Plants can be grown in

1.  soil with essential nutrients.

2.  water with essential nutrients.

3.  either water or soil with essential nutrients.

4.  water or soil without essential nutrients.

The plants can be grown in any medium either water or soil if it is supported with all essential elements. The medium does not affect the plant growth but the availability of all elements does affect the growth of the plants.
Page 194, XI NCERT