Gardening is a rewarding and therapeutic activity, but not everyone has the space, time, or patience to maintain a traditional soil garden. Fortunately, many plants can thrive in water alone, making them a perfect choice for busy individuals, apartment dwellers, and those who love a mess-free approach to growing greenery.
Hydroponic gardening—or simply growing plants in water—is a low-maintenance and visually appealing way to cultivate lush greenery in your home. Below, we explore 20 incredible plants that can grow in water, along with tips on how to keep them healthy and thriving.
Why Grow Plants in Water?
Growing plants in water has several advantages:
- Low Maintenance – No need to worry about soil quality, pests, or frequent watering.
- Space-Saving – Ideal for small apartments or homes with limited gardening space.
- Mess-Free – Say goodbye to dirt and enjoy a clean, organized indoor garden.
- Aesthetic Appeal – Glass jars or vases filled with water and vibrant plants create stunning decorative pieces.
- Propagating Made Easy – You can easily multiply your plant collection without buying new ones.
How to Grow Plants in Water
- Choose a Healthy Cutting – Select a fresh, strong cutting from a mature plant.
- Use a Clean Container – Glass jars, bottles, or vases work best.
- Fill with Clean Water – Distilled or tap water left to sit for 24 hours is ideal.
- Place the Cutting in Water – Ensure the cut end is submerged but avoid submerging leaves.
- Provide Indirect Sunlight – Most water-grown plants prefer bright but indirect light.
- Change the Water Regularly – Refresh water every 5-7 days to prevent algae and bacterial growth.
- Watch Them Thrive! – Once roots develop, your plant will continue to grow beautifully.
20 Best Plants to Grow in Water
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
One of the easiest plants to grow in water, pothos thrives in indirect light and requires minimal care.
2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
A popular plant for good fortune, lucky bamboo can grow well in a jar of water with pebbles for support.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants produce baby offshoots, which can be placed in water to grow new plants effortlessly.
4. Philodendron
Heartleaf philodendrons are great for water growth, adding lush greenery to your home.
5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Ivy cuttings can root quickly in water and make a beautiful trailing indoor plant.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Certain varieties of Chinese evergreens can adapt to growing in water.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
While they usually grow in soil, peace lilies can survive in water as long as they get occasional nutrients.
8. Coleus
A colorful and vibrant plant that propagates quickly in water.
9. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
This fast-growing plant thrives in water and offers striking purple and green leaves.
10. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
A great kitchen herb, basil can grow indefinitely in water when kept in a bright spot.
11. Mint (Mentha spp.)
Super easy to grow in water and provides fresh leaves for teas and cooking.
12. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary cuttings can be rooted in water and used for culinary purposes.
13. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)
Aromatic and useful in cooking, oregano cuttings grow well in water.
14. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)
A small, fragrant herb that can flourish in a water-based environment.
15. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)
Perfect for teas and aromatherapy, lemon balm grows well in water.
16. Green Onion (Allium fistulosum)
One of the easiest edible plants to grow in water—just place the roots in a jar, and they’ll regrow.
17. Celery (Apium graveolens)
Regrow celery stalks by placing the base in a shallow dish of water.
18. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Just like celery, lettuce bases can be placed in water for regrowth.
19. Carrot Tops (Daucus carota)
While they won’t grow full carrots, carrot tops can be regrown in water for edible greens.
20. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Sweet potatoes sprout beautiful vines in water, making them an excellent decorative choice.
Essential Care Tips for Water-Grown Plants
- Avoid Direct Sunlight – Most water-grown plants thrive in bright, indirect light.
- Prevent Algae Growth – Use dark-colored or opaque containers to limit light exposure to water.
- Add Nutrients – Some plants may benefit from occasional liquid fertilizer.
- Use Filtered or Rainwater – If possible, use non-chlorinated water to prevent damage to plants.
- Remove Dead Leaves – Keeping the water clean ensures healthy plant growth.
Final Thoughts
Growing plants in water is an easy, fun, and space-saving way to bring greenery into your home. Whether you’re propagating herbs for your kitchen or adding trailing vines for a decorative touch, these plants will thrive with minimal effort. Plus, they make a fantastic gift for plant lovers!
💬 Which of these plants do you want to grow in water? Let us know in the comments! 👇🌿
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