Plant a Garden Out of Water: 20 Amazing Plants That Grow In Water
Plants that grow in water
Do you dream of having a lush, green garden but feel restricted by limited outdoor space, a desire to avoid soil messes, or perhaps the unfortunate reality of a black thumb rather than a green one?
Fear not, fellow plant enthusiasts! Water gardening is a unique and innovative solution that will allow you to flex your green thumb without the need for soil.
In this blog post, we'll dive into the fascinating world of hydroponic plant cultivation and introduce you to incredible plants that thrive in water.
Prepare to be amazed as we unveil our list of water-loving plants, each boasting unique characteristics and care requirements. We'll provide you with essential tips and tricks on how to maintain your new water garden, ensuring its longevity and success.
So, get ready to embark on this exciting journey of transforming your living space with the beauty and benefits of water-grown plants. Let's make a splash in the world of hydroponics together!
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Benefits of Growing Plants in Water
Growing plants in water offers numerous benefits, particularly for those with limited outdoor space or who live in apartments.
It's an excellent way to bring nature indoors and create a serene, calming environment without the hassle of traditional gardening. Not only is it low-maintenance, but it also eliminates the need for soil, making it a clean and mess-free alternative.
It is also a great way to add a bit of life to any room, as you can select and arrange plants according to color, shape, or texture.
It is great for busy individuals who like having plants but don't have the time to tend to them.
Hydroponics can also be an excellent way for beginners to learn how to care for plants and gain confidence in their green thumb abilities.
It is also a fun thing to do with children as they can visibly see how a plant forms roots and grows without the need for dirt.
Finally, growing plants in water is incredibly eco-friendly as it conserves water by recycling nutrient-filled water back into the system. It also helps reduce waste associated with soil gardening, such as plastic pots, fertilizer packaging, and more.
Now that you understand some of the benefits of indoor plants that grow in water, let's dive into how to do it.
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How to Grow Plants in Water
Growing plants in water is a great way to enjoy the beauty of houseplants without the fuss and mess of dealing with soil.
It's also an easy way to propagate plants and can be done with many different types of plants.
Here's a comprehensive guide on how to grow plants in water.
Choosing the Right Container
The first step is to choose the right container for your plant. Any container that holds water will do.
Glass containers are ideal, as they allow you to monitor the roots and check for any signs of algae, rot, or disease.
To make it easy to change the water, choose a container that is appropriate for the size of your plant's root system. Keep in mind that some plants have larger root systems than others.
Some suggestions to grow plants in water are vases, mason jars, test tubes, propagation stations, glass jars, etc.
Quality of Water Required
Unchlorinated water is best for these types of plants. So just leave your tap water out overnight and the chlorine will dissipate.
Make sure to change the water every two weeks or so to maintain oxygen levels and prevent algae growth.
Choosing an Ideal Location
Location, location, location. This is key for all plants but especially so with water-grown plants.
Choose an area that offers plenty of indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause overheating and wilting leaves.
Propagating Your Plant
Once you have chosen your container and type of plant, it’s time to propagate it!
Take a stem cutting from an existing healthy plant and place it into your container filled with fresh unchlorinated water. Make sure that only the stem is in the water and not the leaves.
If you don't have a plant that you want to grow more of, you can buy stem cuttings on Etsy and add some lovely new plants to your collection.
Fertilizer Requirements
These types of plants do not require soil, but indoor water plants still need to be fertilized.
You can use liquid fertilizer or add a few drops of fish emulsion to the water every month or so.
Alternatively, you can purchase hydroponic nutrient solutions which are specifically designed for these types of plants.
Plants the Grow in Water
Now that you better understand the advantages of hydroponics and how to do it, let's dive into some of the gorgeous plants that grow in water!
Each one is unique and offers stunning visuals to bring life to your living space.
1.Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is an excellent vining plant with heart-shaped leaves. They can be variegated, marbled, or patterned in bright shades of green.
Some popular Pothos varieties are Golden, Marble Queen, Neon, Jessenia, and Manjula.
This indoor plant is a wonderful option to grow in water because it is incredibly easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance.
