If you love greenery but struggle with dry soil or messy pots, there’s a whole world of plants that grow in water. Thriving in aquatic environments is not just for pond lilies; many common houseplants can live their entire lives with their roots submerged, offering a clean, low-maintenance, and beautiful way to garden.
This method, often called hydroponic growing, is simpler than you might think. You don’t need complex systems. A simple jar, vase, or container is often enough. It’s perfect for small spaces, busy people, or anyone who wants to enjoy plants without the usual fuss. Let’s look at how you can start your own water garden today.
Plants That Grow in Water – Thriving in Aquatic Environments
Many plants adapt remarkably well to life in water. Their roots absorb oxygen and nutrients directly from the water, which can be easier for them than extracting it from soil. This section lists excellent candidates, from colorful stems to lush foliage.
Best Houseplants for Water Growth
These popular plants are famously easy to propagate and maintain in water. You’ve probably seen them in bottles on windowsills.
- Pothos (Devil’s Ivy): This is arguably the most forgiving plant. Its heart-shaped leaves come in green, golden, or marbled white. It grows quickly in water and tolerates low light.
- Philodendron: Similar to pothos, heartleaf and Brasil philodendrons are champions. They produce long, trailing vines that look lovely in a tall vessel.
- Spider Plant: Those little “spiderettes” that dangle from the mother plant are perfect. Snip one off and place it in water. It will develop a robust root system and can even produce its own babies while living in water.
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): Some varieties, especially the lighter-colored ones, do very well in water. They are slow-growing and add a touch of elegance with their patterned leaves.
- Lucky Bamboo: This isn’t true bamboo but a type of Dracaena. It’s almost always sold growing in water and is a staple for its sculptural forms and low-light tolerance.
Herbs and Kitchen Scraps
You can have fresh flavors at your fingertips. Many herbs root easily in water, though they may not grow as large or live as long as they would in soil. It’s a great way to extend the life of grocery store herbs.
- Mint: Any type of mint roots incredibly fast. Just take a cutting from a healthy stem.
- Basil: Place cuttings in a bright spot. You can have fresh leaves for pasta or pesto for several months.
- Oregano & Thyme: Woody-stemmed herbs like these can be trickier, but soft stem cuttings often succeed.
- Green Onions/Scallions: Simply save the white bulb ends with about an inch of green. Place them root-side down in a shallow glass. They’ll regrow quickly, and you can snip the green tops repeatedly.
- Lettuce & Celery: The base of a head of lettuce or a bunch of celery can regrow in a dish of water. You’ll get some fresh new leaves, though it usually won’t form a new full head.
Flowering and Foliage Beauties
For more visual interest, these plants offer blooms or striking leaf shapes.
- Coleus: Known for its vividly colored leaves, coleus roots rapidly in water. Keep it in bright, indirect light to maintain its brilliant patterns.
- Begonia: Especially the cane-type and rex begonias, with their stunning foliage. Take a stem cutting with a node and watch it root.
- Peace Lily: While they typically live in soil, you can carefully wash the soil from the roots of a mature plant and transfer it to water. They adapt well and will still produce their classic white flowers.
- Wandering Dude (Tradescantia): The purple, green, and silver leaves of this fast-growing plant are gorgeous in a clear vase. Pieces break off and root with almost no effort.
- English Ivy: It makes a lovely trailing water plant. Just ensure you get a cutting with some aerial root nubs, as these will develop into water roots.
True Aquatic Plants
These plants are naturally adapted to living fully or partially submerged. They are ideal for fish tanks or decorative water features.
- Anubias: A tough, slow-growing aquarium plant with dark green, leathery leaves. It’s often attached to driftwood.
- Java Fern: Another aquarium favorite. It thrives when its rhizome (the thick horizontal stem) is not buried but tied to a rock or piece of wood.
- Water Hyacinth: A floating plant with beautiful lavender flowers. It grows rapidly in warm climates and helps filter pond water.
- Papyrus: A dramatic, tall plant perfect for the edges of ponds or in large containers of water. It has umbrella-like leaf clusters.
How to Start Your Plants in Water
Getting started is straightforward. Follow these steps for the best chance of success.
1. Taking the Right Cutting
Not every piece of a plant will grow. You need the right part.
- Look for a healthy stem, free from disease or pests.
- The cutting must include a node. This is a small bump or raised ring on the stem where leaves and roots emerge. For pothos and philodendron, it’s where a leaf is attached. Roots will only grow from these nodes.
- Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruners. A clean cut helps prevent disease.
- Your cutting should be 4-6 inches long for most plants, with at least 2-3 nodes.
2. Preparing Your Vessel and Water
The container and water quality matter more than you might realize.
- Container: Use any glass jar, vase, or bottle. Clear glass lets you monitor root growth and water level, but opaque containers can help prevent algae. Make sure it’s clean.
- Water: Start with room-temperature tap water. If your water is heavily chlorinated, let it sit out for 24 hours before using it. This allows the chlorine to evaporate. Some plants are sensitive to flouride and other chemicals, so if you see browning leaf tips, you might try filtered or distilled water.
- Only submerge the nodes and stem. Leaves left underwater will rot and spoil the water. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline.
3. Placement and Initial Care
Where you put your new plant is crucial for the first few weeks.
- Place the vessel in a spot with bright, indirect light. Direct hot sun can cook the roots in a glass container and encourage algae growth.
- Change the water every week, or if it looks cloudy. This refreshes oxygen in the water and prevents the buildup of bacteria. Rinse the roots gently when you change the water.
- Be patient. Rooting can take from a few days (for mint) to several weeks (for some slower plants).
