You do not need soil to enjoy a thriving indoor garden. Many houseplants can grow in just water, making them perfect for mess-free spaces like desks, windowsills, or small apartments. With the right care and a little patience, these plants can root, grow, and stay healthy in nothing more than a glass of clean water. This method also lets you watch the roots develop, which is both fun and educational. Here are some of the best houseplants that grow well in water alone.
1. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo is a popular indoor plant that grows well in just water. Although it looks like true bamboo, it is actually a type of dracaena. Place the stalks in a container with clean water, and be sure to change the water every week. It prefers indirect light and can thrive without soil as long as the roots are submerged. Using distilled or filtered water is best, as tap water may contain chemicals that can harm the plant. Keep the water level high enough to cover the roots fully.
2. Carrot Greens (from carrot tops)
Carrot tops can regrow leafy greens in water. Cut the top inch from a carrot and place it in a shallow dish with water. Set the dish in a sunny spot and replace the water often. The greens will grow from the center and can be used in salads or as garnish. Although you will not get new carrots, the leafy tops are still edible and attractive.
3. Philodendron (Heartleaf and similar varieties)
Philodendron varieties like the heartleaf type grow well in water. Snip a stem below a node and place it in a clear jar or glass. Roots will begin to appear in about a week. These plants enjoy moderate to bright indirect light and should be kept away from direct sun. They are low-maintenance and make great additions to desks or windowsills. Change the water weekly to avoid algae buildup.
4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy can grow in water when propagated from stem cuttings. Choose a healthy vine and cut it just below a leaf node. Place the cutting in water with the leaves above the surface. The plant prefers cooler temperatures and bright, indirect light. Replace the water regularly to keep it clear and free of bacteria. English ivy will form roots in about two weeks and continue growing with proper care.
5. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) leaf stem propagation
ZZ plants can be propagated in water using individual leaf stems. Cut a leaf with part of the stem and place it in water with the stem submerged. Keep the container in a warm, bright spot but out of direct sunlight. Roots and small tubers will begin to form at the base after several weeks. Change the water weekly to prevent rot. ZZ plants grow slowly but are extremely hardy and low-maintenance.
6. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
Tradescantia zebrina is a colorful vining plant that roots quickly in water. Cut a few inches of stem just below a node and place it in a jar or glass. Keep the container in bright, indirect light and change the water every few days. The plant will develop roots quickly and can grow for a long time without soil. Its purple and silver striped leaves add a pop of color to any indoor space.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) cuttings
Peace lily cuttings can grow in water if taken from the base of a mature plant. Use a clean knife to remove a small clump with roots attached. Place the clump in a container of water and keep it in a spot with bright, indirect light. These plants help purify the air and prefer stable water conditions. Avoid using tap water with chlorine or fluoride, as it may damage the roots over time.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) cuttings
Chinese evergreen cuttings can be rooted and grown in water with ease. Cut a stem just below a node and place it in a glass container filled with clean water. The plant grows best in indirect light and warm temperatures. Replace the water once a week to keep it fresh and oxygenated. These plants are known for their attractive leaves and adaptability to indoor environments.
9. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Coleus is a colorful plant that can be grown in water using stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem and cut it below a node. Place it in water and keep it in a bright area without direct sunlight. The plant will develop roots quickly and can remain in water for an extended period. Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria from forming. Coleus leaves come in many shades and add vibrant color indoors.
10. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Sweet potato vine is a fast-growing plant that can thrive in water. Place a sweet potato in a jar of water with the pointed end up and the base submerged. Roots and shoots will begin to grow in about a week. This vine likes bright, indirect light and warm temperatures. Change the water regularly and remove any decaying parts. The heart-shaped leaves grow on long vines and can brighten up a windowsill.
11. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint grows well in water and is a great herb to keep in the kitchen. Take a cutting from a healthy mint plant and place it in a glass of water. Make sure the bottom leaves are removed so they do not rot underwater. Mint prefers bright light and grows roots quickly. Replace the water often to keep it clean and fresh. You can snip off leaves as needed for cooking or tea.
12. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is a common kitchen herb that grows well in water. Use a cutting from a fresh basil stem and place it in a jar of water. Keep the jar on a sunny windowsill and change the water every few days. The cutting will sprout roots within a week or so. Basil does best in warm, bright conditions and can live in water for weeks. Trim it regularly to encourage bushier growth.
13. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Oregano can be grown in water from softwood cuttings. Take a few inches of stem from a healthy plant and remove the lower leaves. Place the stem in water and keep it in a sunny spot. Change the water once or twice a week to prevent mold. Oregano is a hardy herb and can produce roots in just a few days. It adds great flavor to food and is easy to grow indoors.
14. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary can be tricky, but it will grow in water if started correctly. Use young, soft stems rather than older woody ones. Remove the lower leaves and place the stem in water. Keep it in a bright, warm spot and change the water every few days. Roots may take a couple of weeks to appear. Once established, the plant can grow in water for a long time if cared for properly.
15. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage can grow in water if taken from soft, new growth. Cut a four-inch stem and remove the lower leaves. Place it in a glass with clean water and set it in bright light. Change the water often to keep bacteria away. Sage takes a little longer to root, but it will thrive with patience. It makes a useful and fragrant herb to keep indoors.
16. Green Onion (Allium fistulosum)
Green onions are one of the easiest vegetables to regrow in water. Place the white root end in a small glass with just enough water to cover the roots. Set it in a sunny spot and watch new green shoots grow within days. Change the water often to keep it clear and prevent odor. You can trim the greens for cooking and they will regrow again.
17. Garlic Greens (from cloves)
Garlic cloves can sprout green shoots when placed in water. Use an unpeeled clove and set it in a small glass with a little water at the bottom. Roots and greens will grow from the top within a few days. Keep the glass in a sunny window and replace the water regularly. Garlic greens have a mild flavor and can be used like chives in cooking.
18. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Lemongrass is easy to grow in water from fresh stalks. Place the base of a stalk in a glass with enough water to cover the bottom. Keep it in a sunny spot and change the water every few days. Roots will appear in about a week. Once rooted, the plant can continue growing, but it should be transferred to soil after two to four weeks in water. Lemongrass has a fresh scent and is helpful in many recipes.
19. Celery (Apium graveolens) base regrowth
Celery can regrow from the base when placed in water. Cut about two inches from the root end and place it in a shallow dish with water. Set it in a sunny area and change the water every few days. New leaves and stalks will start to grow from the center. It is a fun and simple way to reuse kitchen scraps and watch them grow again.
20. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow in water. Cut a vine just below a node and place it in a jar with water. In a few days, you will see roots begin to form. This plant grows well in low to bright indirect light and does not require much attention. You can leave it in water for months as long as you keep the container clean. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves make it a favorite for shelves and hanging pots.
21. Begonia (Begonia spp.) cuttings
Begonias can grow in water from leaf or stem cuttings. Use clean scissors to take a cutting from a healthy plant. Place it in a jar with the node under water and keep it in a bright but not sunny spot. Roots should appear in about two weeks. Change the water often and avoid overcrowding the jar. Begonias have attractive leaves and bright flowers that make them great for indoor spaces.
22. Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) cuttings
Dieffenbachia can be propagated in water using stem cuttings. Cut a section of the stem that includes at least one node. Place it upright in a jar of water and set it in a bright, warm location. Roots will grow in a few weeks. Change the water often and handle the plant with care, as its sap can irritate skin. Dieffenbachia is popular for its large, patterned leaves.
23. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) nodes
Monstera deliciosa can grow in water from stem cuttings with nodes. Cut a section with at least one node and aerial root if possible. Place the cutting in a clear container with clean water. Keep it in bright, indirect light and change the water weekly. Roots will form in two to four weeks. The large, split leaves give this plant its tropical look.
24. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera adansonii) cuttings
Monstera adansonii, known for its holey leaves, can grow in water from cuttings. Choose a healthy vine and cut just below a node. Place the cutting in a jar of water and keep it in indirect light. New roots will develop quickly, usually within one to two weeks. Change the water regularly and keep the container clean. This plant’s unique look makes it a favorite for houseplant lovers.
25. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are easy to grow in water, especially from their baby offshoots. Snip off one of the small plantlets that form on long stems and place it in water. Make sure the bottom of the plantlet touches the water but keep the leaves dry. This plant grows well in bright, indirect light and is known for being resilient. Change the water once a week and watch for root growth in just a few days.
Fresh Plants, No Dirt Required
If you want a low-maintenance way to enjoy houseplants, growing them in water is a smart choice. These plants offer a clean, simple option for adding greenery to your home without needing soil or pots. From leafy vines to tasty herbs, each one grows well in water with the right care. This method also makes it easy to share cuttings with friends or try new varieties. With a little light and fresh water, these plants can grow happily for weeks or even months