In most indoor setups, plants grow faster hydroponically than in soil, especially herbs and leafy greens. The main reason is that hydroponics delivers water, nutrients, and oxygen directly to the roots, which reduces the effort plants need to grow.
In soil, roots must spread out to find water and nutrients, and growth can slow down if the soil is compacted, overwatered, or unevenly fertilized. Indoors, these issues are common and often limit growth speed.
In hydroponic systems, plants like basil, lettuce, mint, and parsley usually grow noticeably faster because nutrients are always available in the right balance and roots receive more oxygen. This often leads to quicker leaf production and earlier harvests.
That said, not all plants benefit equally. Woody or slow-growing plants, such as rosemary, may not show dramatic speed differences, and soil can still work well for them if managed carefully.
In real indoor growing, hydroponics is generally faster and more predictable for fast-growing, frequently harvested plants, while soil growth tends to be slower but can suit growers who prefer a more traditional approach.
