Gardening isn’t always about soil. Many plants can thrive in water, offering a low-maintenance, modern alternative for indoor greenery. Water-grown plants are perfect for small apartments, offices, or homes where traditional soil-based gardening isn’t practical. From classic pothos to the popular lucky bamboo, certain plants can flourish in water while adding beauty, life, and even a touch of good luck to your space.
This guide explores 8 plants that grow well in water, how to care for them, and tips for keeping them healthy and vibrant.
Why Grow Plants in Water?
Growing plants in water, also called hydroponic or water propagation, has several advantages:
- Low Maintenance: No soil means less mess, fewer pests, and easier cleaning.
- Quick Growth: Many plants develop roots faster in water than in soil.
- Decorative Appeal: Glass vases, jars, and bottles can display roots and stems for a modern aesthetic.
- Space-Saving: Ideal for small spaces or indoor gardens without access to outdoor soil.
- Propagation Made Simple: Many plants naturally grow roots in water before being transferred to soil.
However, even water-loving plants need care, including clean water, proper light, and occasional nutrient supplements.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why It Thrives in Water: Pothos is famously easy to grow and can survive in a range of conditions. Its trailing vines adapt well to water propagation.
Care Tips:
- Use a glass jar or vase with clean water.
- Change the water every 1–2 weeks to prevent stagnation.
- Place in bright, indirect light.
- Optional: Add liquid houseplant fertilizer every month for added nutrients.
Pothos grown in water develops beautiful aerial roots, making it perfect for hanging baskets or tabletop displays.
2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Why It Thrives in Water: Lucky bamboo is naturally adapted to grow in water. It symbolizes prosperity and good luck, making it popular in homes and offices.
Care Tips:
- Use a vase with pebbles to support the stalks.
- Keep the water level just above the roots and change it every 2–3 weeks.
- Place in bright, indirect light—avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch leaves.
- Feed with liquid fertilizer sparingly, about once every 1–2 months.
Lucky bamboo grows straight or twisted stalks, which can be shaped creatively for décor.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why It Thrives in Water: Spider plants grow long, arching leaves and produce “pups” that can root in water before planting in soil.
Care Tips:
- Place baby plantlets or offsets in a jar of water.
- Keep water fresh and clear.
- Bright, indirect light encourages healthy growth.
- Change water weekly to prevent algae growth.
Water-propagated spider plants can be transferred to soil later or continue growing in water indefinitely.
4. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Why It Thrives in Water: Philodendrons are naturally suited for water propagation and grow rapidly with minimal maintenance.
Care Tips:
- Trim stems just below a node and place in a vase of water.
- Ensure leaves are above water to prevent rotting.
- Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal.
- Refresh water every 1–2 weeks and add occasional liquid fertilizer.
Philodendrons grown in water make striking trailing displays or tabletop accents.
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Why It Thrives in Water: English ivy roots easily in water and can become a lush, cascading plant indoors.
Care Tips:
- Submerge cuttings with nodes in water.
- Change water weekly to prevent stagnation.
- Provide bright, indirect light; ivy tolerates low light but grows more slowly.
- Trim regularly to maintain shape and encourage bushy growth.
English ivy in water adds greenery to shelves, windowsills, or hanging containers.
6. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Why It Thrives in Water: Known for its vibrant foliage, coleus can root in water before planting in soil, making it a great option for temporary water displays.
Care Tips:
- Place healthy cuttings in a glass jar of water.
- Keep water level consistent to cover the base of the stem.
- Provide bright, indirect sunlight for colorful leaves.
- Transfer to soil for long-term growth, or leave in water for short-term décor.
Coleus in water brings a pop of color and pattern indoors.
7. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Why It Thrives in Water: Sweet potato vines can produce striking foliage when grown in water, creating a trailing, cascading effect.
Care Tips:
- Place a healthy sweet potato partially submerged in water.
- Support the vine as it grows out of the container.
- Keep in bright, indirect light.
- Change water weekly and monitor for root rot.
This plant makes a bold indoor centerpiece with trailing vines.
8. Begonia Rex (Rex Begonia)
Why It Thrives in Water: Certain begonias, like Rex Begonia, can root easily in water, showing off their patterned foliage while growing in a clean, soil-free container.
Care Tips:
- Place leaf cuttings in a jar of water with the petiole submerged.
- Indirect light enhances leaf coloration.
- Change water weekly and trim any rotting roots.
- Optional: Add mild liquid fertilizer every month for vigor.
Rex begonias in water create a striking indoor plant display with minimal effort.
Tips for Successful Water Gardening
- Use Clean Containers: Glass or clear jars allow you to monitor roots and water clarity.
- Change Water Regularly: Prevents algae growth and stagnation; usually every 1–2 weeks.
- Provide Adequate Light: Most water plants prefer bright, indirect light; adjust placement for optimal growth.
- Add Nutrients Occasionally: Liquid houseplant fertilizers support long-term growth in water.
- Monitor for Root Rot: Remove any decaying roots promptly to keep plants healthy.
- Temperature Matters: Keep plants in stable indoor temperatures, away from drafts or direct heat sources.
Following these steps ensures your water-grown plants remain healthy, lush, and vibrant.
Decorating with Water-Grown Plants
Water-propagated plants are not only functional—they are stylish décor pieces. Consider these ideas:
- Floating Cuttings: Place stems in wide-mouthed jars for a modern centerpiece.
- Hanging Vases: Trailing plants like pothos or ivy look dramatic cascading from overhead containers.
- Pebbles and Stones: Support stems and add visual interest in clear containers.
- Tabletop Gardens: Combine multiple small jars of water-propagated plants for a mini indoor garden.
Water-grown plants add a clean, contemporary look while bringing greenery into any indoor space.
Why Choose Water-Grown Plants
- Low Maintenance: Minimal watering and no soil means fewer chores.
- Propagation Made Easy: Many plants root faster in water than in soil.
- Modern Aesthetic: Transparent containers highlight roots, adding an artistic touch.
- Versatility: Can be placed anywhere indoors without worrying about soil mess.
- Ideal for Small Spaces: Perfect for apartments, offices, or spaces with limited soil-based gardening options.
Water-growing plants combine ease of care with striking visual appeal, making them ideal for contemporary indoor gardening.
Final Thoughts
From pothos and philodendrons to lucky bamboo and sweet potato vines, many plants can thrive in water with minimal effort. By understanding each plant’s needs—light, water changes, and occasional fertilization—you can maintain a lush, low-maintenance indoor garden without soil.
Water-propagated plants offer flexibility, style, and easy propagation, making them perfect for modern homes, offices, or apartments. With a little care and attention, your water garden can flourish year-round, providing greenery, color, and natural beauty with minimal mess and maximum impact.