Indoor plants not only beautify our homes but also purify the air and create a calming atmosphere. While most plants are grown in soil, there are several beautiful houseplants that can grow in water alone. These plants are perfect for people who want low-maintenance greenery without the mess of soil.
If you are looking for plants that can grow in water forever, here are eight amazing options. These plants can thrive in jars, glasses, or vases filled with clean water. Let’s explore these water-loving houseplants!
1. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo is one of the most popular plants grown in water. It is known for bringing good luck and positive energy, especially in Feng Shui practices.
- How to grow: Place the stems in a container with clean water. Make sure the roots are fully submerged.
- Care tips: Change the water every 7-10 days. Use filtered or distilled water, as tap water with chlorine can harm the plant.
- Sunlight: Indirect or filtered light is best.
Lucky bamboo can grow tall and twist into beautiful shapes. It’s an ideal plant for desks, shelves, or small spaces.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also called devil’s ivy, is a hardy indoor plant that can grow in water for years. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves make it very attractive.
- How to grow: Cut a healthy vine just below a node (where a leaf joins the stem). Place it in a jar of water, and roots will grow within a few days.
- Care tips: Change the water weekly and rinse the roots to keep them healthy.
- Sunlight: Prefers bright, indirect light but can survive in low light.
Pothos is a great choice for hanging baskets, jars, or even wall-mounted containers.
3. Philodendron
Philodendron is another popular houseplant that does well in water. There are many varieties, but the heartleaf philodendron is one of the best for water growth.
- How to grow: Take a cutting with at least two nodes. Submerge the nodes in water and wait for roots to develop.
- Care tips: Change the water every week and trim dead leaves if needed.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight is best.
Philodendron adds a tropical feel to any room with its deep green, glossy leaves.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are known for their unique long leaves and baby plantlets. While they are often grown in soil, they can also survive in water for a long time.
- How to grow: Take one of the baby spider plants and place it in a container with water.
- Care tips: Use a narrow jar to keep the plant upright. Change water weekly.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal.
Spider plants are also great air purifiers and are safe for pets.
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a climbing plant with beautiful lobed leaves. It looks great in a hanging jar or bottle and can grow in water without soil.
- How to grow: Cut a stem with 4-5 leaves. Place it in a container with water and let the roots grow.
- Care tips: Keep the leaves above water to prevent rot. Change water every few days.
- Sunlight: Prefers bright light but not direct sun.
This plant can be trained to climb or hang, making it a beautiful indoor decoration.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese evergreen is a popular houseplant with striking leaves in shades of green, silver, and red. It grows slowly but steadily in water.
- How to grow: Take a stem cutting and place the base in clean water. Roots will appear in 2-3 weeks.
- Care tips: Use filtered water and clean the container regularly to avoid algae.
- Sunlight: Tolerates low light, but grows better in medium light.
Chinese evergreen is a great choice for beginners due to its toughness.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are known for their beautiful white flowers and glossy green leaves. Though commonly grown in soil, they can also grow in water for a long time.
- How to grow: Gently wash the soil off the roots of a mature plant and place it in water.
- Care tips: Make sure the roots are submerged but keep the base of the plant above water to prevent rot.
- Sunlight: Bright, indirect light helps it bloom.
Peace lilies also purify the air and are great for indoor spaces.
8. Coleus
Coleus plants have brightly colored leaves in shades of green, purple, red, and yellow. They are easy to propagate and grow in water.
- How to grow: Take a 4-6 inch cutting and place it in a jar of water.
- Care tips: Pinch off flowers to encourage bushy growth. Change water every few days.
- Sunlight: Bright but indirect sunlight is ideal.
Coleus can add a splash of color to your indoor garden.
General Tips for Growing Plants in Water
Here are some helpful tips to make sure your water-grown plants stay healthy:
- Use clear containers so you can monitor root health, but keep them out of direct sunlight to prevent algae growth.
- Change the water regularly, ideally once a week.
- Clean the container with mild soap and rinse thoroughly before adding fresh water.
- Use filtered or distilled water to avoid harmful chemicals in tap water.
- Add liquid fertilizer (a few drops) once a month to give your plants nutrients.
Final Thoughts
Growing indoor plants in water is a great way to enjoy greenery without the mess of soil. These plants are easy to care for, make lovely home décor, and are perfect for beginners. Whether you want trailing vines, bright leaves, or peaceful blooms, there’s a water-loving plant for you.
So, pick a few of these low-maintenance plants, grab a jar or vase, and start your water garden today!