It thrives in low light, making it perfect for growing indoors, and can be propagated easily from cuttings.
In order to grow pothos vine in water, it is necessary to cut a section of the vine below a root node with three or four nodes. It is important to remove the leaves from the lower part of the vine to prevent them from rotting underwater.
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2. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
The Wandering Jew which can also be referred to as Spiderwort and the Inch plant is a popular indoor plant that grows in water.
The Wandering Jew is an attractive and easy-to-care-for houseplant. It has leaves with purple stripes and a silvery sheen, depending on the variety. The stems are trailing and can reach up to two feet in length.
To thrive, the Wandering Jew needs bright indirect sunlight,
To propagate the Wandering Jew, cut off a few stems with at least three nodes. Then place the stem in a container of unchlorinated water and wait for it to root.
Be sure to change the water every few days to keep it clean and fresh. It is a fast grower, so make sure to prune it regularly.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are popular houseplants that can be grown in water. Known for their easy-to-grow nature and air-purifying properties. It can tolerate various light conditions and can even survive in low light.
Spider plants make an excellent addition to any home as aquatic plants, and propagating them is a simple process that even beginners can master.
Look for healthy, mature plantlets (small baby plants) growing off the parent plant's long stems, called runners. Choose one with developed roots and several leaves. Carefully cut the plantlet from the runner, ensuring not to damage the roots or leaves of the spider plant. Gently place the plantlet into the container of water, ensuring that only the roots are submerged in the water.
It's essential to keep the leaves above the waterline to prevent rotting. Replace the water in the container every 3-4 days to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
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4. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
If you're looking for a plant that can thrive in water, Lucky Bamboo is definitely worth checking out.
With its sleek and slender stalks that range in height from just a few inches to several feet, this plant is a popular choice for both indoor and outdoor gardens.
Its leaves are long and thin and can come in a variety of shades from light green to deep emerald.
But perhaps the most appealing thing about Lucky bamboo is how simple it is to grow in water.
Simply place the stalks in a container filled with clean, fresh water, and watch as they continue to thrive.
With minimal care, your Lucky bamboo plant can provide beauty and greenery to your home or garden for years to come.
5. Coleus (Solenostemon scutellarioides)
If you're looking for a low-maintenance and visually striking plant, look no further than the coleus.
With its vibrant and varied leaves, this tropical plant is capable of adding life to any room in which it's displayed.
What's more, growing coleus plants is incredibly easy! This is especially true if you decide to grow them in water. Though many plants don't tolerate aquatic environments well, coleus plants thrive in them.
All you need to do is grab a healthy stem cutting about 6 inches in length and remove any leaves near the bottom, and submerge it in a glass of water.
After a few weeks, you should start to see new roots forming.
6. Prayer Plant (Marantha leuconeura)
The Prayer plant is a beautiful and unique tropical plant that displays an array of different shades of green on its leaves, adorned with stunning purple or red veining.
Its iconic leaves fold up at night, which resembles hands in prayer, hence the name Prayer plant.
But did you know that these prayerful plants can also be grown in water?
Consider growing the prayer plant in water since they thrive in a humid environment. It eliminates concerns about watering this plant excessively, making care easier.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)
The Peace Lily is one of the most beautiful indoor plants that you can have in your home. Its dark green leaves shimmer in the sunlight, and its pristine white flowers are a true sight to behold.
This plant is a favorite among those who love plants that grow in water. A Peace Lily is straightforward to grow this plant in water, and it will thrive with very little attention.
Just give it bright indirect light and a little fertilizer and it should grow in water beautifully.
8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema species)
Chinese evergreen plants are known for their lush, glossy foliage and beautiful color patterns. There are many different varieties to choose from including Burmese Evergreen, Emerald Bay, Georgi’s Ruby, and Tigress.
These plants are popular for their low-maintenance care requirements and can easily adapt to most indoor environments.
Chinese evergreen is one of the easiest plants that grow in water. All you need to do is take a healthy stem cutting about 6 inches long from an existing plant, remove the bottom leaves, and place the cutting in water.
It should root in about 4 weeks with bright indirect light. Just make sure to change the water every few days and give it a water-soluble fertilizer.
