Aeroponics?

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What is Aeroponics System?

Aeroponics is the practice of growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of any substrate. That is, the plant roots are suspended in the air and are misted or sprayed periodically with a nutrient solution or aerosol of nutrient solution.


Despite its intimidating name, the concept of aeroponics is actually quite simple. In essence, it’s taking nutrient-rich water, pumping it up to a misting nozzle, and spraying your plant’s roots in a fine, nutrient-covered mist to make them grow. Here’s a full breakdown of how that process works:

  • Nutrients are Added to Water

First and foremost, nutrients (either mixed yourself or bought as an all-in-one solution, such as the General Hydroponic Flora Series) are added to a reservoir of water.

And even though this is the easiest step in the process and it seems pretty straightforward, it’s also where you’ll find yourself spending a lot of time. Depending on the size of the tank, the amount of plants you’re growing, and your aeroponic setup as a whole, the amount of nutrient solution you add and the number of times you add it are going to vary. Make sure you get a good understanding of nutrient solutions before you set anything up.

  • The water (with Nutrients) is Pumped Up to the Growing Area

The second step in the aeroponic process is to pump the nutrient-rich water from the reservoir to the growing area. There are a couple of ways to do this, but normally, it’s just a regular water pump with a timer attached.

But remember, where a hydroponic system brings water to the growing area and lets it flow over the roots, an aeroponic pump is designed to bring water up to a nozzle (think of an adjustable garden hose nozzle) where it releases a fine “mist” over the roots.

  • The Roots of the Plants are Misted

Once the water has been carried up to the growing area, the water is “sprayed” or “misted” onto your plants.

And this is what really separates aeroponics. While a traditional hydroponic system completely saturates the plant roots with water and nutrients, an aeroponic system only mists them, exposing the plant’s roots to a perfect amount of (1) oxygen and (2) nutrients — a win-win that a regular hydroponics setup just can’t offer.

  • The Water Returns Back to the Reservoir

There are a couple of different setups for an aeroponics system, but there is one constant among all of them — the roots are fully exposed!

That means that after your roots have been misted, the water needs to go somewhere. Typically, at least in basic aeroponic setups, the water will simply trickle back down into your reservoir, completing the aeroponic recirculating process — however, just be mindful that depending on how your system is set up, there are a couple of ways for this to happen.

  • The Process Starts Over and Your Plants Grow

After your water has trickled back down into your reservoir, the whole process starts over again. Meanwhile, your plants are soaking up those necessary nutrients, enjoying that rich oxygen, and growing bigger and bigger every day. Eventually, after just a few weeks, your plants (whether they be fruits or vegetables) will be ready for the dinner table!


Compiled by: Arjun, Data Scientist 


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