Long-Term Care for Water-Based Plants
Keeping your aquatic plants healthy for months or years requires a little ongoing attention. They can’t live on water alone forever without some supplemental nutrition.
Water Maintenance
Consistency is key. Don’t just top off the water as it evaporates.
- Weekly Water Changes: Get into a habit of replacing all the water once a week. This is the single most important thing you can do.
- Clean the Container: Every few weeks, when you change the water, gently wipe the inside of the glass to remove any algae film. This keeps your display looking crisp.
- Root Pruning: If roots become overly long, tangled, or a bit mushy, you can trim them back. Use clean scissors to cut away up to a third of the root mass. This can encourage new, healthy growth.
Providing Nutrients
Pure water lacks the nutrients plants find in soil. After a few months, your plant may show signs of hunger, like pale leaves or stunted growth.
- Use a Hydroponic Fertilizer: These are formulated to dissolve in water and provide all necessary nutrients. Do not use regular garden fertilizer; it is too strong and not designed for this.
- Dilute Heavily: Use only about 1/4 of the strength recommended on the bottle for hydroponics. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots.
- Fertilize Sparingly: Add this weak fertilizer solution only once a month, and only during the active growing season (spring and summer). Skip it in fall and winter.
Light and Temperature
Most water-growing houseplants have the same light needs as their soil-grown versions.
- Medium to bright indirect light is ideal for most. Low-light plants like pothos and lucky bamboo will tolerate less.
- Avoid temperature extremes. Keep plants away from cold drafts, air conditioning vents, and hot radiators. Room temperature (65-75°F) is perfect.
- If you notice excessive algae, it means the container is getting to much direct sunlight. Move it to a slightly shadier spot.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with simple care, issues can pop up. Here’s how to fix them.
Yellowing Leaves
This is a common issue with a few possible causes.
- Nutrient Deficiency: The most likely cause in an established water plant. Try adding a diluted hydroponic fertilizer.
- Root Rot: If the roots are brown and slimy and the water smells bad, it’s rot. Trim away all affected roots, clean the container thoroughly, and provide fresh water. Ensure no leaves are submerged.
- Natural Aging: Sometimes older leaves just yellow and die off. If it’s just one or two, and the rest of the plant looks healthy, don’t worry.
Slow or No Root Growth
If weeks go by and you see no roots, check these factors.
- No Node Submerged: Remember, roots only grow from nodes. Make sure at least one node is underwater.
- Temperature Too Cold: Rooting happens faster in warmer conditions. Move the cutting to a warmer spot.
- Low Light: While direct sun is bad, a completely dark corner also hinders growth. Provide bright, indirect light.
Algae Growth
Green film or strands in the water or on the glass is algae. It’s not usually harmful but is unsightly.
- Change the water more frequently.
- Use an opaque container, or wrap clear glass in decorative paper.
- Keep the setup out of direct sunlight.
- Clean the glass thoroughly during water changes.
Creative Display Ideas
Part of the fun is showing off your water plants. They can be beautiful living decor.
- Groupings: Cluster several bottles or vases of different heights and shapes together on a windowsill or shelf. Mix different types of plants for varied textures and colors.
- Test Tubes & Propagation Stations: Wall-mounted test tube holders or dedicated propagation stations create a modern, scientific look thats perfect for a kitchen or office.
- Decorative Vessels: Use colored glass, vintage bottles, mason jars, or even pretty teacups. Just make sure the opening is wide enough to get the plant in and out for cleaning.
- Aquariums & Terrariums: Incorporate water-growing plants like pothos or philodendron into your aquarium setup. Let the roots dangle in the water (fish enjoy them) and the leaves grow out the top. This helps filter the tank water naturally.
FAQ About Plants in Water
Can all plants grow in water?
No, not all plants can. Many plants, especially those adapted to dry conditions (like succulents and cacti), will rot if their roots are constantly wet. The plants listed in this article are known to be successful.
How long can plants live in water?
With proper care—regular water changes and occasional fertilizer—many plants can live for years in water. Some, like herbs grown from cuttings, may have a shorter lifespan of several months to a year.
Do I need special water for water plants?
Tap water is fine for most. If you have hard or heavily treated water and see problems, try using filtered, distilled, or rainwater. Letting tap water sit out overnight before using it is a good practice.
Why are my plant’s roots slimy?
A slight slimy feel is normal; it’s a biofilm. But if it’s thick, smells bad, and the roots are brown and mushy, it’s root rot. Trim the rotten roots, clean everything, and start with fresh water.
Can I move a soil plant to water?
Yes, but it requires transition. You must gently wash all the soil from the roots completely. This can shock the plant, so expect some leaf drop. It’s often easier to take a fresh cutting from the soil plant and start that in water instead.
What is the best fertilizer for plants in water?
A liquid hydroponic fertilizer is the best choice. They are balanced for water absorption. Remember to use it at a very diluted strength, about 1/4 of the recommended dose.
How often should I change the water for my water plants?
Aim for once a week. This prevents stagnation, adds fresh oxygen, and limits bacterial and algae growth. If the water looks cloudy before a week is up, change it immediately.
Growing plants in water is a rewarding and simple way to enjoy indoor gardening. It eliminates guesswork about watering and reduces pest problems. With a snip, a jar, and some fresh water, you can cultivate a collection of green companions that are both beautiful and fascinating to watch grow. Whether you choose a single stem of pothos on your desk or a windowsill full of colorful cuttings, this method brings the calm of nature into your home with minimal effort. Give it a try—you might find it becomes your favorite way to grow.