Hydroponic nutrients in India: A+B solutions, EC/pH, brands compared
Hydroponics in India is exploding — from balcony NFT runs in Bangalore apartments to 1000-plant rooftop farms in Pune and Hyderabad. The biggest source of failure for new growers is not the system; it is the nutrients. Generic plant food, off-label fertilizers, and the wrong EC range stunt growth, lock out micronutrients, and waste months. This guide walks you through the only hydroponic nutrient systems worth using in India in 2026 — what they cost, what EC and pH each crop wants, and how to mix a stable A+B solution that delivers commercial-grade yields on a hobby budget.
Browse the shop →Root causes
- General Hydroponics Flora Series (3-part)Gold standard worldwide. ₹2000–3500 for the 3×500 ml kit (FloraMicro + FloraGro + FloraBloom). Lasts 6–12 months for a small system.
- MasterBlend 4-18-38 + Calcium Nitrate + EpsomMost popular DIY option. ₹600–900 for a 1 kg combo, makes 1000+ L of nutrient solution. Used by 80% of Indian hobbyist hydroponic growers.
- Indian-made A+B (Future Farms, BarrixAgro, Plant Nutrigrowth)₹500–1200 per 1 L A+B kit. Adequate for leafy greens; some lack micronutrient stability.
- Single-pack powderAvoid for any fruiting crop — single-pack mixes precipitate calcium and lock out nutrients.
Step-by-step fixes
- Leafy greens (lettuce, basil, spinach)EC 1.2–1.6 mS/cm, pH 5.8–6.2. Use MasterBlend at 600 ppm or GH Flora at the manufacturer's lettuce schedule.
- Fruiting (tomato, chili, strawberry)EC 2.0–2.5 mS/cm, pH 5.8–6.2. Raise FloraBloom or MasterBlend Bloom phase 14 days before fruit set.
- Herbs (mint, coriander, oregano)EC 1.0–1.4 mS/cm, pH 6.0–6.4.
- Mixing order (critical)ALWAYS add Calcium Nitrate first, mix, then MasterBlend, then Epsom. Never combine A+B concentrates directly.
- pH managementUse phosphoric acid (pH down) sparingly, 1 ml at a time. Avoid pH up — instead reformulate if pH drifts high.
Prevention checklist
- Always use an EC/TDS meter (₹500) and a pH meter (₹800) — guessing is asking for failure.
- Top up the reservoir with plain RO water; nutrient strength rises as plants drink water.
- Replace the full nutrient solution every 14–21 days.
- Store concentrates in cool dark place to prevent algae.
- Use RO or rainwater as base — Indian tap water often already exceeds the target EC.
Frequently asked questions
Related guides
Final word
Hydroponic success in India comes down to three numbers: EC, pH, and reservoir refresh interval. Pick MasterBlend if you want the cheapest reliable option, or GH Flora if you want plug-and-play. Buy an EC and pH meter on day one — they pay back in a single failed crop avoided. Get those basics right and a 1 sq m NFT channel will out-produce a 10 sq m soil bed every time.