Why Are Hydroponic Tomatoes Dying?

Light

• Hydroponic growing systems are typically indoor systems. Although this is not always the case, hydroponics are usually in a controlled environment such as a greenhouse or a grow room. Total control results in consistent results, but problems can result in loss of all the plants. Tomato plants need adequate light to survive. They particularly need blue light waves to support photosynthesis and foliage growth. If you keep your hydroponic tomatoes in an environment without proper lighting, they will fall ill and ultimately will die.

Temperature

• Tomatoes are a warm weather crop and do not do well in cool conditions. They prefer the 70 to 80 degree Fahrenheit range during the day and no lower than 60 degrees F at night to grow well. They can withstand higher temperatures but will begin to fail and die if kept for any length of time in colder conditions. Not only should you keep the growing room or greenhouse at these temperatures, but according to the University of Arizona, you should also keep the hydroponic solution at the same temperatures.

Disease

• While not as common as with plants grown in soil, hydroponic tomatoes can succumb to various diseases and insect damage. A lack of adequate air circulation can be the cause of plant problems. Since hydroponic tomatoes typically grow much closer together than those planted in soil, lack of air flow can result in rot, mildew and other diseases spreading quickly once they start. Look for signs of rot low on the main stalk of the plant, as well as on the roots. Check the leaves for signs of insect damage, mildew and other problems. Trim leaves or add fans to eliminate problems.

Nutrients

• Tomatoes need to receive the proper nutrients or they will not be able to survive. They must have carbon, hydrogen, copper, cobalt, oxygen, molybdenum, potassium, nitrogen, sulfur, calcium, phosphorous, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, chlorine and boron. These must all be present in the proper amounts for each stage of the tomato plant's life. Since the plants use the minerals in the hydroponic nutrient solution at different rates, the liquid may become deficient in one or more of these essential nutrients, resulting in the death of the plants. It is important to replace the solution often to avoid mineral deficiencies.