Aeroponics vs Hydroponics To Grow Cannabis: Which System is Best for You?

When it comes to growing cannabis the high-tech way, two popular methods stand out: hydroponics and aeroponics. Both systems ditch the soil in favor of more efficient, high-tech ways of delivering nutrients to your cannabis plant. 

But how do they stack up against each other? Let’s break down both systems, compare their pros and cons, and figure out what fits your growing style in this article below. 

What is Hydroponics?

Hydroponics is a form of cultivation where you grow your cannabis in water rather than soil. Sounds strange, right? But it works wonders! Here, your plants sit in a soilless medium like clay pebbles or coco coir, and the roots dangle in a nutrient-packed water solution.

But there’s more than one way to set up hydroponics. In some setups, the roots hang in a tank where the nutrient solution flows over them in intervals. And if you’re wondering if your plant will survive having its roots submerged in water, don’t worry, it will. 

Generally, cannabis roots would rot if left in plain water. However, hydroponic systems pump oxygen into the water, keeping it fresh and free of rot. 

The beauty of hydroponics is that the plant’s roots don’t need to go digging through the soil for food. They get everything they need, right when they need it, leading to faster growth and bigger yields. 

Hydroponics has been around for decades, so you can explore a treasure trove of methods like Deep Water Culture, Ebb and Flow, and Nutrient Film Technique.

Benefits of Growing Cannabis Hydroponically

There’s a reason why hydroponics is often the go-to option for many cannabis growers. In fact, after geoponics, hydroponics is the most popular way of growing cannabis. Here are some of the reasons why this is the case.

• Tried and Tested

Hydroponics has long been the go-to method for cannabis cultivation, and for good reason. There's a massive community of growers using this system, so you’ve got plenty of support if you ever hit a snag. 

• Takes Up Less Space

If you're short on space, hydroponics is a great option. It doesn’t take up nearly as much room as traditional soil-based methods. In fact, you can set up a whole grow operation in a corner of your bedroom. 

• Low-Maintenance

Once your hydroponic system is up and running, it’s largely automated. Your job? Just ensure the nutrient solution is balanced and that the plants are growing as they should. Oh, and say goodbye to weeding and dealing with pests, which are far less common in hydro systems.

• Saves Water

You’d think growing in water would use a lot of it, right? Surprisingly, hydroponics is incredibly water-efficient. After you fill the system, the water gets recirculated for multiple uses, with very little waste. 

When plants grow in soil, they only absorb what they need, and the rest drains away, leading to more water usage. However, hydroponics recycles the water, resulting in less waste and fewer trips to the faucet. According to some experts, hydroponics can use 90% less water than geoponics! 

• Full Control

One of the major perks of hydroponics is the level of control it gives you. You get to decide exactly what your plants eat by controlling the nutrient mix. Not only that, you can manage the pH, light, and humidity levels for optimal growth, just like in soil. But, with hydroponics, you’re giving plants everything they need directly.

• Better Yields

Hydroponic systems are known for producing bigger and healthier plants. Since you can fine-tune everything from nutrition to environment, your plants will grow faster and yield more, resulting in larger and more potent buds.

• No Need for Soil

With good soil becoming harder to find and maintain, hydroponics offers a great alternative. Soil degradation due to overuse, erosion, and nutrient depletion is a growing concern. 

Plus, cannabis strains often have specific soil requirements, meaning you have to adapt or risk lower yields. Hydroponics sidesteps this entirely, allowing plants to thrive without soil. This not only makes the system more sustainable but also simplifies the process for you.

Downsides of Hydroponics

While hydroponics has plenty of upsides, it’s not without its drawbacks. Let's take a closer look at some potential pitfalls.

• Unforgiving Nature

Hydroponics requires precision. For example, even small fluctuations in the nutrient solution can immediately impact your cannabis plants since the roots are in direct contact with the solution. 

But this issue can be managed with diligence. Keep a close eye on your nutrient solution, regularly check the pH and nutrient levels, and be ready to act fast if something goes off-track. This system requires consistent monitoring and quick adjustments.

• Can Be Costly 

Hydroponics can also be expensive. While DIY systems or small kits are relatively affordable, larger or more commercial setups, especially fully automated ones, can be quite pricey. 

High-quality equipment, reservoirs, pumps, and specialized nutrients can add up, especially if you’re aiming for a large-scale operation.

What is Aeroponics?

