Passive hydroponics is one of the simplest hydroponic designs for home gardeners. Also known as semi-hydroponics or passive sub irrigation, this system does not use any dirt but instead inert mediums are utilized as growing materials. These growing material provide all the nutrient flowers need from a tank below. Semihydroponic designs combine simple set up with convenient daily maintenance.

Semihydroponic designs use cultivation mediums only to give plants a platform for cultivation and to provide mineral water, many do not provide any minerals themselves. There are a few varied materials that could be utilized such as rock wool, coir, vermiculite, and perlite. These materials are able to transport solution upwards through capillary action. Depending on the absorption rate of different materials systems could be set up to run without much regular tasks.

Growing mediums has to not only provide water but also have to allow space for fresh oxygen to be moved around the roots. The mixture of minerals and fresh air is what assists crops grow and stay healthy. Different species of plants can have various mineral and air needs, growers often mix various mediums to make the suitable habitat.

Cleaning is vital for passive hydroponic designs to make sure that no bacteria or fungus develops. As primarily static systems nutrients can accumulate throughout the reservoirs and growing medium. Thoroughly rinsing out equipment between crops can help systems last longer and maintain the quality of plants grown.

Semihydroponic systems can be relatively simple designs and are excellent for small hydroponic systems or could be scaled up for large operations. Growers have reported satisfyingly growing a range of varied types of plants of exceedingly high quality with the method. For growers who desire a indoor hydroponic system without much regular maintenance and simple set up passive designs are excellent options.