Hydroponic Plants for Malaysia
A curated list of hydroponic-friendly herbs, leafy greens, and fruiting plants that thrive in Malaysia’s tropical climate. Each profile includes EC/pH targets, nutrient change schedules, harvest timing, and practical container tips.
- EC/pH guidance for warm, humid climates
- Net pot sizing and media recommendations
- Clear nutrient top-up and change schedules
Lettuce)
Heat-tolerant looseleaf/romaine types suited to Malaysian balconies under light shade with good airflow.
Pak Choy (Sawi)
Very fast leafy brassica ideal for beginners; reliable in NFT/DWC under shade net.
Kailan (Chinese Kale)
Heat-tolerant leafy brassica producing thick leaves and stems; good yield in hydro.
Thai Basil
Aromatic herb that thrives warm; excellent in Kratky, DWC, or NFT; frequent harvesting encourages growth.
Mint (Spearmint)
Very forgiving herb; grows vigorously in hydro; frequent cutting keeps it tidy.
Kangkung (Water Spinach)
Classic tropical leafy green that loves water; extremely fast in hydroponics.
Cherry Tomato (Hydro)
Compact determinate/mini-determinate cherries perform well hydroponically with strong sun and support.
Chili Pepper (Hydro)
Productive in Dutch buckets or DWC with strong sun; needs staking and balanced EC.
Cucumber (Hydro)
Fast, high-water crop for hydro; needs trellis and strong sun; choose parthenocarpic varieties for best set.
Amaranth (Bayam Hijau)
Fast tropical leafy green; very suitable for NFT/DWC in Malaysian heat with light shade.
Chinese Celery (Daun Sup)
Aromatic garnish herb; thrives in NFT with shade and cool, oxygenated solution.
Spring Onion (Scallion)
Easy hydro crop; continuous cuttings possible; tolerates Malaysian heat with shade.
Holy Basil (Tulsi)
Fragrant sacred basil; heat-loving; great in Kratky/DWC with frequent harvesting.
Eggplant
Performs well in Dutch buckets/DWC with strong sun; needs staking and balanced EC.
Choy Sum (Sawi Bunga)
Rapid leafy brassica with edible flower stalks; excellent yields in NFT/DWC.
Mustard Greens (Sawi Mustard)
Peppery leafy green; fast in hydro with mild shade; good for continuous cuts.
Coriander (Cilantro)
Cooler-loving herb; possible in Malaysia with shade, airflow, and careful EC/temperature control.
Watercress
Prefers cool, flowing water; can be grown under shade in Malaysia with well-aerated, cool solution.
Pothos (Money Plant)
Extremely forgiving indoor vine; thrives in water culture or LECA hydroculture with low EC.
Peace Lily
Popular indoor flowering foliage; adapts well to semi-hydro (LECA) with low EC and indirect light.
Anthurium (Flamingo Lily)
Striking spathes and glossy leaves; adapts to semi-hydro LECA indoors with gentle feeding.
Moth Orchid (Hydro)
Orchids adapt well to semi-hydro with LECA and an air gap; stable moisture with low EC.
Coleus (Ati-ati)
Vibrant foliage annual; fast in hydro/Kratky with bright light and regular pinching.
Marigold
Cheerful blooms; grows well in hydro outdoors with full sun and moderate EC.
Petunia
Prolific flowering annual; suitable for hydro outdoors with fast drainage and bright sun.
Impatiens (Balsam)
Shade-loving flowering annual; suitable for hydro in bright shade with gentle EC.
Spider Plant
Tough indoor plant; adapts to water culture/LECA; produces many plantlets for propagation.
Lucky Bamboo
Common indoor water-grown ornamental; prefers low EC and indirect light.
Quick Hydroponic Tips for Malaysia
Keep nutrient solution 20–26°C; shade the tank and aerate well.
Check 2–3x/week; top-up daily with plain water; full change every 7–14 days.
Use 30–50% shade net and airflow during monsoon and extreme heat.