Indoor gardening is experiencing a surge in popularity, and one of the easiest ways to bring greenery into your home is by growing plants in water. These soilless plants are perfect for apartments, offices, or small spaces because they require minimal maintenance, offer a modern aesthetic, and can even improve air quality.
Water-grown plants are not only visually striking but also remarkably easy to care for. With the right plant selection and basic care practices—like refreshing water regularly and providing bright, indirect light—you can enjoy thriving greenery year-round. In this article, we explore the best plants to grow in water for your home, along with expert tips to keep them healthy and beautiful.
Why Grow Plants in Water?
Growing plants in water has several benefits:
- Minimal mess and maintenance: No soil, fewer pests, and simpler clean-up.
- Space-saving: Ideal for small apartments, shelves, or tabletop displays.
- Modern aesthetic: Transparent containers showcase roots, adding visual interest.
- Beginner-friendly: Many plants root quickly in water and thrive without complicated care routines.
According to gardening experts, indoor plants grown in water can live indefinitely when cared for properly. Regular water changes, indirect light, and occasional nutrients are enough to keep these plants vibrant and healthy. (Garden Design)
What Makes a Plant Suitable for Water Growth?
Not all plants thrive in water, so choosing the right species is essential. Ideal water-grown plants generally have these characteristics:
- Fast rooting from cuttings: Plants that easily develop roots in water are the easiest to grow.
- Low nutrient requirements: Water lacks the richness of soil, so plants that do well in water tend to need minimal feeding.
- Adaptability: Some species naturally thrive near water or can tolerate hydroponic conditions.
Additionally, placing your water-grown plants in bright, indirect light and using filtered water will help prevent algae growth and leaf damage.
The Best Indoor Plants to Grow in Water
Here’s a curated list of houseplants that flourish in water, perfect for vases, jars, or decorative containers in your home:
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a classic indoor plant for water propagation. Its heart-shaped leaves trail beautifully from containers, and it grows quickly with minimal effort. Simply place cuttings in water and refresh every 1–2 weeks. Pothos also improves indoor air quality, making it both decorative and functional. (House Plant Alley)
2. Philodendron
Heartleaf Philodendron adapts well to water growth. Its trailing vines can fill shelves or hang elegantly in jars, and the plant roots quickly from cuttings. This makes it ideal for beginners and experienced indoor gardeners alike. (Yahoo Lifestyle)
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are easy to propagate in water, especially their “spiderettes.” Simply place offshoots in water, and roots will form within weeks. Spider plants are also known for their air-purifying properties, making them a healthy addition to any indoor space. (Garden Design)
4. Syngonium (Arrowhead Vine)
Syngonium adapts well to water culture, thriving in jars or hanging containers. Its arrow-shaped leaves provide a unique texture and can grow quickly with proper light and water care. (Garden Design)
5. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese evergreens are prized for their colorful foliage. They can be rooted in water before transplanting or kept in water long-term with occasional fertilization. This adaptability makes them a top choice for indoor water gardens. (Garden Design)
6. Coleus
Coleus offers vibrant foliage in a variety of colors. This plant roots quickly in water and can be displayed in jars, providing a splash of color to any room. Regular water changes and indirect light are key to keeping coleus healthy indoors. (Almanac)
7. Monstera Adansonii (Swiss Cheese Vine)
Monstera Adansonii’s unique, perforated leaves make it a striking water-grown plant. Cuttings root easily in water and can be displayed in hanging containers or on shelves, creating a dramatic green focal point. (House Plant Alley)
8. Begonia
Begonias, known for their glossy and patterned leaves, can also thrive in water. These plants root from cuttings and offer bold foliage for tabletop displays. They prefer indirect sunlight and clean water to prevent algae buildup. (Almanac)
9. Sweet Potato Vine
While typically grown outdoors, sweet potato vines produce decorative foliage indoors when rooted in water. Partially submerge stems or tubers in water to encourage leaf and root growth, making them a fun and unconventional indoor plant. (Garden Design)
Essential Care Tips for Water-Grown Plants
1. Change Water Regularly
Refreshing water every 1–2 weeks keeps it oxygenated, prevents bacteria and algae, and ensures root health. Using filtered or chlorine-free water is ideal, especially for sensitive plants. (Garden Design)
2. Provide Indirect Light
Most water-grown houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can overheat water, encourage algae growth, and damage leaves, while insufficient light slows growth. (House Plant Alley)
3. Add Nutrients Occasionally
Because water lacks the nutrients found in soil, adding diluted liquid fertilizer once a month helps support robust growth. This is especially important for long-term water-grown plants. (Garden Design)
4. Use Transparent Containers
Clear glass vases or jars allow you to monitor water clarity and root development. They also add visual appeal, showcasing the full plant from roots to leaves. Clean containers regularly to prevent algae. (House Plant Alley)
Why Water-Grown Plants Are Perfect for Your Home
Water-grown plants are ideal for modern living spaces. They require minimal care, add a contemporary aesthetic, and can be displayed in creative ways — from floating vases to hanging glass containers. They’re also excellent for beginners, as most root quickly and thrive with simple maintenance.
With the right plant selection, care, and display, water-grown plants can be a long-lasting, beautiful addition to any indoor environment. (Real Simple)
Suggested Authoritative Sources
For further reading and detailed guidance on water-grown plants:
- Garden Design – Plants That Grow in Water Indoors (gardendesign.com)
- Real Simple – Indoor Water-Grown Plants Guide (realsimple.com)
- Nurserylive – Top Indoor Plants to Grow in Water (nurserylive.com)
- Almanac – Houseplants That Grow in Water (almanac.com)
Final Thoughts
Growing plants in water is a low-maintenance, modern, and visually appealing way to bring nature indoors. From pothos to begonias, these plants are beginner-friendly, space-efficient, and adaptable to many home environments.
By following simple care tips — refreshing water regularly, providing indirect light, and occasionally adding nutrients — you can enjoy thriving, long-lasting greenery with minimal effort. Whether displayed on a windowsill, shelf, or hanging container, water-grown plants can transform your home into a lush, calming oasis.