9. Begonia (Begonia species)
Wax begonias, rex begonias, and tuberous begonias can all be grown in water using single leaves. There are over 1,000 species of begonias to choose from, so you’re sure to find one that suits your tastes and needs.
To grow begonias in water, simply take a single leaf off from an existing plant and submerge the stem in a glass of water.
Make sure to replace the water every few days to prevent it from getting stagnant. With a little care, you can your begonia form roots in about 2 months.
10. Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
Discover the charming little plant with miniature flower-shaped leaves that adds a delightful touch to any indoor space. Known for its lush green foliage that cascades gracefully, this trailing plant can be easily placed or hung in your home.
With the right care, Baby’s Tears grows rapidly in water, making it a low-maintenance addition to your home.
To propagate, simply take a 4 to 6-inch cutting, removing any leaves that would be submerged in water to avoid rotting.
For optimal growth, provide the plant with bright indirect light. Experience the joy of nurturing this lovely plant and watching it flourish in your home.
11. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
This plant’s stunning heart-shaped leaves never fail to draw attention. Philodendrons come in a variety of sizes and colors, making it one of the most popular houseplants.
Some popular choices to consider growing in water are heartleaf, split leaf, pink princess which I think is a stunner, brandtianum, and moonlight.
Philodendrons are easy to care for and can be propagated easily in water. To do so, simply take a healthy stem cutting with at least two nodes and place it in water.
Place it in indirect sunlight and change the water every few days for optimal growth.
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12. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)
Looking for a showstopper "spiller" plant? Meet the ornamental sweet potato vine!
Donning attractive, heart-shaped leaves and reaching 5 feet in length, this plant is sure to add a tropical flare to any space.
Opt for classic lime green or add some color variation with other leaf hues including burgundy, purple, bronze, and brown.
To propagate, simply take a 4 to 6-inch cutting just below a leaf node and remove any lower leaves and place it in a vase of water.
Roots grow quickly on this indoor plant; you may see roots in as little as 10 days.
13. String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
Oh, bestill my heart! What a sight! Meet the ever-so-adorable String of Hearts.
This vining plant’s beautiful heart-shaped leaves will add charm to any room. Plus, with trailing stems that reach up to 4 feet long, these plants can spruce up even the barest corners.
Growing in water is effortless – all it takes is a stem cutting with at least two leaves. Simply place the cutting into a glass of water, making sure that only the roots touch the water.
With bright indirect light and adequate airflow, your String of Hearts can begin to form roots in about 2 weeks.
14. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
If you're looking for stunning indoor plants that's easy to care for and can grow in water, look no further than the Fiddle Leaf Fig.
This tropical plant is famous for its strikingly large, fiddle-shaped leaves. The leaves are a beautiful shade of green, with prominent veins running up and down their length.
The Fiddle Leaf Fig loves warm and wet environments, making water a viable growing medium.
One thing to keep in mind is that this plant has robust leaves, so be sure to choose a large vase or jar to accommodate its growth.
15. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia species)
If you're looking for a gorgeous indoor plant that's easy to maintain, Dumb cane (Dieffenbachia species) is the perfect choice.
These tropical plants are known for their lush foliage, which features large, broad leaves in shades of green with striking variegation.
If you want to grow Dumb cane in water, it's important to start with a healthy cutting of the plant. Put it in a jar filled with water, making sure that the roots are submerged.
Keep the jar in a bright, warm location, and change the water every few days.
Within a few weeks, you'll see new roots growing, and before long, you'll have a beautiful new plant ready to thrive in water!
16. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy is a stunning plant that can add a touch of elegance to any space. With its lush, green leaves and cascading vines, it's no wonder why this plant is so popular among gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike.
If you're looking for a plant that's easy to maintain and can even be grown in water, then look no further than English ivy!
Not only does this plant look great in soil, but it can also thrive in a vase full of water.
Simply trim a few cuttings from an existing plant, place the cuttings in a vase or jar full of water, and watch as they begin to grow new roots in a couple of weeks.