Image Credit - Gamepichayut420

Let’s move to aeroponics now, a system that was originally developed by NASA (yes, that one!) for cultivating crops in outer space. However, before they could grow potatoes on Mars, some inventive folks began using the same technique to grow cannabis right in their bedrooms.

Aeroponics is similar to hydroponics in many ways but with one key difference: instead of the roots being submerged in nutrient-rich water, they are suspended in the air. In this system, a high-tech mister sprays the roots with a nutrient-rich solution at precise intervals to ensure they get all the water and nutrients they need.

These setups are often highly sophisticated, featuring water-tight chambers, multiple misters, and advanced equipment to control factors like humidity, temperature, and PPM (parts per million). This ensures optimal growing conditions for healthy plants and potent buds.

In fact, aeroponics is considered one of the most efficient methods for growing cannabis due to its precision and ability to maximize plant health and yield. And, as you can guess, it is also one of the most expensive!

Benefits of Growing Cannabis With Aeroponics

If NASA uses it, you know it must be good! Here’s why aeroponics is an excellent option for cannabis growers.

• Fast, Extensive Growth

Aeroponics allows your cannabis plants to grow up to four times larger than those grown using traditional methods. The system provides the ideal environment, enabling plants to grow much faster without common setbacks.

• Less Space Required

Aeroponic systems are highly space-efficient. The roots are contained in a water-tight tank, so you don’t need much room to cultivate multiple plants. It’s perfect for growing cannabis in confined spaces.

• Water Conservation

Aeroponics was designed for space missions, where water is a limited resource. As a result, it uses minimal water, delivering just the right amount through misters that hydrate the roots without any runoff or waste.

• Large, Healthy Buds

One of the top reasons growers love aeroponics is the large, potent buds it produces. The precise delivery of nutrients directly to the roots helps cannabis grow faster, with aeroponic buds often boasting high trichome development for extra potency.

• Precise Control

Much like hydroponics, aeroponics allows for precise control over nutrient levels, misting schedules, and environmental factors. If you’re willing to invest in a top-tier setup, you can fine-tune everything to guarantee optimal growth.

• Pest-Free

Aeroponics systems keep the roots dry for much of the growing process, which significantly reduces the chances of pests or infections. Cannabis grown this way is less vulnerable to the typical soil-borne issues many growers face.

Downsides of Aeroponics

Let’s be real — aeroponics is impressive — but it does have some downsides that may not sit well with many growers. Let’s take a look at them. 

• Expensive

Aeroponics isn't cheap. The setup can be pricey, especially if you’re a hobby grower. So, unless you're ready for the investment, this might not be the most budget-friendly option.

• High Maintenance

The system is delicate. A power outage or pump failure can cause big problems fast. Plus, ignoring quality grow lights or dealing with leaks can really mess things up. You need to be on top of everything — from the pumps to the lights — or your plants won’t thrive.

Aeroponics can yield amazing results, but it takes effort, money, and constant care. If you're up for it, go for it — just know it's not for the faint of heart (or beginners). Although, we’d still argue that there’s hardly any system as satisfying as this one. 

Aeroponics Vs. Hydroponics 

When growing cannabis, choosing the right grow system is one of the most important choices you can make when trying to maximize yield, quality, and efficiency. The ideal system will have a great impact on the growth cycle and plant health, which can make all the difference between abundant-yielding plants and failures. 

Regardless of whether you're growing in a small grow room or in a large one, understanding how it might work will help you in your journey.

There are many factors to take into consideration when choosing between aeroponics and hydroponics for cultivating cannabis such as the potential yield, efficiency, ease of maintenance, cost, space required, and risks associated with both of them. Each system has its particular benefits and disadvantages, and recognizing the differences can help you choose the right one.

Previously, we compared hydroponics and aeroponics with other methods of cultivation like soil. Now, let’s compare them with each other. 

1. Yield Potential and Rate of Growth 

Aeroponics

Aeroponics is often praised for providing a significant boost to plant growth and maximizing harvests. This is due to its unique way of taking care of the roots. Since they are suspended in the air, they tend to get more oxygen compared to plants growing in other systems. 

If the roots are happy, the plant will automatically deliver, and aeroponics helps the roots respire, allowing them to absorb nutrients much more efficiently, which in turn translates to heavy yields. 

