How to properly assemble aqua farm Xiaomi: instructions with photos and tips

Xiaomi’s aqua farm is an innovative solution to grow fresh greens, vegetables or flowers at home with minimal effort. Compact, stylish and smart, it fits perfectly into the brand’s smart home concept, but before you enjoy your first harvest, you need to assemble and customize your device properly.

In this article, we will take a look at the entire process, from unpacking the box to the first run, which tools you will need (spoiler: there are almost none!), how to avoid typical build errors, and what to do if something goes wrong, and also detailed photos of each stage and answers to frequent user questions.

1.What is included in the kit of Xiaomi aqua farm?

Before assembly, check for all components. The standard Xiaomi Mi Flora Grow (or similar models such as Xiaomi Hydroponic Planting Machine) includes:

• 📦 Main building (water tank with lid)
• 💡 LED phyto lamp with power cable
• 🌱 Set of spongy substrates for germination (usually 6-12 pieces)
• 🍃 Seeds (in some sets - basil, parsley or lettuce)
• ☕ Package with hydroponic fertilizers (liquid or powdered)
• 📄 Instructions in Chinese/English (Russian version may not be available)

If you bought the device separately from the consumables, make sure you have at least substrates and fertilizers — without them, you can not start. Also check the integrity of the case: cracks or chips can lead to leaks.

Important! In some models (e.g. Xiaomi Mi Flora Lite), the phytolamps can be removable — don't lose the mounts for it. And with the Xiaomi Hydroponic Garden, sometimes there's an additional water aerator that needs to be connected separately.

2.Preparation for assembly: tools and place

One of the advantages of Xiaomi's aqua farm is that it's minimalist, you don't need screwdrivers or soldering irons, but you do have to cook some things.

• 🧴 Distilled or settled water (2-3 liters)
• 🧼 Soft fabric for wiping the body
• ⚖️ Kitchen scales (for precise dosing of fertilizers)
• 📏 Line or roulette (to check the water level)
• 🔌 Outlet near the installation site (lamp cable is usually short – 1-1.5 m)

When choosing a place for aqua farm, consider:

• 🌡️ Temperature: optimally 18-25°C (avoid drafts and batteries!).
• 💡 Lighting: The lamp should work 12–16 hours a day, so there should be no bright light sources nearby (for example, direct sun).
• 🚫 Vibrations: Do not place the device near the washing machine or speaker – it will disrupt the root system of plants.

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If your model has an automatic water level control feature (like the Xiaomi Mi Flora Pro), place the farm on a flat surface – even a slight tilt can knock down the sensors.

3. Step-by-step assembly of Xiaomi aqua farm

Now, to the process itself, follow the instructions in strict order so that you don't miss important details.

Step 1: Installation of the tank and check leakproofness

Take out the main body and thoroughly rinse it with warm water without detergents.

1. Fill the tank with water until mark. MAX (This is usually 2 to 2.5 liters).
2. Add fertilizers according to the instructions (for example, for Mi Flora Grow - 5 ml of liquid concentrate per 1 liter of water).
3. Close the lid and check if there are any leaks. If the water oozes, check the sealing ring.

Step 2: Installation of the phytolum

The lamp is attached to the tank lid, and most models do it this way.

1. Insert the lamp in the slots on the lid (should be heard clicking).
2. Connect the power cable to the lamp and then to the socket.
3. Turn on the lamp and make sure it lights up with white or pinkish light (this is the spectrum for plant growth).

Step 3: Preparation of substrates and sowing of seeds

Substrates (sponges) before use should be soaked:

1. Place them in a bowl of warm water for 10-15 minutes.
2. Then, put it in the sleeve and put it in the sleeve.
3. In each hole of the substrate, place 2-3 seeds (depth - no more than 0.5 cm).
4. Cover the lid with a transparent cap (if it is included) to create a greenhouse effect.

Tip: If the seeds are small (such as basil), moisten the toothpick and transfer them to the substrate - it is easier to control the amount.

4.First start and setup

Once assembled, you just have to turn on the aqua farm and wait for the first shoots, but there are a few nuances:

• ⏱️ Lamp mode: In the first 2-3 days, leave it on for 16-18 hours, then reduce to 12-14 hours.
• 💧 Water control: Check the level every 2-3 days. In hot climates, water evaporates faster.
• 🌱 First shoots: Usually appear on day 5-7. If you use a cap, remove it for 1-2 hours a day for airing.

In models with Mi Home support (for example, Xiaomi Flora Smart), you can connect the farm to the application:

1. Open Mi Home, click Add Device.
2. Select the category "Smart Home" → "waterfarm".
3. Follow the instructions on the screen (may need to be scanned) QR-case-code).

Through the application you will be able to:

• 📅 Set up a lamp schedule.
• 📊 Monitor water levels and pH (if there are sensors).
• 🔔 Get notifications about the need to add fertilizers.

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If your model does not support Mi Home, use a mechanical timer for the socket (costs 200-300 rubles) - this will simplify the control of lighting.

5. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even with the correct following of the instructions, users often encounter problems.

Critical error: use tap water without settling; chlorine and heavy metals are bad for the roots; if there is no distilled water, stand up for tap water for at least 24 hours.

⚠️ Attention! If you notice a white coating or an unpleasant smell on the water, it is a sign of bacterial contamination. Immediately drain the water, rinse the tank with a solution of peroxide (1 tbsp. spoon per 1 liter of water) and replace the substrates.

6.Aquafarm care: weekly checklist

To keep the harvest happy all year round, follow a simple care schedule:

• 📅 Once a week: Check the water level and refill if necessary. inspect the plant roots - they should be white, not brown. Wipe the lid and lamp with a wet wipe (dust reduces the efficiency of lighting).
• 📅 Once a month: Change the water completely and flush the tank. Add fertilizer (dose indicated on the package). Cut the yellowed leaves with scissors.

For models with automatic fertilizer dosing (for example, Xiaomi Mi Flora Pro Max), it is enough to monitor the indicators in the application, but even in this case, manual cleaning of the tank is recommended every 2-3 months.

7. Harvest and restart of the farm

When the plants are the right size (usually 3-6 weeks), they can be harvested.

• ✂️ Cut the leaves with scissors, leaving 1-2 cm of the stem - so the plant will recover faster.
• 🌿 Do not pull the plant out of the root if you plan to grow further.
• 🔄 After harvest, add fertilizer (half the standard dose).

If you want to plant a new culture:

1. Remove old substrates and wash the lid holes.
2. Soak the new sponges and repeat the sowing process (see Step 3).
3. Change the water in the tank and add fertilizer for a new type of plant.

Important! Some crops (like cherry tomatoes) require pollination, and at home you can do this by hand, gently shaking the flowers or using a soft brush.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Xiaomi aqua farms