18 Indoors Plants That Grow in Water

Many popular houseplants possess a unique ability to develop roots from cuttings in constant moisture, allowing indoor gardeners to cultivate them hydroponically—without soil. This minimalist approach not only enhances the aesthetic of spaces like bathrooms and kitchens but is also achievable with simple glass jars or vases. A variety of flowering plants, including orchids, lotus, and paperwhites, can flourish in water throughout their natural lifespan.

The following plants are excellent candidates for hydroponic growth and can serve as decorative elements or as a means to propagate existing houseplants.

How to Successfully Grow Plants in Water

Numerous indoor plants can be propagated by placing cuttings in water-filled containers. While glass jars and vases provide a visually appealing way to observe root development, opaque vessels may be preferable for low-maintenance gardeners, as they reduce the likelihood of algae growth.

Key Considerations:

– Light Requirements: Before placing a plant in a windowsill, check its light exposure needs, as various species require differing amounts of sunlight, and some thrive in shaded areas.

– Water Maintenance: Regularly change the water, ideally opting for chlorine-free options. If tap water is used, let it sit for a day or two to allow any chlorine to evaporate. Replace murky or cloudy water promptly.

– Fertilization: Use a water-soluble fertilizer at one-fourth the recommended strength to provide essential nutrients typically obtained from soil.

Maintenance Tips

Consider adding activated charcoal to the bottom of the vessel to help maintain clean water.

Monitor for any floating leaves and remove them to prevent decay.

Best Houseplants That Grow in Water

1. African Violet

Growing African violet leaves in water is an effective way to clone the parent plant. To propagate, select healthy leaves with about two inches of stem, placing them in a narrow-necked bottle to keep the leaf suspended above the water.

Roots typically form within a month, leading to the development of a small plantlet with its own crown.

2. Baby’s Tears

This plant features numerous tiny leaves that create a delicate, trailing mat. To propagate, pinch off a cluster of stems, with or without roots, and place them in water.

Change the water weekly to eliminate any submerged leaves, and allow the water level to decrease once roots are established.

3. Begonia

With thick, succulent stems, begonias are forgiving when propagated in water. Hardy wax begonias are particularly easy to grow; even a single leaf can produce a new plant.

Roots can take a couple of months to develop, so be diligent about performing weekly water changes to prevent bacteria growth that could cause rot.

4. Coleus

Coleus plants are renowned for their vibrant and diverse foliage, making them a popular choice for garden design.

With new varieties emerging each spring, gardeners can easily create stunning displays. Coleus plants are also economical to propagate; simply take a six-inch cutting, remove the leaves from the bottom four inches, and place the cutting in a glass of water.

Within a few weeks, roots will develop. To enhance growth, consider adding compost tea during your monthly water changes.

5. Impatiens

Ideal for shaded gardens, impatiens thrive in moist environments and can even be grown as marginal pond plants. To propagate, snip a few stems at the end of the growing season and place them in a vase with water.

These cuttings will root and create clones of the parent plant, providing a free supply of impatiens for your spring garden.

6. Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo is a versatile plant that can be grown without soil, making it an attractive centerpiece for indoor spaces. Growers often shape the stalks into spirals or woven designs.

However, due to its potential to become top-heavy, it’s advisable to surround the bamboo with colorful gravel or rocks for support and aesthetic appeal.

7. Philodendron

This hardy houseplant is an excellent option for beginners looking to grow plants in water.

Philodendrons can easily adapt to various light conditions, although they tend to produce more leaves with brighter light.

To propagate, cut several stems from an established plant, removing the lower leaves before placing them in water. These cuttings can thrive in various vases, adding charm to your home decor.

8. Spiderwort

Known for its striking colors, spiderwort is a low-maintenance plant that adapts well to indoor conditions. The stems are dotted with root nubs that enable easy propagation.

To grow spiderwort in water, place cut stems in a jar or vase, and watch for new growth. Regular pruning is essential to prevent the plant from becoming top-heavy and spilling from its container.

9. Pothos

Pothos is a fast-growing trailing vine celebrated for its heart-shaped leaves, often variegated with white or yellow.

For propagation, cut a section of the vine that includes three or four nodes, removing any leaves that would sit below the waterline to avoid rot.

Pothos can grow over a foot in just one month, making it an exciting choice for indoor gardening.

10. Chinese Evergreen

Despite its name, the Chinese evergreen is a tropical plant native to Asia, thriving in warmer climates. To propagate, cut a healthy six-inch stem using sterilized scissors, ensuring to remove any submerged leaves.

Place the cut end in water, and roots should develop in three to four weeks. Position the plant in indirect sunlight, changing the water every few days to keep it clean, and use a few drops of water-soluble fertilizer monthly to promote growth.

11. English Ivy

English ivy is a versatile climbing vine known for its invasive nature and attractive evergreen leaves. To propagate English ivy, simply take cuttings and place them in water.

Make sure to remove any leaves from the bottom portion of the cutting to prevent rot. Position the jar on a well-lit windowsill, where it typically takes about two to three weeks for roots to develop.

12. Spider Plant

Characterized by its long, spindly leaf blades, the spider plant produces small plantlets at the ends of its stems.

These can be easily propagated by cutting them from the parent plant with clean scissors. Place the cuttings in water and change it every three to five days.

To promote healthy growth, add fertilizer once a month, ensuring that only the roots are submerged, as the leaves should not touch the water.

13. Dracaena

Dracaena plants thrive in water propagation when stem cuttings are taken from established plants. Remove any leaves below the water line and keep only a few at the top.

Change the water weekly, especially if using a clear container, as this prevents algae growth. Under ideal conditions, a complete root system will develop within about 60 days.

Dracaena prefers bright, indirect light and temperatures between 60°F and 80°F. Fertilize bi-weekly during the growing season at a quarter of the recommended strength.

14. Peace Lilly

The peace lily is recognized for its glossy green leaves and elegant white blooms. To grow this plant in water, use a narrow vase or a tall glass that allows the plant’s base to remain above the waterline.

Clean the roots under running water and place them in water, ensuring that only the roots are submerged.

Change the water bi-weekly and provide hydroponic fertilizer during water changes. Peace lilies thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer temperatures between 65°F and 85°F.

15. Pancake Plant

Commonly referred to as the Chinese money plant, the pancake plant features round, coin-shaped leaves.

You can either transfer an established plant or take a stem cutting to grow in water. Submerge the newly cut stem, and roots will begin to develop in several weeks.

To maintain nutrient levels, use houseplant or hydroponic fertilizer monthly, and change the water every two weeks or sooner if it becomes murky.

16. Lotus

Lotus plants are stunning, with their flowers appearing to float on the water’s surface. For successful growth, plant a dwarf lotus in a shallow bowl filled with pea gravel to stabilize its roots.

Provide hydroponic nutrients during the growing season and avoid fertilization during winter dormancy. Water should be changed every few weeks to maintain clarity.

Lotuses thrive in bright sunlight and can withstand temperatures above 32°F, but freezing temperatures can be fatal.

17. Rosemary

Rosemary cuttings can take anywhere from two to six weeks to root in water.

Cut about six inches from new growth and place the bottom in water, ensuring that leaves below the waterline are removed.

Refresh the water daily or every few days and keep the plant in a bright window. For long-term success, rosemary will require hydroponic fertilizer.

18. Mint

Mint is a robust grower that can root in just ten days. Take stem cuttings, remove the lower leaves, and place the cuttings in water.

Change the water and clean the glass weekly to prevent stagnation. Mint enjoys bright light and can be sustained in this manner with occasional applications of hydroponic fertilizer.