More oxygen in the system results in better nutrient absorption by the plant, hence it grows faster. This also allows the plants to go into flowering sooner, and by shortening the vegetative cycle, you get to harvest quicker. Under ideal conditions with proper nutrient levels, humidity, and misting intervals, aeroponics-grown cannabis can result in dense resinous buds that contain substantial cannabinoid content.

Aeroponics also has the best potential for yield over all other growing systems. By accurately delivering nutrients to your plants, you essentially ensure that the plants get what they need, when they need it, effectively reducing waste and increasing growth. In addition, the root system for plants has no restrictions on their growth in an aeroponic setting, so they grow extensively. Agreed, this isn't an easy system to set up, but there's a huge possibility for increased yields and faster growth, making it an appealing option to seasoned cannabis cultivators looking to get the most bang for their buck.

Hydroponics

Hydroponics also supports faster growth but with one exception — the roots are completely underwater at all times. Plants are happy even in this system as the roots get a regular supply of oxygen and nutrient solution. 

Hydroponics systems such as Deep Water Culture (DWC) and Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) may not oxygenate the roots as efficiently as an aeroponics system, but they provide direct contact with both oxygen and nutrients. This balance of oxygen, water, and nutrition allows the plants to grow faster than plants growing in soil. 

Although hydroponic systems don't support plants growing as fast as aeroponics, they are highly rated for beginners. DWC and NFT systems saturate the roots in a constant stream of nutrient solution, which provides ample room for growth and great yields. 

Also, hydroponic systems are a little more forgiving than aeroponics. Seriously, you can grow good plants with decent yields if you take care of the pH, light intensity, and temperature and provide the right environment. Growers looking for simple yet effective systems will be very happy with hydroponics. 

Winner: Aeroponics

2. Water and Nutrient Efficiency

Aeroponics

Aeroponics is simply remarkable when it comes to water and nutrient efficiency.  As it's based on nutrients directly to the roots, you'll need very little water fed to the roots in timed intervals. 

This technique also minimizes water waste and reduces runoff, making it one of the most water-efficient growing methods. Without soil in the way, roots are able to take up nutrients more efficiently. 

Water is a resource we all take for granted, but there are many regions across the world suffering from a shortage. In such areas, aeroponics is a godsend because of its precise delivery system which makes the overall consumption more sustainable and environmentally friendly. Also, don't forget that this precise control ensures that the plant is able to take up every nutrient it needs in the right ratio so you won't have to worry about nutrient deficiencies or toxicity. Ultimately, you'll be looking at healthy plants with the potential for bumper yields. 

Hydroponics

Hydroponics is typically more water-efficient than traditional soil-based cultivation, but still not as efficient as aeroponics. In fact, most hydroponic systems are closed-loop which cuts down on waste; however, if the system isn't managed correctly then there can be nutrient runoff. Various types of hydroponic systems like DWC and NFT still save water while providing a constant supply of nutrients to plants so that they have access to nutrients to grow exponentially faster than plants growing in soil. However, hydroponics falls a bit short in this department as aeroponics is too good at conserving water. 

Winner: Aeroponics

3. Equipment and Maintenance Requirements 

Aeroponics

Aeroponic systems employ sophisticated equipment to function efficiently. From top-of-the-line misting nozzles to pumps and timers that allow precise nutrient delivery, these systems are the best to grow cannabis. You'll need to maintain the equipment carefully to ensure that the plants don't get affected, not to mention how much you've spent on them already. 

The complexity of this system requires you to be on your toes as the roots can dry out and die if the misting is interrupted, which brings us to another challenge: maintenance. Maintaining the misting nozzles is particularly challenging as they are prone to clogging over time since the nutrients keep building up inside. 

Apart from regular cleaning, aeroponic systems may also require more frequent replacement of parts, further increasing the overall cost. The roots of the plants are solely reliant on the mist, so you must have a backup in case there's a power outage. Even pump failures can be problematic so you must check the setup with a fine comb every week to ensure there are no nasty surprises.

Therefore, you should go with aeroponics only if you're sure that you can handle the system properly. Truth be told, it's better suited for more seasoned cultivators with many harvests under their belt, so you can develop some experience and then give it a go if you're so inclined. 

So, as you can understand, aeroponics is a superb way to grow cannabis but it does have some flaws in terms of maintenance. If you can get past that, you can consider growing cannabis in them. 

Hydroponics

Hydroponic systems are generally easier to set up and maintain. Although DWC and NFT systems also depend on pumps to deliver the nutrients, they are less susceptible to disaster compared to aeroponics. 

