Houseplants are a wonderful way to bring a touch of nature indoors, but what if you could grow plants without soil? Growing plants in water is a stylish and modern way to decorate your home and makes plant care much easier. Many plants thrive in water, with just a little sunlight and some routine water changes. If you're looking for low-maintenance greenery, these 10 surprising plants that can grow in water will inspire you to try something new.
1. Pothos: The Easiest Houseplant to Grow in Water
Pothos is perhaps the most popular plant for growing in water, and it's easy to see why. With its heart-shaped leaves and fast-growing vines, it adds a lush touch to any space. Pothos cuttings root easily when placed in water, and the plant requires minimal care. It thrives in bright, indirect light and can tolerate neglect, making it perfect for busy plant owners. Just change the water every few weeks to keep it healthy and growing.
2. Spider Plant: Thrive in Water Without the Mess of Soil
Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities and ability to adapt to various environments. While these plants generally prefer soil, they can also be propagated and grown in water. Place a small cutting or a plantlet in a jar of water, and it will quickly form roots. As long as you keep the water fresh, your spider plant will continue to grow. Their delicate, arching leaves make them visually appealing in any home setting.
3. Lucky Bamboo: A Stylish, Soil-Free Plant for Your Home
Lucky Bamboo is one of the most common plants grown in water. Despite its name, it is actually part of the Dracaena family and not a true bamboo. Lucky Bamboo thrives in water with just a few simple care requirements. It’s often grown in decorative vases filled with water and pebbles for stability. This plant is ideal for people who want a low-maintenance plant that requires very little attention. Lucky Bamboo also does well in low light, making it perfect for offices or rooms with limited sunlight.
4. English Ivy: Easy to Grow and Maintain in Water
English Ivy is a beautiful trailing plant that can easily be grown in water. It is perfect for hanging baskets or vases and adds a classic touch to any room. This plant grows well in water, developing strong roots in just a few weeks. It also has air-purifying properties, making it a beneficial addition to your home. English Ivy does best with bright, indirect light and will thrive in water if you change the water regularly.
5. African Violets: Blooming Beauties You Can Grow in Water
African Violets are typically grown in soil, but they can also grow in water with a little extra care. These plants are known for their beautiful flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. While African Violets can be propagated in water, they usually need soil for long-term growth. To grow them in water, place a cutting or leaf in a shallow container and submerge the roots while the leaves remain above the waterline. They do best with indirect light and a bit of humidity.
6. Mint: A Modern Houseplant for the Kitchen, Growing Easily in Water
Though mint is traditionally known as a culinary herb, it is now being embraced as a trendy houseplant, especially in kitchens where it serves both a functional and decorative role. Mint cuttings are ideal for water propagation and quickly develop roots. Simply place a few stems in a glass of water, and you'll see roots begin to form within a week. Mint not only adds a fresh, vibrant touch to your kitchen but also offers convenient access to fresh leaves for tea or cooking. Keep the water fresh and change it regularly, and your mint plant will thrive without the need for soil.
7. Coleus: Stunning Colors That Can Grow in Water
Coleus is a colorful, easy-to-grow plant that thrives in water. While it’s often grown in soil, Coleus can be propagated and grown successfully in water. Place a cutting in a jar, and it will root quickly, creating vibrant leaves in purple, red, or green hues. This plant thrives in bright light and adds a splash of color to any room. Though it's ideal to eventually transfer Coleus to soil for long-term growth, it does well in water for several months.
8. Chinese Evergreen: A Low-Maintenance Plant Thriving in Water
Chinese Evergreen is a hardy plant that can tolerate low light and minimal care. While it typically grows best in soil, it can also thrive in water for a limited time. You can easily propagate Chinese Evergreen by placing cuttings with roots in water. It’s a great option for beginners since it doesn’t require constant attention and can thrive with just occasional water changes. You can eventually transfer it to soil for long-term growth, but it will grow well in water for months.
9. Philodendrons: Grow Lush Greenery in Water with Ease
Philodendrons are incredibly popular for water propagation because they grow quickly and are easy to care for. Their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines add a beautiful, lush touch to any space. Simply place a cutting in water, and it will quickly develop roots. Philodendrons thrive in indirect light and are great for low-maintenance plant lovers. Regular water changes are all you need to keep this fast-growing plant healthy in water.
10. Begonias: Grow These Colorful Blooms in Water for Stunning Results
Begonias can be tricky to grow long-term in water, but some varieties, especially trailing ones, can survive and even thrive in water for a while. These plants are known for their vibrant, colorful flowers and ornamental leaves. Place cuttings in a jar or vase to grow them in water and watch as roots develop. Begonias do best in bright, indirect light, and with regular water changes, they can thrive in water for several months before being transferred to soil.
Simple Water-Based Gardening
Growing plants in water is an easy and low-maintenance way to bring some greenery into your home. From the resilient Pothos to the vibrant Begonias, there’s a water-friendly plant for every space. Simply place cuttings in water, change the water regularly, and watch your plants grow without needing soil. This simple gardening method is perfect for anyone looking to add more plants to their home without the hassle of traditional gardening.