Was wondering if anyone has seriously tried using hydroponics for smaller fruit trees? I suppose the idea would be that there would be plenty of oxygenated water, maintained PH, temperature, and supplements always available to the plant.

I wondered about possibly trying some mangosteen seedlings. They are notorious for crappy root systems and painfully slow growth. This obviously would not be for long term but still may involve a couple of years or more. Would there be any benefits? Speed up growth? Develop better root system? Thanks, J

I'm about to partake in a citrus aeroponic system. I'm looking to jump start some smaller seedlings and grow them aeroponically.

If you want some info I'll be posting the build here soon.

Thanks. I'd be interesting in seeing what you come up with. I actually downloaded a hydroponics book that had some DIY plans included. There was a nice write-up for an aeroponics system. I went out looking for parts at the local stores yesterday and will be able to come up with most. Instead of sprayers, I've decided to use misters instead. I think that will give better coverage since these seedlings will pretty much only have a tap root. It would be hit and miss with a sprayer! The plans called for a 31 gal. rubbermaid container and a 350gph mag drive pump. Since I'm trying to keep this small and space is also a consideration. I'm going to go with an 18 gal. container and get a 250gph mag drive pump. Also need to keep the cost as low as possible. Should prove interesting. J

I have started to grow a mandarin in an ebb&flood hydroponic system, and so far the growth rate has been very rapid compared to the others Updates in my thread in container citrus forum.