Hydroponic gardening, or the practice of growing plants in water instead of soil, has become an increasingly popular trend for those looking to cultivate plants indoors or in small spaces. Whether you have a small apartment, a windowsill, or simply want to explore a low-maintenance gardening method, growing plants in water is an easy and fascinating way to bring greenery into your life. Many plants thrive in water, making it possible for anyone to enjoy the beauty and benefits of plants without the hassle of traditional soil gardening.
In this article, we will explore 15 plants that can grow and flourish in water, offering you both aesthetic enjoyment and practical solutions for creating a cleaner, fresher indoor environment.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Ideal for: Beginners, hanging baskets, or tabletop displays.
Pothos is one of the most popular and resilient indoor plants, known for its ability to thrive in water. This trailing vine grows well in low light conditions and is tolerant of irregular watering, making it perfect for beginners. Pothos can be propagated easily by cutting off a healthy stem and placing it in a jar of water. Over time, it will develop roots and continue to grow. To encourage healthy growth, change the water every few weeks.
Benefits:
- Easy to propagate.
- Tolerates low light.
- Helps purify the air.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Ideal for: Beginners, air purification, and hanging baskets.
Spider plants are highly adaptable and can grow in both soil and water. When placed in water, they continue to produce “babies” or offshoots, which can also be propagated. Spider plants are not only attractive with their green and white-striped leaves, but they are also known for purifying the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene.
How to grow in water:
- Place the base of the spider plant, where the offshoots are, in a glass jar or vase filled with water.
- Change the water every week to ensure healthy root growth.
Benefits:
- Excellent air purifier.
- Easy to grow and propagate.
- Adds a fresh, vibrant look to your home.
3. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Ideal for: Feng Shui, home décor, and low-maintenance gardening.
Lucky Bamboo is not technically bamboo, but it has a similar appearance and is highly favored in Feng Shui for its ability to bring good luck and prosperity. This resilient plant can thrive in water for long periods, making it ideal for decorative containers or vases. You can propagate lucky bamboo by cutting off a healthy stalk and placing it in a jar of water.
How to grow in water:
- Place the bamboo in a container with enough water to cover the roots.
- Change the water every 1-2 weeks, and occasionally clean the container to prevent algae buildup.
Benefits:
- Symbolizes good fortune in Feng Shui.
- Easy to maintain.
- Can be shaped to fit your décor.
4. African Violet (Saintpaulia)
Ideal for: Indoor flower enthusiasts and small spaces.
African violets are beautiful flowering plants that can grow in water. They typically thrive in soil, but with the right care, they can be propagated in water. African violets prefer indirect light and require a lot of moisture to produce their vibrant, colorful flowers. When grown in water, African violets need regular attention to ensure the roots stay submerged but not overly saturated.
How to grow in water:
- Cut a healthy leaf from the plant and place it in a glass jar of water.
- The stem will begin to grow roots after a few weeks.
Benefits:
- Colorful, long-lasting flowers.
- Easy to propagate.
- Adds a touch of elegance to your indoor garden.
5. Mint (Mentha)
Ideal for: Culinary herbs and fragrant plants.
Mint is an incredibly versatile herb that can grow in water. It has a fresh, invigorating fragrance and can be used in teas, cooking, and even for medicinal purposes. While mint prefers moist soil, it can easily be propagated and grown in water, providing you with fresh mint leaves right at your fingertips.
How to grow in water:
- Cut a sprig of mint and place it in a jar of water.
- Change the water every few days to prevent stagnation.
Benefits:
- Provides fresh, aromatic leaves for culinary use.
- Easy to grow and propagate.
- Thrives in water without soil.
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Ideal for: Trailing vines, air purification, and decorative displays.
English Ivy is a classic indoor plant that can grow in water, making it an easy-to-care-for plant that can be placed in hanging baskets, planters, or along trellises. It is well-known for its ability to purify indoor air, removing toxins like benzene and formaldehyde. The trailing vines of ivy are visually appealing and easy to propagate in water.
How to grow in water:
- Cut a healthy stem of English Ivy and place it in a container of water.
- Change the water regularly, and within a few weeks, the roots will start to form.
Benefits:
- Purifies the air.
- Adds a touch of greenery and elegance.
- Can be trained to grow along trellises or as hanging vines.
7. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
Ideal for: Edible plants, water gardens, and aquatic décor.
Watercress is an aquatic plant that thrives in water. Known for its peppery flavor, watercress is often used in salads, soups, and sandwiches. It grows well in shallow containers filled with water, making it perfect for hydroponic gardening or water-based indoor gardening setups. Additionally, watercress is rich in vitamins A, C, and K, making it an excellent addition to your kitchen garden.
How to grow in water:
- Place the watercress in a shallow container with the roots submerged in water.
- Keep the water level consistent, and the plant will continue to grow.
Benefits:
- Edible and nutritious.
- Easy to grow in water.
- Thrives in moist environments.
8. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Ideal for: Colorful foliage and decorative indoor plants.
