Quick explanation: Hydroponics means growing plants in water and an inorganic growing medium instead of soil. It is especially easy to care for because it makes watering simpler, reduces pest infestations and usually only requires topping up every few weeks. Hardy houseplants such as pothos, snake plants and spider plants are ideal for beginners and thrive with special nutrient solutions.
Easy-Care Houseplants That Grow in Water
Imagine watering your houseplants only every three to four weeks. Imagine never having fungus gnats circling your plant pot again. Hydroponics makes both possible. This soil-free growing method replaces potting soil with an inorganic growing medium and a water-level indicator.
The plants grow in special pots filled with expanded clay pebbles. A water reservoir at the bottom supplies the roots. An indicator shows you exactly when to top it up. The system is clean, easy to monitor and keeps maintenance to a minimum.
If you have little time or simply want more confidence when caring for plants, hydroponics is an ideal solution. Find everything you need to get started in our shop.
What exactly is hydroponics?
The term hydroponics comes from the Greek word "hydro," meaning water. Unlike traditional container gardening, a hydroponic plant's roots do not sit in soil but in a stable, inorganic growing medium. This is usually made of fired clay balls called expanded clay pebbles.
The growing medium simply anchors the plant. Water and nutrients are supplied through a nutrient solution in the lower part of the container. A water-level indicator, often a simple tube with a float, shows how much water is in the reservoir.
The plant develops special water roots that are well adapted to this moist environment. They absorb exactly what the plant needs. The system works as a closed, highly efficient unit.
Expert tip
Always use special containers with a built-in water reservoir and matching inserts for hydroponics. Ordinary cachepots without this feature can cause waterlogging and root rot. When shopping, look for the label "hydroponic container".
The clear benefits of hydroponics
Why switch to hydroponics? The benefits are compelling. Maintenance is much easier. You no longer have to guess whether the soil is still moist. The water-level indicator gives you a clear signal.
Pests have a hard time taking hold. Fungus gnat larvae do not develop on the dry, inorganic surface of expanded clay. Other soil-dwelling pests are also eliminated. For extra protection against flying insects elsewhere in your home, our products include the .
The plants stay hygienically clean, and there is no soil to spill. Simply sweep up any expanded clay pebbles. This makes hydroponics a great choice for offices, medical practices, hospital rooms and households with allergy sufferers.
How do you care for hydroponic plants?
Caring for hydroponic plants follows a few simple rules. It comes down to three things: water, fertilizer and occasional cleaning. You no longer need to guess when to water.
Here, watering means topping up the reservoir. Wait until the water-level indicator reads "Minimum." Then add fresh water up to the "Optimum" mark. The range between Minimum and Optimum supplies the plant for several weeks. Never fill to "Maximum"; the roots need air, too.
Add fertilizer when you top up the water. Use only special hydroponic fertilizer. It releases nutrients into the solution slowly and in a controlled way. Find the right products in our fertilizer section.
Important note
Never use regular houseplant fertilizer for hydroponic plants! Its salt concentration is too high and can damage the special water roots. The dosage is also unsuitable. Choose a high-quality ion-exchange fertilizer made for hydroponics.
The right location and repotting
Hydroponic plants need the same amount of light as their soil-grown counterparts. Pothos tolerates shade, while snake plants prefer bright light. A major advantage is that you can easily turn the pot to encourage even growth without spilling soil.
You need to repot less often. Repot only when the roots have completely filled the inner pot or the expanded clay is heavily coated with limescale. Rinse the old expanded clay thoroughly or use new material. Place the plant in an inner pot that is only slightly larger.
Hydroponics is not rocket science; it is a straightforward system. The plant shows you what it needs. Follow the basic rules for water levels and fertilizing, and you can enjoy your green companions for a long time.
Which Plants Are Perfect for Beginners?
Not every houseplant is equally well suited to hydroponics. The best choices are species that naturally tolerate changing moisture levels and develop strong roots. These plants adapt most easily when moved from soil to hydroponics.
Two classic, easy-care choices are the snake plant (Sansevieria) and the spider plant (Chlorophytum). Both are nearly indestructible, tolerate low light and even forgive you if the water level stays at minimum for too long.
Pothos (Epipremnum) is another excellent choice. It grows quickly, sends out long trailing stems and shows through its leaf color whether it is getting enough light. It's a true beginner-friendly plant. For an elegant, modern option, take a look at our .
Additional advice
For your first hydroponics project, choose a plant that a specialist retailer has already grown hydroponically. It will have developed the important water roots and can get started without the stress of adapting. Later, you can try moving plants from soil to hydroponics yourself.
More Recommended Plants for Hydroponics
You have plenty of options. The dragon tree (Dracaena), which comes in many varieties, thrives in hydroponics. It likes warm, bright conditions without direct midday sun.
The peace lily (Spathiphyllum) appreciates consistent moisture and rewards you with white flowers. The Kentia palm (Howea) and cast-iron plant (Aspidistra) are also good, long-lasting choices.
The Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa) is especially decorative. Its large, perforated leaves are real eye-catchers. In hydroponics, it grows in a controlled, healthy way. For inspiration, browse our Garden + Plant Accessories category.
How Do I Transfer a Soil-Grown Plant to Hydroponics?
Do you have a much-loved plant growing in soil that you’d like to transfer to hydroponics? It’s possible, but it takes patience and a gentle touch. The most important step is to remove all the old soil from the roots.
Carefully take the plant out of its pot. Loosen the root ball and place it in a bucket of lukewarm water. Rinse off the soil under a gentle stream of water, or carefully swirl the root ball in the water. Be very gentle to avoid damaging the fine roots.