The roots are suspended, yes, but they are also constantly in touch with the nutrient solution which gives them a buffer for at least a short period, just until you can figure out what's wrong. 

Maintenance typically involves standard tasks like cleaning out the nutrient reservoirs and monitoring the pH, nutrient levels, and water flow. 

Hydroponics requires less complicated and time-consuming tasks when compared to aeroponics, so it's better for beginners. Make no mistake — hydroponics still requires you to maintain the setup and monitor the system diligently but it's more forgiving than aeroponics in terms of mistakes. Plants growing in aeroponic systems tolerate very little margin of error comparatively. 

In addition, hydroponic systems clog up too but rest assured that it's not as much as aeroponics because the nutrient solution flows constantly (only in some setups). 

Thus, when it comes to maintenance, hydroponics is a clear winner as it's a great option for those looking for setups that are easy to use while providing high yields. 

Winner: Hydroponics

4. Cost Considerations

Aeroponics

Both methods of growing have high upfront costs to get started, but for an aeroponic system, this investment is greater due to the required equipment. High-end components like misting systems, quality pumps and timers, and environmental control sensors are a big part of this expense. 

Precision is what keeps a successful aeroponic system running; however, most of these items are quite high-tech and task-specific which drives the price up. Aside from the initial costs, additional maintenance including replacing misting nozzles, cleaning elements, and maintaining a well-working system add to the total price. Additionally, you'll have to use backups if there are power outages, which also increases both the upfront cost and ongoing expenses.

However, remember that even with the increased cost, aeroponics could potentially save you time and money in the long term. If you're really serious about growing cannabis with future plans to set up a company, aeroponics is one of the best-growing options. 

Although the initial expense may throw you off slightly, you should remember that there's a huge potential for faster growth rates, higher yield, and quality cannabis that more than makes up for it.

In addition, as you know already, aeroponic systems will use nutrients and water far more efficiently than traditional agriculture, leading to significant cost savings overall and even a new lease on life for agricultural regions with little or very expensive water. If you're a commercial cultivator or are looking to maximize yields despite owning a small growing space, aeroponics should be something you should look into if you're okay with the costs. 

Hydroponics

For most hydroponic systems, the setup cost is initially lower. It decreases further if you use more straightforward systems like the wick or drip system as they only require a reservoir, planting medium, and pumps. Even systems like DWC and NFT are more affordable than aeroponics, making them available to a lot of growers who could otherwise be left out. Since they don't need sophisticated systems for nutrient delivery, they allow you to start with a decent investment. 

You'll also have to consider ongoing electrical costs for pumps and lighting, but you'll be using lights even if you're growing in soil or using aeroponics. As for the pump, well, they will incur some costs, but they won't make you go broke. You'll also have to spend on nutrients but this is compulsory no matter what system you use. 

So, if you consider the costs, hydroponic systems are cheaper than aeroponics. 

Winner: Hydroponics

5. Space Requirements

Aeroponics

One great benefit of aeroponic systems is that they are usually compact, and many companies produce these with vertical scalability in mind, making them an ideal choice for growers working within limited space. Also, you can grow plants by stacking them in tiers or towers to make the most of whatever space you have. 

As a result, you'll be able to grow more plants without compromising plant health or yield potential. As this system mists the roots rather than submerging them in water, there's no need for large reservoirs. This is especially useful for indoor growers who want to grow cannabis in an urban area where space is limited. And, since these systems are compact, you can use them in small grow tents or greenhouses. 

This flexibility, coupled with the potential for high yields, makes aeroponics an appealing choice for any grower looking to get maximum yields in a confined space.

Hydroponics

We mentioned previously that hydroponic systems don’t need much space, but that’s when compared to soil. If you compare it with aeroponics, however, it needs more space as it needs reservoirs, pumps, and other parts that usually take up more space than aeroponics systems. Hydroponics spreads more horizontally, rather than vertically, unlike aeroponics. A few hydroponic systems like the vertical hydroponic towers provide options for vertical growing but they are generally less space-efficient than aeroponics.

That said, hydroponic systems allow you to scale more, but they are more suitable for growers who have large grow areas planned for future horizontal expansion. Hydroponic systems are also modular, which means the same type of hydroponic system can be scaled up for use in larger grow rooms or even in a greenhouse, accommodating both small and large-scale growers. 

So, while hydroponics might not suit those with very little space (although you can grow many plants in a single system, meaning it takes less space than soil-grown plants), aeroponics does better in this regard. 