Coleus plants are known for their vibrant, multicolored leaves, making them perfect for adding a pop of color to your indoor space. While coleus typically grows in soil, it can also thrive in water for a short period, especially if you’re propagating it. The plant’s fast growth and striking foliage make it a popular choice for those looking to add variety to their indoor garden.
How to grow in water:
- Cut a healthy stem of coleus and place it in a jar of water.
- After a few weeks, the roots will form, and the plant can be transferred to soil or kept in water.
Benefits:
- Bright, colorful foliage.
- Great for adding variety to your indoor space.
- Easy to propagate.
9. Begonias (Begonia spp.)
Ideal for: Indoor flowering plants and low-light spaces.
Begonias can be grown in water, though they generally prefer soil. Begonias, with their beautiful flowers and colorful leaves, make a wonderful addition to your home, whether placed in a vase or jar. Begonias thrive in bright, indirect light, and growing them in water is a low-maintenance way to keep them healthy and thriving.
How to grow in water:
- Cut a leaf or stem cutting and place it in a jar of water.
- Change the water every few days to encourage healthy root growth.
Benefits:
- Attractive flowers and foliage.
- Easy to grow in water.
- Adds beauty to your indoor garden.
10. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Ideal for: Office spaces, living rooms, and air purification.
The Bamboo Palm is an elegant plant that grows well in water, making it ideal for small indoor spaces or office environments. Its palm-like fronds and ability to thrive in low-light conditions make it a perfect addition to indoor spaces that don’t receive a lot of sunlight. It also helps purify the air, making it a beneficial plant for your home.
How to grow in water:
- Place the bamboo palm in a tall vase or container with enough water to cover the roots.
- Change the water every two weeks for optimal growth.
Benefits:
- Excellent air purifier.
- Tolerates low light.
- Easy to grow in water.
11. Peperomia (Peperomia spp.)
Ideal for: Compact spaces, decorative plants, and low-maintenance gardeners.
Peperomia is a small, compact plant with fleshy, waxy leaves that thrive in water. It’s an excellent plant for small spaces such as windowsills, desks, or coffee tables. Peperomias are low-maintenance and can be propagated easily in water.
How to grow in water:
- Take a stem cutting with a leaf attached and place it in a jar of water.
- Change the water every few days, and soon you’ll see the roots start to develop.
Benefits:
- Compact and decorative.
- Easy to propagate.
- Low-maintenance plant.
12. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Ideal for: Culinary herbs and fragrant plants.
Lemongrass is another herb that grows well in water. This fragrant herb is commonly used in cooking, particularly in Asian dishes. Lemongrass is easy to propagate
by placing a stalk in water, where it will develop roots. It thrives in warm conditions and adds a fresh, citrusy fragrance to your indoor space.
How to grow in water:
- Place a stalk of lemongrass in a jar of water.
- Change the water every few days, and you’ll have fresh lemongrass growing in no time.
Benefits:
- Provides fresh, fragrant herbs for cooking.
- Easy to grow and maintain in water.
- Adds a pleasant aroma to your home.
13. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Ideal for: Trailing vines and decorative plant displays.
Sweet Potato Vine is an attractive plant with heart-shaped leaves that can thrive in water. It’s known for its ability to trail and spread out, making it perfect for hanging baskets or as a ground cover. Though typically grown for its edible tubers, the vine itself can be easily propagated in water.
How to grow in water:
- Place a healthy cutting of the sweet potato vine in a glass jar of water.
- Change the water regularly, and it will begin to grow roots.
Benefits:
- Beautiful trailing vines.
- Easy to propagate and care for.
- Adds visual interest to any space.
14. Ficus (Ficus elastica)
Ideal for: Indoor trees, air purification, and aesthetic appeal.
Ficus plants, particularly the rubber tree (Ficus elastica), are commonly grown as indoor trees. These plants can be propagated and grown in water, and over time, they develop roots and grow into full-sized plants. They are known for their large, glossy leaves and can add a touch of sophistication to any indoor setting.
How to grow in water:
- Take a cutting from a healthy ficus and place it in a jar of water.
- Change the water every week to keep the roots healthy.
Benefits:
- Adds a tropical, elegant look to your home.
- Excellent air purifier.
- Can be propagated and grown in water.
15. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Ideal for: Low-light spaces, air purification, and easy-care plants.
Chinese Evergreen is a hardy indoor plant that can grow in water. Known for its attractive, patterned leaves and tolerance for low light, it’s a great option for spaces that don’t receive a lot of sunlight. This plant can thrive in water for long periods, making it easy to care for.
How to grow in water:
- Place the plant in a vase or jar with enough water to cover the roots.
- Change the water every week.
Benefits:
- Tolerates low light.
- Great for air purification.
- Easy to grow and maintain in water.
Conclusion
Growing plants in water is a rewarding and hassle-free way to add greenery to your home. Whether you’re new to hydroponic gardening or simply looking for low-maintenance plants, the 15 options above offer a wide variety of choices for your indoor garden. From air-purifying plants to edible herbs and vibrant flowering plants, these water-loving plants provide beauty, functionality, and a refreshing atmosphere in your home. Experiment with these plants and enjoy the ease of growing them in water!