Use clean scissors to cut away any dead or rotten roots. Then place the cleaned plant in the prepared hydroponic inner pot. Fill the gaps with fresh, moistened expanded clay pebbles. To start, add only a little water to the outer pot, without fertilizer.
Moving a plant from soil to hydroponics can be stressful for it. Create a warm, humid microclimate for the first few weeks, for example by placing a clear plastic cover over the plant. This reduces evaporation and gives the new water roots time to grow.
How to Care for Your Plant After Transferring It
For a few weeks, place the transferred plant in a bright spot away from drafts and direct sunlight. Keep the humidity high and occasionally mist the leaves with low-lime water.
Don’t fertilize during the first four to six weeks. The plant needs time to recover and grow new roots. Check the water level indicator regularly, but keep the water level near the low end. This encourages the roots to grow toward the water source.
Patience is essential at this stage. If the plant produces new leaves after a while, the transfer has been successful. For growing new plants from cuttings, handy products such as the or the larger are ideal.
What Equipment Do I Need for Hydroponics?
To get started, you’ll need a few special supplies to make the system work properly. Choosing the right container is key. A hydroponic pot always has two parts: a watertight outer pot (cachepot) and an inner pot with slots or holes.
The inner pot holds the growing medium and the plant. Its openings let the roots grow into the water and nutrient solution in the outer pot. A water level indicator fits through a separate opening in the inner pot or is built in.
Expanded clay pebbles in various sizes are used as the growing medium in almost all hydroponic systems. They’re sterile, structurally stable, and don’t hold nutrients that could throw the system off balance. Alternatives such as lava rock or special plastic pellets are less common.
Fertilizer and Accessories
As mentioned, using the right fertilizer is essential. Hydroponic fertilizers are usually sold as liquids or in solid form as fertilizer cones. They work on the ion exchange principle, releasing nutrients as needed.
A pH test strip can be helpful when you’re getting started. For most plants, the ideal pH of the nutrient solution is between 5.5 and 6.5. If the pH is too high or too low, plants may not be able to absorb certain nutrients.
For a complete starter kit and more accessories, explore our extensive Garden + Outdoor section. You’ll find everything from irrigation equipment to plant protection products.
Common Hydroponic Plant Problems and Solutions
Even low-maintenance hydroponics can come with a few challenges. The good news is that they’re usually easy to identify and fix. Yellow leaves are a common symptom.
Yellow, limp leaves often indicate overwatering. The water level has been above “Optimum” for too long. Let the nutrient solution run out completely, then wait a few days before refilling. Check that the drainage holes are clear.
Brown, dry leaf tips may indicate low humidity or a high salt concentration (overfertilization). Flush the system once with clean water to wash away excess salts. Increase humidity by misting the plant.
If a white coating forms on the expanded clay pebbles, it’s usually harmless limescale from tap water. You can replace the top layer of pebbles or refill the pot with decalcified water. For solutions to pest problems on other plants, visit the Pest & Plant Protection category.
Why Has My Plant Stopped Growing?
If your hydroponic plant has stopped growing, there are two possible causes. The pot may be completely root-bound, meaning the plant needs more room. If so, it’s time to repot it.
Alternatively, the plant may not be getting the right nutrients. Check your fertilizing routine. Are you using the right fertilizer and following the recommended dosage? The plant may also need a dormant period in winter, when it grows very little and needs less water and no fertilizer.
Hydroponics is a clean, modern, and highly time-saving way to care for plants. With the right plants and an understanding of this simple system, anyone can get started successfully. You’ll have more time to enjoy your green companions.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which plants are best for beginners in hydroponics?
- For your first setup, choose hardy, adaptable plants. Pothos, snake plants, and spider plants are especially easy to care for. Dracaena, monstera, and peace lilies are also good choices. These plants tolerate changes in water level and do well with nutrients from hydroponic fertilizer.
- How often do hydroponic plants need watering?
- You don’t water them the traditional way. Instead, refill the reservoir based on the water level indicator. You may only need to refill it every few weeks. The indicator is key: when it reaches "Minimum," add fresh water and the appropriate hydroponic fertilizer until it reaches "Optimum."
- Can I convert a regular soil-grown plant to hydroponics?
- Yes, but the process requires care. Gently wash all the soil from the roots without damaging them, then place the plant in a hydroponic pot with expanded clay pellets. The first few weeks are critical. Keep humidity higher until the plant develops new water roots.
- Do hydroponic plants need special fertilizer?
- Yes. Hydroponic plants need a special ion-exchange fertilizer. Regular houseplant fertilizer is unsuitable and can damage the system. Hydroponic fertilizer releases nutrients into the water slowly and in a controlled way. Fertilize only when you add water, and follow the instructions on the package. Our range of Plant & Flower Fertilizers also includes suitable products.
- Is hydroponics really cleaner and more hygienic than growing plants in soil?
- Yes, this is one of its main advantages. Inorganic growing media such as expanded clay pellets don’t provide a breeding ground for pests like fungus gnats or springtails. Mold doesn’t grow on the surface, and spills leave behind only clean pellets. This makes hydroponics a good choice for people with allergies, offices, and homes with children.
You may also be interested in
- Low-Maintenance Houseplants: Green Oases with Minimal Effort
- Create an Urban Jungle: Houseplants for Your Home
- How to Care for Houseplants Properly: Top Tips for Healthy Greenery
- How to Fertilize Houseplants Properly: Encourage Lush Growth
- Philodendron Care: A Diverse Range of Varieties for Your Home
- Houseplants: The Best Plants for Your Home