In an ideal hydroponic system the root environment of the plant is supplied with all the oxygen, water and dissolved nutrients at the concentrations and temperature that the plant requires for its particular stage of growth. The leaves and stem of the plant require light of the correct spectrum and intensity and photoperiod (daylength) as well as air quality and movement, temperature and humidity.

The hydroponic grower generally has more control over theroot zone environment and can provide optimum root zone conditions for the plants being grown.

Plants grown using hydroponic systems and techniques still require a similar growth environment that is used for their soil grown cousins.