UPuper® began to develop rock wool substrates start from the 1990s. So far, it has a history of more than 20 year and been registered in more than 20 countries, UPuper® sales footprints cover all over the world and has been highly recognized by growers locally and abroad.

Rockwool cubes substrates have a strong ability of water saving and fertilizer retention. It provides an excellent growth environment for crop roots. The internal three-dimensional network fiber structure makes the nutrient distribution more evenly, which is conducive to the roots extension and growth. A developed root system is the precondition of high yield and excellent fruit quality. UPuper® Rock wool has firm structure and is not easy to deform without scattering, so It will not cause any damage to crops root while transplanting, the survival rate will increase, which is also helpful to grow large seedlings. It can help to realize the time to market  in advance or later seasons to bring higher yield, quality and economic benefits.

Soil provides living space and important eco system for human, it can store and filter water, intercept pollutants from penetrating into groundwater; but more importantly, soil is a non renewable resource, which is very difficult to repair once it get polluted. In the brief of national soil pollution survey published in 2014, the point exceeding standard rates of eight inorganic pollutants of heavy metals cadmium, mercury, arsenic, copper, lead, chromium, zinc and nickel were 7.0%, 1.6%, 2.7%, 2.1%, 1.5%, 1.1%, 0.9% and 4.8% respectively. In traditional soil planting, there is a large amount of pesticides and fertilizer applying to the plants, which destroys the soil structure and ecological balance, kills the organic organisms in the soil. Those lead to the imbalance and loss of organic matter. UPuper® rock wool is the represent of new soilless cultivation mode. It does not need to worry about soil salinization, hardening or borne diseases etc. It helps to solve the continuous cropping obstacles and protect soil resources from the origin. If soilless cultivation technology is used for plant cultivation, it can not only reduce its burden on the soil, but also give it an effective period for self recovery.

In the return liquid of water and fertilizer, there are still a large number of ionized mineral elements that have not been absorbed by the plant. These elements are discharged into the natural environment and become an important pollution source to affect soil and water. Long time ago, developed countries already have paid attention to the pollution impact of water and fertilizer discharge on the environment and take it as the main problem to work with, so they use rock wool as the main substrates because it has less circulating irrigation and less discharge. By using UPuper® Rockwool cubes, the return liquid can be clearer. And the excess water and fertilizer will flow into the diversion tank and return to the irrigation system. After disinfection, it can be 100% recycled, which can not only avoid the waste of water and fertilizer, but also avoid environmental pollution due to informal discharge, especially stop the causing and aggravating the eutrophication of water.

Why choose us?

• 1UPuper® rock wool substrate comes from the demand for soilless cultivation substrates in Sunqiao Modern Agricultural Park, which is the Chinese first agriculture facility base. The first generation of rock wool substrates was born in 1998. In 2005, the structure and performance of rock wool were further upgraded. It leads to the successful development of the second generation rock wool substrates. In 2012, we carried out scientific research cooperation with the national experimental base and UPuper® was recognized. With the development of domestic agriculture facility, soilless cultivation substrates began to be selected by growers. In 2016, the third generation rock wool substrates were successfully upgraded. On the premise of growers’ easy use, the products were further subdivided. UPuper® developed a series of products that are suitable for different crops and different growth stages, with multiple specifications to meet the various needs of different growers. Growers can also choose to customize products according to their actual situation. After more than 20 years of continuous exploration, R & D and practical application in the field of substrates, after three generations of improvement, UPuper® combined with the actual needs of growers, rock wool substrates has been developed into different items for different application fields such as agriculture facility, three-dimensional greening and potted plants to cover much more industries.

Rockwool cubes--A Guide to Frequently Asked Questions

1.How do rockwool grow cubes provide a stable and consistent environment for plant roots?

Rockwool grow cubes provide a stable and consistent environment for plant roots by providing a medium that is well-aerated, well-draining, and retains moisture. The cubes are made of a spun mineral fiber that is highly absorbent and can hold up to 20 times its weight in water. This helps to keep the root zone consistently moist and well-aerated, which is essential for healthy root growth. The cubes also provide a stable environment for the roots, as they are not prone to shifting or compressing like other growing media.

2.What sizes and shapes do rockwool grow cubes come in, and how do these variations affect their applications?

Rockwool grow cubes come in a variety of sizes and shapes, including cubes, slabs, and blocks. The size and shape of the cube will affect the application, as different sizes and shapes are better suited for different types of plants. For example, cubes are great for starting seeds, while slabs are better for larger plants. Blocks are ideal for hydroponic systems, as they provide more surface area for the roots to grow. The shape of the cube also affects the amount of air and water that can be held, which can be beneficial for certain types of plants.

3.What environmental conditions, such as temperature and humidity, are optimal for using rockwool grow cubes in indoor or outdoor growing setups?

