Hydroculture initially sounds like innovation – plants that manage completely without soil, with stylish appearance and minimal care effort. But is hydroculture really the "easy way" to the perfect houseplant? Or is it rather a complex system that requires special know-how?
In this article, we get to the bottom of the matter. We highlight the advantages, but also the often underestimated disadvantages of hydroculture. 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 hydroculture?
Hydroculture is a form of plant cultivation that completely dispenses with soil. Instead, the plants grow in an inorganic substrate – mostly expanded clay. Nutrient supply is provided via a nutrient solution in the water reservoir, which must be regularly checked and refilled to stay at the optimal level.
Strictly speaking, hydroculture is not a new invention. It was already intensively used in the 1960s and 70s for indoor and office greening – and was considered particularly modern at the time. Today it is in decline because, although it looks elegant, it is demanding in care.
Advantages of hydroculture
1. Less watering – structured care
Hydroculture 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 – a clean matter
Expanded clay is sterile, odorless, and clean. No mold, no fungus gnats, no dirt on the windowsill. This is especially an advantage for allergy sufferers or in heavily frequented rooms.
3. Targeted nutrient supply
With hydroponic fertilizer, 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 are detected faster than with soil plants.
The often underestimated disadvantages of hydroponics
1. High maintenance effort despite the "system"
Hydroponics suggests ease of care – in reality, it is the opposite. Humans must completely take over nature's role: water level, pH value, nutrient supply – everything needs to be regularly checked and adjusted.
Those who do not develop a routine here risk root rot, undernourishment, or weak growth.
2. Hostile environment for microorganisms
Hydroponics lacks living soil – along with all its beneficial soil organisms. The system is sterile, inorganic, and therefore not self-regulating. The plant is entirely dependent on human care. No biological balance develops here.
3. Switching to hydroponics is risky
Many plants cannot simply be switched from soil to water. The adjustment requires a complete redevelopment of the root system – and according to experts, only about one-third of plants manage this. The rest die during the transition phase. This makes hydroponic plants significantly more expensive in the market.
4. No natural air purification process
According to the NASA Clean Air Study, most air purification by plants occurs in the soil or root zone – primarily through microorganisms. This biological process is missing in hydroponics. Air purification happens purely passively through the leaves and is therefore significantly less.
5. Standing water – a hygiene risk
If the water is not regularly changed or the container cleaned, it can go bad. Algae, biofilms, or musty odors result – especially in warm temperatures or direct sunlight.
6. Cost factor and limited plant variety
Hydroponic plants are significantly more expensive than traditional potted plants – not only due to more complex cultivation but also because of the materials (water level indicators, container systems). Additionally, many popular plant species (e.g. B. Calatheas, orchids, cacti) are unsuitable for hydroponics.
Hydroponics vs. AIRY System – which is more sustainable?
| Criterion | Hydroponics | AIRY system with mineral substrate |
|---|---|---|
| Watering frequency | approx. every 2–4 weeks | approx. every 4 weeks |
| Substrate | Expanded clay (inorganic) | Mineral substrate with microorganisms |
| Air purification | Low (via leaves) | Active via roots + soil biology |
| Maintenance effort | High | Low |
| Microorganisms | None | Yes |
| Environmental balance | Artificial, energy-intensive | Natural, resource-saving |
| Plant health | Completely dependent on humans | Stable through microclimate |
Hydroculture is for professionals
Hydroculture is interesting – but not for beginners. Those who really engage intensively with the system can achieve good results. But for people who simply want healthy, low-maintenance, and beneficial plants in their daily lives, hydroculture is usually too complicated and expensive.
For sustainable indoor greening with genuine air-purifying function, we therefore recommend living plant systems like AIRY – they combine natural growth with functionality and are at the same time low-maintenance, robust, and ecologically sensible.
The author: Peer-Arne Böttcher
Peer is the founder of AIRY and passionate about healthy indoor air. For many years, he has been intensively engaged with the scientific foundations and technical possibilities of how our breathing air can be sustainably improved – completely without chemicals, filters, or electricity.