6. Risk Factors 

Both hydroponics and aeroponics come with some risk of failure, whether it has something to do with the system or due to pests or diseases. While the specific risks related to these systems might vary, it's best that you equip yourself with risk management strategies or prevent them in the first place for a successful project. 

We have already discussed the risk of misting nozzles in aeroponics failing before. To reiterate, remember that you should monitor the system closely as the plants can die when the roots dry up. Even if it is just for a few hours, dry roots can experience a lot of stress that will show up in plants. 

Let's get into other types of risk factors you can face with both aeroponics and hydroponics. 

Aeroponics

1. Bacterial and fungal infections

Aeroponic systems can be breeding grounds for bacterial or fungal infections that attack the roots because of the humid environment in which the roots remain suspended. All that moisture is perfect for fungal pathogens like Fusarium and Pythium (root rot) to overtake your plants. In addition, if you don't use clean water, the misters can spread bacterial infractions pretty easily.

Therefore, to avoid such problems, you must maintain strict hygiene with aeroponic systems. Clean the equipment regularly and even sterilize them when possible. Also, always use clean filtered water when growing plants. Everything will go to waste if you use unsanitary water in the first place. 

2. Environmental Sensitivity

Aeroponic systems need a very stable and controlled environment to work efficiently. You must carefully observe the temperature, humidity & air circulation. Extreme fluctuations in any of these factors can be detrimental to the plants, no matter what growing system you use. 

Also, keep a close eye on the ventilation as it's closely connected to the humidity. High humidity may cause fungal issues whereas low humidity may dry the plants too quickly. Therefore, provide the best environment conditions for your setups to work properly. 

Hydroponics

1. Risk of Root Diseases

Although hydroponic systems are usually more tolerant than aeroponics to water availability, they can suffer even worse from root diseases, especially root rot. Root rot usually occurs when the water is contaminated with harmful organisms. And, this happens when the water circulation isn't good enough. Apart from that, the plants can struggle even if you don't change the nutrient solution regularly. To prevent this problem, some growers add beneficial microbes or hydrogen peroxide to the water to keep it clean.

2. System Failure

Like aeroponic systems, hydroponic systems also have the risk of system failures, as we have discussed before. Although it won't be as catastrophic as aeroponics since the roots are submerged in water at all times and won't dry easily, you must remember that a lack of oxygen for extended periods can be problematic. This can occur if the pump fails to work. You'll have some time to fix the problem, though, so make sure you get the system up and running as soon as you can.

3. Pest Invasions

Pests usually aren't that big a deal with hydroponic systems as the setup is usually clean. Thus, most pests won't find their way to your growing space, but, as always, there could be some that manage to infiltrate the area. The plant canopy and its root zones can become infested with common pests in hydroponic setups such as spider mites, aphids, or fungus gnats if conditions are still right for them. 

Since you won't be using soil, there's no reason to worry about soil-borne pests, but you should be prepared for some pests that can be stubborn if you don't maintain cleanliness in the area. 

To manage them effectively, make sure you take proper measures to prevent pests rather than trying to eliminate them after they invade the plants.

4. Algae Growth

One major risk when you're growing plants hydroponically is that the reservoir can get filled with algae if you don't take proper care of it. Algae can compete against the plants for nutrients and grow inside pipes and clog them, reducing system effectiveness.

To prevent this, you must use an opaque reservoir as algae grows when there's light penetrating into the reservoir. In addition, clean your equipment regularly and check the pipes for clogs. 

Summary: Aeroponics vs Hydroponics To Grow Cannabis: Which System is Best for You?

The final answer depends on your growing style and goals. If you're looking for a tried-and-true system that's easier to manage and more budget-friendly, hydroponics is a solid choice. 

It offers great yields, requires less space, and once set up, doesn’t demand too much maintenance. Plus, with so many growers using hydroponics, there’s a wealth of knowledge and support available to help you get started.

On the flip side, if you're up for a challenge and want to push the limits of what’s possible with your cannabis cultivation, aeroponics might be your thing. It delivers faster growth and bigger, more potent buds — but it also requires a significant investment of time, money, and attention. 

In the end, if you’re a beginner or simply want a reliable, less expensive option, go with hydroponics. But if you’re looking to experiment with cutting-edge techniques and aren’t afraid of a steep learning curve, aeroponics could be worth the effort.