{"product_id":"growpharm-root-plugs","title":"GrowPharm - Root Plugs (50 per Bag)","description":"\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowPharm Root Plugs\u003c\/strong\u003e are pre-formed propagation plugs made from coco coir and peat, designed for starting seeds, rooting plant cuttings, and establishing young plants. Their porous, fibrous structure helps retain moisture while providing air spaces for developing roots. Each plug measures approximately 40 mm in diameter and 50 mm in height, with a convenient pre-formed planting hole.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhether you're propagating houseplants, starting vegetable seedlings, or preparing plants for a hydroponic system, GrowPharm Root Plugs provide a tidy, convenient alternative to filling individual propagation cells with loose growing media.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy Choose GrowPharm Root Plugs?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCoco coir and peat blend:\u003c\/strong\u003e Combines moisture-holding organic fibres in a porous propagation medium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBalanced moisture and aeration:\u003c\/strong\u003e The fibrous structure helps support the water and oxygen requirements of developing roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePre-formed planting hole:\u003c\/strong\u003e Makes inserting seeds and cuttings quick and consistent.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuitable for seeds and cuttings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Use for seed germination, plant propagation, and establishing young seedlings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMinimal root disturbance:\u003c\/strong\u003e Transplant the entire plug once roots have developed, rather than removing the plant from its growing medium.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHydroponic and soil applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e Suitable for starting plants destined for potting mixes, coco coir, and appropriately designed hydroponic systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConvenient storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Supplied dry in a resealable bag for easy storage and handling.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eGrowPharm Root Plug Specifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth scope=\"col\"\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct type\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeed starting and propagation plug\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eComposition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoco coir and peat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 50 mm (5 cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiameter\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApproximately 40 mm (4 cm)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eShape\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCylindrical with pre-formed planting hole\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubstrate pH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e5.4–6.8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSubstrate EC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0.6 mS\/cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInitial moisture content\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–20%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMoisture retention\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e89%\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGrowing applications\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSeed starting, cuttings, houseplant propagation, and hydroponic seedling production\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStorage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStore in a cool, dry, dark location above 4°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eDimensions are approximate. Substrate pH and EC are distinct from the pH and EC of the water or nutrient solution used to hydrate the plugs. Published moisture-retention values depend on the testing method.\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to Use GrowPharm Root Plugs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 1: Hydrate the Plugs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the dry plugs in clean water or a mild nutrient solution until evenly moistened. For general propagation, slightly acidic water around pH 5.5–6.0 is a useful starting point, although individual plants may have different requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf using a nutrient solution for established cuttings or seedlings, an EC of approximately 1.0–1.5 mS\/cm may be appropriate for some crops. For sensitive seedlings and freshly germinating seeds, plain water or a much weaker solution is generally preferable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 2: Allow Excess Water to Drain\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRemove the hydrated plugs from the water and let any excess drain away. They should feel evenly moist without dripping or sitting in standing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 3: Insert Seeds or Cuttings\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor seeds:\u003c\/strong\u003e Place the seed into the centre hole at the recommended planting depth for the species. Small seeds may require only shallow placement, while some light-dependent seeds should remain near the surface.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFor cuttings:\u003c\/strong\u003e Insert the prepared stem into the pre-formed hole. The stem should fit snugly enough to maintain contact with the moist growing medium. If necessary, gently adjust the hole without excessively compressing the plug.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 4: Provide Suitable Growing Conditions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlace the plugs in a propagation tray with adequate drainage. Maintain appropriate light, temperature, and humidity for the plant species.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMonitor moisture regularly. Keep the plugs consistently moist during propagation, but avoid prolonged saturation, which can reduce oxygen availability and encourage root problems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnrooted cuttings may benefit from a humidity dome. Once seedlings emerge or cuttings begin establishing roots, gradually increase airflow as appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eStep 5: Transplant When Roots Develop\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen healthy roots have developed through the plug and the young plant is ready for transplanting, transfer the entire plug into its next growing medium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is generally no need to remove the plug from the roots. Keeping it intact helps reduce disturbance to delicate new root growth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Can You Grow in Root Plugs?