco Coir & Coco Perlite)
Run-to-Waste (RTW) Hydroponic Systems
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1 Gallon (4L): 0.5L–1L nutrient solution per day
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3 Gallon (11L): 0.5L–1.5L per day
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5 Gallon (19L): 1.5L–2.5L per day
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7 Gallon (26L): 2.5L–3L per day
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10 Gallon (39L): 3L–4L per day
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15 Gallon (57L): 5L–6L per day (1–2 feeds)
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20 Gallon (76L): 6L–7.5L per day (1–2 feeds)
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30 Gallon (114L): 7.5L–10L per day (1–2 feeds)
Flowering Stage Feeding Guide (Coco Coir & Coco Perlite)
Run-to-Waste (RTW) Hydroponic Systems
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1 Gallon (4L): 1L–1.5L per day (1–2 feeds)
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3 Gallon (11L): 1.5L–2L per day (1–2 feeds)
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5 Gallon (19L): 2L–3L per day (1–2 feeds)
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7 Gallon (26L): 2.5L–3.5L per day (1–2 feeds)
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10 Gallon (39L): 3.5L–4L per day (1–2 feeds)
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15 Gallon (57L): 5L–6.5L per day (1–2 feeds)
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20 Gallon (76L): 7.5L–10L per day (1–2 feeds)
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30 Gallon (114L): 10L–15L per day (1–2 feeds)
Summary: Hydroponic Feeding Schedules
Getting your hydroponic nutrient solution right is one of the most important aspects of indoor plant growth. By adjusting your feeding volume based on pot size, environmental conditions, and plant stage, you can maximise nutrient uptake and avoid common issues like overwatering or salt buildup.
For best results, always monitor runoff, adjust EC and pH levels, and fine-tune your hydroponic feeding schedule to suit your grow room conditions.
Looking for premium hydroponic nutrients, coco coir, or GeoPot fabric pots? Explore the A-Grade Hydroponics range for everything you need to optimise your indoor grow setup.