The optimal environmental conditions for using rockwool grow cubes in indoor or outdoor growing setups are temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C) and humidity levels between 40-60%. It is important to maintain these conditions to ensure the best results for your plants.

4.How are rockwool grow cubes used in horticulture and hydroponics?

Rockwool grow cubes are used in horticulture and hydroponics as a medium for growing plants. They are made from spun basalt rock and chalk, and are lightweight, sterile, and easy to use. The cubes provide an ideal environment for root growth, and can be used to start seeds, propagate cuttings, and grow plants from seedlings. They are also used to support hydroponic systems, as they can hold water and nutrients, and provide an ideal environment for root growth.

5.Do rockwool grow cubes have different densities or compositions for use in various growing stages, such as seed germination or flowering?

Yes, rockwool grow cubes can have different densities and compositions for use in various growing stages. For example, some rockwool cubes are designed specifically for seed germination, while others are designed for flowering. The density and composition of the rockwool cubes can vary depending on the type of plant being grown and the desired outcome.

6.How are rockwool grow cubes sterilized and prepared for safe use in plant cultivation?

Rockwool grow cubes are typically sterilized using a combination of heat and steam. The cubes are placed in a steam chamber and heated to a temperature of around 180°F (82°C) for a period of time. This process kills any bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that may be present in the cubes. After sterilization, the cubes are then soaked in a nutrient solution to prepare them for use in plant cultivation.

7.Can rockwool grow cubes be reused, and what is the recommended cleaning and sterilization process for multiple growing cycles?

Yes, rockwool grow cubes can be reused. The recommended cleaning and sterilization process for multiple growing cycles is to soak the cubes in a 10% bleach solution for 10 minutes, rinse them thoroughly with clean water, and then allow them to dry completely before reusing.

8.Are there any concerns or precautions related to the health and safety of growers working with rockwool grow cubes, including dust or fiber exposure?

Yes, there are health and safety concerns related to working with rockwool grow cubes. Rockwool is made from melted basaltic rock and chalk, and when it is cut or handled, it can release dust and fibers into the air. This dust and fiber can be inhaled and can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. It can also cause skin irritation and respiratory problems. Therefore, it is important to wear protective gear such as a dust mask, safety glasses, and gloves when handling rockwool. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the work area is well-ventilated and that the rockwool is kept away from food and drink.

9.How do rockwool grow cubes promote aeration in the root zone, and what benefits does this offer for plant health?

Rockwool grow cubes promote aeration in the root zone by providing a porous, airy environment for the roots to grow in. This helps to ensure that the roots have access to oxygen, which is essential for healthy root growth and development. The increased aeration also helps to reduce the risk of root rot and other diseases, as well as promoting better nutrient uptake. Additionally, the increased aeration helps to regulate the temperature of the root zone, which can help to protect the plant from extreme temperatures.

10.What are the key considerations for matching the size of rockwool grow cubes to the specific plant species being cultivated?

1. Plant size: The size of the rockwool cubes should be matched to the size of the plant. For example, larger plants will require larger cubes, while smaller plants will require smaller cubes. 2. Plant root system: The size of the rockwool cubes should also be matched to the size and complexity of the plant’s root system. For example, plants with larger and more complex root systems will require larger cubes. 3. Plant growth rate: The size of the rockwool cubes should also be matched to the plant’s growth rate. For example, plants with faster growth rates will require larger cubes. 4. Plant nutrient requirements: The size of the rockwool cubes should also be matched to the plant’s nutrient requirements. For example, plants with higher nutrient requirements will require larger cubes. 5. Plant water requirements: The size of the rockwool cubes should also be matched to the plant’s water requirements. For example, plants with higher water requirements will require larger cubes.

11.What is soilless cultivation?

Soilless cultivation is a method of cultivating plants without natural soil nor use compound fertilizer and similar compound fertilizer based on soil. It is a new method that only uses nutrient solution to support for plant growth or various cultivation substrates that can replace soil and are suitable for plant growth. Soilless cultivation can be divided into fog cultivation, water cultivation and solid substrate cultivation. UPuper® Rock wool substrate belongs to solid substrate cultivation.

12.What are rockwool grow cubes?

Rockwool grow cubes are a type of growing medium made from melted basalt rock and chalk that is spun into fibers and then compressed into cubes. They are commonly used in hydroponic systems and are known for their excellent water retention and air porosity. Rockwool cubes are also pH neutral, making them ideal for growing a variety of plants.

13.Do rockwool grow cubes have any insulating properties that benefit plant roots in extreme weather conditions?

Yes, rockwool grow cubes do have insulating properties that can benefit plant roots in extreme weather conditions. The insulation helps to keep the root zone temperature more consistent, which can help protect the roots from extreme temperatures. Additionally, the insulation can help to retain moisture in the root zone, which can be beneficial in dry climates.

Tags:  rockwool grow cubes