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17. Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
If you're looking for a gorgeous plant that doesn't require soil, the Arrowhead plant might be just the thing for you!
These leaves, often shaped like arrows, can grow as long as 12 inches and boast a variety of enchanting shades.
In the wild, they prefer to don a classic dark green attire, sans variegation. However, once cultivated, they transform into stunning fashionistas, flaunting their lighter greens and dazzling tints that captivate the eye.
Syngonium podophyllum is one of the most stunning plants that grow in water.
It's relatively easy to care for, even for those of us who don't have a green thumb. The Arrowhead plant likes bright, indirect sunlight. Plus, they're happy to be grown in water, which makes them a dream for anyone who struggles to keep traditional potted plants alive.
Simply fill a glass or vase with water and place the stem in it, and voila! Just make sure to give it fresh water frequently.
18. Monsteras (Monstera deliciosa)
Monsteras, also known as Monstera deliciosa, are fascinating plants that have been trending among plant enthusiasts for a while now.
The most striking feature of these plants is their unique and distinct leaves, which resemble Swiss cheese due to their split edges and holes. These holes in the leaves can grow as the plant matures.
It is easy to propagate them by cutting a stem with several nodes and leaves and placing the cutting in water.
Give it bright light, clean water, and a little bit of fertilizer and it will be a happy indoor plant.
19. African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
African Violet plants are popular plant choices for those who are in search of a floral beauty that can grow in water.
With its delicate, purple, and velvety petals, this plant never fails to capture the hearts of gardeners and plant enthusiasts alike.
African Violets are great to grow in water since they are commonly overwatered when they are grown in soil.
Want to propagate your favorite plant? Keep it happy by cutting the leaf with two inches of stem and placing it in a container of water.
A tiny plant with its own crown will emerge in approximately a month, after roots have formed.
20. Caladium (Caladium spp.)
Caladiums are beautiful plants that are well-loved for their colorful foliage. These plants have a unique look, with leaves featuring spotted patterns in a variety of colors such as red, green, pink, and white.
Looking to grow Caladiums in water? Here's a simple and easy process.
First, divide the tubers on the petiole. Then, put the entire plant's roots and stems in a water-filled jar. It's important to find a spot with enough light, but be mindful of direct sunlight as it can harm the plant.
Keep the water fresh by swapping it out every few days. Give it a try and watch your Caladium thrive!
To sum up, there are many plants that are perfect for growing in water. With the right conditions and enough care, these plants can provide you with beautiful foliage for years to come!
FAQS About Growing Plants in Water
Can you plant them in the soil once they have roots?
Yes, you can move plants that grow in water to soil once they've grown roots.
Do plants need fertilizer when grown in water?
Yes, plants growing in water do need fertilizer. While the frequency may vary depending on the type of plant, liquid fertilizers are usually best for aquatic plants.
What is it called when you grow plants in water?
When you grow plants in water, it's known as aquatic gardening or hydroponics. It is an effective and efficient way to grow indoor plants without the need for soil.
Can you propagate plants in water indefinitely?
Yes, some plants can be propagated indefinitely in water. However, this will depend on the type of plant you are growing. Some may require soil at some point for optimal growth.
Do you need to change the water regularly?
Yes, it is recommended to change the water regularly when growing plants in water. This ensures that the plant is getting enough oxygen and nutrients, and prevents the buildup of toxins.
Depending on the type of plant, you may need to change the water every few days or weeks.
Can all plants be propagated in water?
No, not all plants can be propagated in water. Some require soil to thrive and may not grow well in an aquatic environment.
Be sure to research your plant beforehand to make sure it is suitable for growing in water.
Indoor Plants that Grow in Water
Growing plants in water is a great way to enjoy beautiful foliage indoors without the hassle of soil. From African Violets and Caladiums to Ivy and Dracaena, many plants can be grown in an aquatic environment with the right conditions.
With some patience and understanding, you can learn how to care for plants in water and create your own unique, indoor oasis.
Whether you’re looking to propagate a favorite plant or start from scratch, growing plants in water is an enjoyable and rewarding experience!
So what are you waiting for? Get ready to explore the wonderful world of hydroponics!