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrowPharm Root Plugs are suitable for many common propagation projects, including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHouseplants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Pothos, Philodendron, Monstera, Syngonium, and other suitable stem cuttings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVegetables:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, and other seed-started crops.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHerbs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Basil, oregano, thyme, parsley, and many other culinary herbs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOrnamentals:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coleus, flowering annuals, and suitable softwood cuttings.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHydroponic crops:\u003c\/strong\u003e Starting seedlings before transferring them into compatible hydroponic growing systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRooting and germination requirements vary by species. Some plants require specialised propagation conditions or a different growing medium.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eCan GrowPharm Root Plugs Be Used for Hydroponics?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYes.\u003c\/strong\u003e GrowPharm Root Plugs can be used to start seeds and cuttings for hydroponic growing. Once sufficient roots have developed, the plugs can be transferred into suitable net pots, growing media, or propagation systems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause these plugs contain organic fibres, they are particularly useful for starting plants before transplanting into a hydroponic system. In recirculating systems, keep loose organic particles out of pumps, irrigation lines, and reservoirs wherever possible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor deep water culture (DWC), nutrient film technique (NFT), and other water-based systems, position the plug so that developing roots can access moisture without keeping the entire plug continuously submerged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eRoot Plug Propagation Tips for Calgary Growers\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStarting seeds and cuttings indoors is particularly useful in Calgary and throughout Alberta, where the outdoor growing season is relatively short and indoor heating can create very dry conditions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eMonitor indoor humidity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Heated indoor air can cause exposed propagation plugs to dry faster than expected.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eUse suitable grow lighting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Seedlings need adequate light to encourage compact, healthy growth, especially during winter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCheck root-zone temperatures:\u003c\/strong\u003e Propagation trays placed near cold windows or on unheated surfaces may experience slower rooting and germination.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAvoid overwatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e A humidity dome can reduce moisture loss, but it does not eliminate the need for drainage and ventilation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHarden off outdoor plants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gradually acclimatise indoor-grown seedlings to outdoor sunlight, wind, and temperature changes before planting outside.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions About Root Plugs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo I Need to Soak Root Plugs Before Using Them?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. GrowPharm Root Plugs are supplied dry and should be hydrated before planting. Soak until evenly moist, then allow excess water to drain. Avoid planting directly into completely dry plugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I Use Root Plugs for Both Seeds and Cuttings?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. The pre-formed centre hole accommodates seeds and suitable stem cuttings. Adjust planting depth, moisture, humidity, and temperature to match the plant being propagated.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eDo Root Plugs Need Fertilizer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot necessarily. Many seeds contain enough stored nutrients for initial germination. Once seedlings develop and begin actively growing, or cuttings establish roots, a dilute fertilizer solution may be beneficial. Nutrient requirements depend on the species and growth stage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I Plant the Entire Root Plug Into Soil?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. When the plant is ready for transplanting, the plug can generally be placed directly into an appropriate potting mix without removing it from the roots. Keep the surrounding growing medium evenly moist while roots establish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow Often Should I Water Root Plugs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThere is no universal watering schedule. Watering frequency depends on temperature, humidity, airflow, lighting, and plant size. Check the plugs regularly and rehydrate as needed to maintain suitable moisture without waterlogging.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eAre Root Plugs Better Than Rockwool?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth are useful propagation media, but they differ in composition. GrowPharm Root Plugs contain coco coir and peat, while horticultural rockwool is made from spun mineral fibres. Root plugs may appeal to growers who prefer organic-fibre propagation media, while rockwool offers different water-holding and handling characteristics. Neither is automatically better for every crop or growing system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan Root Plugs Be Reused?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoot plugs are generally intended for single-use propagation. Once roots grow through a plug, the plant and plug are usually transplanted together. Reusing plugs from unsuccessful or diseased plants is not recommended.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow Should I Store Unused Root Plugs?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eKeep unused plugs dry in their resealable bag, away from direct sunlight, excessive humidity, and temperature extremes. Store in a cool, dark location above 4°C.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"IncrediGrow Garden Centre","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67422260887793,"sku":"GPH409-0110","price":34.95,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1050\/9004\/files\/growpharmrootplugs.png?v=1793731656","url":"https:\/\/www.incredigrow.ca\/products\/growpharm-root-plugs","provider":"IncrediGrow Garden Centre","version":"1.0","type":"link"}