Hydroponics sounds like innovation at first – plants that thrive without soil, with a stylish appearance and minimal maintenance effort. But is hydroponics really the "easy way" to the perfect houseplant? Or is it more of a complex system that requires specialized know-how?
In this article, we get to the bottom of the matter. We highlight the advantages, but also the often underestimated disadvantages of hydroponics. And we show you how hydro plants differ from systems like the AIRY biofilter – especially in terms of care, air purification, and sustainability.
🪴 What exactly is hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a form of plant cultivation that completely eliminates the use of soil. Instead, plants grow in an inorganic substrate – usually clay pellets. Nutrient supply is provided through a nutrient solution in the water reservoir, which must be regularly monitored and replenished to maintain optimal levels.
Hydroponics is strictly speaking not a new invention. It was already used intensively in the 1960s and 70s for indoor and office greening – and was considered particularly modern at that time. Today, it is in decline because, while it looks elegant, it is demanding in terms of maintenance.
✅ Advantages of Hydroponics
1. Less Watering – Structured Care
Hydroponics offers a fairly predictable water supply. Thanks to the water level indicator and integrated reservoir, you need to water less often – often only every two to four weeks. Ideal for those who prefer clear care intervals.
2. No Soil – Clean Matter
Expanded clay is sterile, odorless, and clean. No mold, no fungus gnats, no dirt on the windowsill. This is especially advantageous for allergy sufferers or in high-traffic areas.
3. Targeted Nutrient Supply
With hydroponic fertilizers, nutrient supply can be precisely controlled. This can positively influence plant growth – provided the dosage is correct.
4. Control over the root system
The root system is visible and controllable. Rot or problems can be detected more quickly than with soil plants.
⚠️ The often underestimated disadvantages of hydroponics
1. High Maintenance Effort Despite "System"
Hydroponics suggests ease of care – in reality, it is the opposite. Humans must completely take on the role of nature: water level, pH value, nutrient supply – everything needs to be regularly checked and adjusted.
Anyone who does not develop a routine here quickly risks root rot, nutrient deficiency, or unhealthy growth.
2. Hostile Environment for Microorganisms
In hydroponics, the living soil is absent – along with all its beneficial soil organisms. The system is sterile, inorganic, and therefore not self-regulating. The plant is completely dependent on human care. A biological balance does not develop here.
3. Switching to hydroponics is risky
Many plants cannot simply be switched from soil to water. The adjustment requires a complete reformation of the root system – and according to experts, only about one third of the plants manage this. The rest perish during the transition phase. This makes hydro plants in the market significantly more expensive.
4. No natural air purification process
According to the NASA Clean Air Study, most of the air purification by plants occurs in the soil or root zone – primarily through microorganisms. This biological process is absent in hydroponics. Air purification occurs purely passively through the leaves and is therefore significantly lower.
5. Standing Water – a Hygienic Risk
If the water is not regularly changed or the container cleaned, it can become stagnant. Algae, biofilms, or musty odors are the result – especially in warm temperatures or direct sunlight.
6. Cost Factor and Limited Plant Diversity
Hydro plants are significantly more expensive than traditional potted plants – not only due to more elaborate breeding but also because of the materials (water level indicators, vessel systems). Additionally, many popular plant species (e.g. Calatheas, orchids, cacti) are unsuitable for hydroponics.
🌿 Hydroponics vs. AIRY System – which is more sustainable?
| criterion | Hydroculture | AIRY System with mineral substrate |
|---|---|---|
| Casting frequency | approximately every 2–4 weeks | approximately every 4 weeks |
| Substrat | Expanded clay (inorganic) | Mineral substrate with microorganisms |
| Air purification | Low (over leaf) | Active about Roots + Soil Biology |
| Care requirements | High | Small amount |
| Microorganisms | No | Yes |
| Environmental balance | Artificial, energy-intensive | Of course, resource-saving |
| Plant health | Completely dependent on humans | Stable through microclimate |
💬 Conclusion: For professionals yes – for everyday life often not
Hydroponics is interesting – but not for beginners. Those who engage intensively with the system can achieve good results. However, for people who simply want healthy, low-maintenance, and beneficial plants in their daily lives, hydroponics is usually too complicated and expensive.
For sustainable indoor greening with real air purification function, we therefore recommend vibrant plant systems like AIRY – they combine natural growth with functionality and are simultaneously easy to care for, robust, and ecologically sensible.
