Are you seeing a green build-up on your yCubes and/or inside your Gardyn? This is most likely algae. Depending on where you see algae and how much is there, it can contribute to other challenges with Gardyn health, so it helps to address it early if you see it.
How does algae affect my Gardyn?
While a little algae does not pose a threat to you or your plants, it could - over time and in larger quantities - make it difficult for new sprouts to compete, invite unwelcome pests to your Gardyn, and upset the balance of pH in your system. An overabundance of algae can negatively impact the health and growth of your plants.
What causes algae?
Algae grows when it comes into contact with light, nutrients, and water, so it can easily form once you’ve added plant food to your Gardyn system.
Where might I see algae in my Gardyn?
Algae most commonly grows on top of the rockwool in yCubes, in yPods, and in your Gardyn's columns.
Tips for Preventing Algae
To prevent algae from growing inside your device, the easiest thing you can do is regularly add our plant-based water treatment solution, HydroBoost.
To prevent algae from forming on the outer surface of yCubes, you must remove one of the sources the algae needs to survive. The easiest one to control is light.
Use yCovers to Prevent Algae on Your yCubes' Rockwool
What is a yCover?
These stylish silicone inserts come in multiple colors, and fit perfectly on your yCubes to block light from creating algae on the rockwool's surface. yCovers help improve your plants' health and growth while keeping your Gardyn clean.
When should I place yCovers on my yCubes?
Plants are ready for yCovers when they're ready for plant food, which means they have true leaves and you've thinned the sprouts.
What if algae is already growing on a yCube by the time its ready for a yCover?
You can still add the yCover, as it will help reduce the algae's growth once it starts blocking the light. If you prefer, you can also remove the algae first by gently rubbing it away under running water. Just be mindful not to damage your plant, or compress the rockwool.
When should I remove yCovers?
Remove yCovers only if they're blocking or inhibiting the growth of the plant in some way. If this is happening, your plant is typically large enough to naturally shade its own rockwool and help prevent algae growth.
Use Pod Caps to Prevent Algae in your Gardyn
If you have any empty yPods, be sure to cover them with Pod Caps, included in your welcome kit. Pod Caps help prevent anything unwanted from entering, or in algae's case, growing, inside your device.
More Tips to Keep Your Gardyn Healthy