Looking for a beautiful, low-maintenance way to bring more green into your home? Consider plants that grow in water. This method, known as hydroponics or hydroculture, is incredibly simple and perfect for beginners or anyone who forgets to water their plants.
You don’t need soil or complicated setups. Many common houseplants will thrive with just their roots sitting in water. It’s a clean, mess-free approach to gardening that lets you see the root systems develop, which is fascinating. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to propagate new plants from cuttings you already have.
Plants That Grow in Water
You’ll be surprised by how many plants are perfectly happy living in a vase or jar. Here are some of the easiest and most attractive options to get you started.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): This is a classic. Its tall, often curly stalks are almost always sold growing in water. It prefers indirect light and you just need to keep the water topped up.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Arguably the most forgiving plant ever. Take a cutting with a few nodes (the little bumps on the stem), pop it in water, and watch roots appear in weeks. Its trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves come in many varieties like golden, marble queen, and neon.
Philodendron: Similar to pothos in care, heartleaf philodendron is a rapid grower in water. Other varieties like ‘Brasil’ or ‘Micans’ also work wonderfully, adding beautiful color and texture.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Those little “spiderettes” that dangle from the mother plant are ready-made for water propagation. Snip one off and place it’s base in water. It will develop a robust root system quickly.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): While often grown in soil, cuttings from a Chinese evergreen adapt well to water. They add a splash of bold, patterned foliage and are very tolerant of lower light conditions.
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides): For stunning, colorful foliage, coleus is a top pick. Cuttings root easily in water and will keep producing their vibrant leaves as long as they get enough light.
Herbs like Mint, Basil, and Oregano: Need fresh herbs for the kitchen? Take stem cuttings from grocery store or garden herbs, place them in water, and they’ll sprout roots. You can harvest leaves right from your windowsill water garden. Mint is especially vigorous.
Begonia: Many begonia varieties, especially cane-types like ‘Angel Wing’, propagate beautifully in water. The translucent stems and developing roots look stunning against the light.
How to Start Your Water Garden
Getting started is straightforward. You only need a few basic supplies, most of which you probably already have at home.
What You’ll Need:
* Cuttings: From healthy, disease-free plants.
* Containers: Glass jars, vases, bottles, or any clear container. Clear glass lets you monitor root growth and water level.
* Water: Use room-temperature tap water. If your water is heavily chlorinated, let it sit out for 24 hours before using.
* Scissors or Pruners: Make sure they are clean to avoid introducing bacteria.
Step-by-Step Process:
1. Take Your Cutting. Use clean shears to snip a 4-6 inch stem section from your chosen plant. The cutting should have at least one or two nodes (the points where leaves meet the stem). Roots will emerge from these nodes.
2. Prepare the Cutting. Remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water. Leaves rotting in the water can cause cloudiness and bacterial growth.
3. Place in Water. Fill your container with water and place the cutting inside. Ensure at least one node is underwater, but the leaves remain dry and above the rim.
4. Find the Right Spot. Position your container in a place with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct, hot sun as it can overheat the water and encourage algae.
5. Wait and Watch. In 1-3 weeks, you should start to see tiny white roots forming. Change the water if it looks cloudy before then.
Easy Care and Maintenance Tips
The “easy to care for” part truly shines here. Your routine involves just a couple of simple tasks.
Water Changes: This is the most important step. Replace the water completely every 1-2 weeks. This refreshes oxygen in the water and prevents the buildup of algae or bacteria. Rinse the roots gently under the tap when you do this.
Feeding: While plants can live in plain water for a long time, they will eventually need nutrients. Add a drop or two of a liquid hydroponic fertilizer to the water once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Don’t overdo it, as this can also lead to algae.
Lighting: Most of these plants prefer bright, indirect light. A north or east-facing windowsill is often ideal. If leaves start to look pale or leggy, they might need a bit more light.
Algae Control: Algae growth is common in clear containers. To manage it, clean the container thoroughly during water changes. You can also use an opaque container or one made of tinted glass to block some light, which algae needs to grow. A small piece of activated charcoal in the bottom of the vase can also help keep water clear.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with easy plants, you might encounter a small hiccup. Here’s how to fix common problems.
* Yellowing Leaves: This could be from too much direct sun, a lack of nutrients, or just the cutting shedding an old leaf. Move it to indirect light and consider a tiny bit of fertilizer.
* Rotting Stem: If the stem itself gets mushy and brown, it’s likely rot. This happens if no roots form and the stem sits too long. Trim off the rotten part above a node and start again with fresh water.
* Slow or No Root Growth: Some plants are just slower. Be patient. Ensure a node is submerged and the plant is in a warm enough spot. You can also try a rooting hormone, though it’s rarely necessary for these easy varieties.
* Cloudy or Smelly Water: This means it’s time for a water change, pronto. Rinse the roots and the container well to remove any slime.
Creative Display Ideas
Part of the fun is displaying your water-based plants. Get creative with your containers!
* Use a collection of mismatched glass bottles on a shelf.
* Place a single striking cutting in a slender bud vase.
* For a bigger statement, use a large glass pitcher or apothecary jar for multiple cuttings of the same plant.
* Consider colored glass or vintage bottles for a different look that also helps limit algae.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can all plants grow in water forever?
A: Many can live for years in water, especially with occasional fertilizer. Some may eventually become less vigorous and do better planted in soil, but you can always take a new cutting and restart the process.
Q: What kind of water is best for plants growing in water?
A: Room temperature tap water is fine for most. If you have a water softener or heavily treated water, using filtered or distilled water can be better in the long run.
Q: How often should I change the water for my water plants?
A: A good rule is to change it every 7-14 days. If it looks cloudy or has particles, change it sooner. Fresh water prevents problems.
Q: Do water plants need sunlight?
A: Yes, they need light to perform photosynthesis. However, most prefer indirect sunlight. Direct sun can be too intense and heat the water excessively.
Q: Can I transfer a water-grown plant to soil later?
A: You can, but it requires care. The roots are adapted to water and can go into shock. To transition, keep the soil very moist at first and gradually reduce watering to help the roots adapt to their new environment. It’s not always succesful, so many people prefer to keep them in water.
Starting with plants that grow in water is a rewarding and nearly foolproof way to enjoy indoor greenery. With minimal effort and cost, you can create a living, growing display that brings life and beauty to any room.