Important tips
- Always ensure good contact with the growing system
- Pre-soak the plug before use
- Keep a temperature of 18 to 24 °C
- Check the level for even growth
- Ensure adequate air circulation
In practice
How to secure rockwool
A stable plug is the basis for even propagation. Here you find the methods per growing system, plus tips and common mistakes.
Paper Plug TraysEllepot FP 12+
The short answer
Place the pre-soaked plug level, without pressing hard, in the tray, net pot or substrate. Good contact with water and nutrients matters more than force.
In trays and propagation systems
- 1
Place the rockwool plug directly in the tray opening.
- 2
Make sure the plug sits stable without wobbling.
- 3
Do not press too hard, the plug needs to breathe.
- 4
Check that all plugs are at the same height.
In hydroponic systems
- 1
Use net pots or growing containers.
- 2
Place the plug in the centre.
- 3
Fill around it with clay pebbles for stability.
- 4
Make sure the plug stays in contact with the water.
In substrate such as coco or potting soil
- 1
Make a hole the size of the plug.
- 2
Place the plug level with the substrate.
- 3
Press the substrate lightly around the plug.
- 4
Water for good contact.
In NFT systems
- 1
Use holders that match the plug size.
- 2
Place the plug in the holder.
- 3
Make sure the roots can grow downwards.
- 4
Check the nutrient film flow regularly.
Tips and common mistakes
Common mistakes
- Pressing too hard damages the structure
- Placing too deep increases the risk of root rot
- A dry plug absorbs water poorly
- Uneven height gives uneven growth
- Without stabilisation the plug shifts
Knowledge base
Further reading
Paper Plug Trays
Plugs that fit straight away
Paper Plug Tray 84 and 104 are supplied as complete trays, so every plug already sits stable in place.