Indoor Plants That Grow in Water - No Soil Required
Published On: 22 October 2024
If you love plants but dread the mess of soil or simply don’t have the time for high-maintenance houseplants, you’re in luck—many indoor plants can grow beautifully in water! Imagine transforming your home into a thriving indoor water garden without needing a single bag of potting mix.
It's easier than you think and surprisingly low-maintenance. Growing plants in water isn’t just a trendy way to decorate; it’s a practical solution for those of us who want greenery without the hassle.
Let's dive into the simplicity of soil-free gardening and discover some of the best indoor plants that can live happily ever after—just submerged in water.
Table of Content
- Why Grow Plants in Water?
- Indoor Plants That Can Grow in Water
- 1. Spider Plant
- 2. Rubber Plant
- 3. Pothos
- 4. Arrowhead Plant
- 5. Money Plant
- 6. Prayer Plant
- 7. Coleus Plants
- 8. Philodendron
- 9. Peace Lily
- Caring for Indoor Plants That Grow in Water
- When to Change the Water of Indoor Water Plants?
- Which Containers to Choose for Your Water Plants?
- Conclusion
Why Grow Plants in Water?
Low Maintenance
No MessWithout soil, there's no need to worry about messes or pests. Water-based indoor plants require less frequent care, making them ideal for those with busy lifestyles.
Clean and Modern Aesthetic
Plants growing in water have a sleek, stylish look that elevates any indoor space. A clear container with roots visible adds a unique and refreshing touch to your home decor.
Easy to Grow and Propagate
Many indoor plants can easily grow roots in water, making it simple to propagate new plants without needing pots, soil, or special equipment. Just take a cutting, place it in water, and watch it grow!
Great for Small Spaces
If you're limited on space, water plants fit anywhere. They can thrive on shelves, desks, and countertops without the need for large pots or trays for soil.
Flexible and Adaptable
Whether you choose tap water, bottled water, or distilled, these plants are adaptable and can grow in various types of water as long as it’s clean. Plus, they only need to have their water changed every couple of weeks.
Indoor Plants That Can Grow in Water
These indoor plants are perfect for creating a beautiful indoor water garden. Growing houseplants in water is not only low-maintenance but also a stylish way to showcase greenery without the need for soil.
1. Spider Plant
One of the best plants to grow in water, Spider Plants are known for their arching green and white leaves. These houseplants in water can add a fresh touch to any room while also being great air purifiers.
Care Instructions: Place spiderettes in a clean container of water to grow roots easily. These water-based plants thrive in bright, indirect light. It’s important to change the water frequently, about once a week, to keep the water fresh and prevent algae to grow.
Placement: Perfect for creating a hanging indoor garden or placed on shelves where the leaves can cascade beautifully.
Tip: Use bottled water if your tap water is chlorinated, or let the tap water sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate.
2. Rubber Plant
This tropical plant that can grow in water makes a bold statement with its glossy, deep-green leaves. Rubber Plants can be grown in water without soil, making them an easy and clean addition to your indoor garden.
Care Instructions: Take a stem cutting and place it in a container with water. This water-based plant will produce roots over time, provided the water is clean and changed regularly. Since Rubber Plants are hardy, they adapt well to being placed in water for long periods.
Placement: The upright growth makes it a great choice for large containers, vases, or even bottles in your living room or office.
3. Pothos
Pothos, also called Devil’s Ivy, is one of the best indoor plants that thrive in water. It’s a vigorous grower and can be easily propagated in water without soil. This plant not only adds lush green beauty to your space but is also known for its air-purifying abilities.
Care Instructions: To grow in water, cut a healthy stem and place it in a jar filled with water to cover the nodes. Keep the water level steady and change it every week to ensure it stays clean. Pothos can thrive in bright to low indirect light.
Placement: With its trailing vines, Pothos is perfect for hanging pots, placing on shelves, or even in transparent containers to showcase the roots.
4. Arrowhead Plant
Arrowhead Plants have striking, arrow-shaped leaves that make them a beautiful addition to your indoor water garden. They are tropical plants that grow in water without soil and add an exotic feel to your home.
Care Instructions: Take a stem cutting and place it in a container filled with clean water to grow roots. Make sure to keep the water fresh by changing it regularly, and provide bright, indirect light for the plant to thrive.
Placement: Arrowhead Plants are great for bottles or vases where their roots can spread. These plants can easily be used to grow an indoor garden with a touch of the tropics.
5. Money Plant
A favorite among indoor plant enthusiasts, the Money Plant is one of the best plants that grow in water without soil. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves add a touch of green to your indoor space and are believed to bring good fortune.
Care Instructions: Place a stem cutting in water and allow the roots to develop. The water level should cover the nodes to ensure proper growth. Change the water frequently to prevent stagnation and algae growth.
Placement: Ideal for hanging containers or trailing along windowsills. You can use a glass jar or bottle to let its roots be part of the display.
6. Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant’s colorful leaves and unique pattern make it a standout in any indoor water garden. It’s one of the best indoor water plants that can grow without soil and bring a tropical vibe to your home.
Care Instructions: Place a cutting in water to grow roots. This plant requires bright, indirect light and needs its water changed frequently to stay fresh. Since it prefers humidity, make sure the roots are fully submerged.
Placement: Place in a shallow bowl, decorative glass jar, or container that can hold water. Its leaves will curl up at night, adding a dynamic touch to your indoor garden.
7. Coleus Plants
Coleus Plants are stunning houseplants in water, known for their colorful leaves in shades of red, purple, and green. Growing houseplants in water like Coleus can add vibrant color to any indoor space without the need for soil.
Care Instructions: Take a cutting from a healthy Coleus plant and place it in a container with clean water to cover the nodes. Make sure to keep the water level consistent, as the plant’s roots should always be submerged. Change the water every week to prevent stagnation, and place it in bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
Placement: Coleus plants do best in small vases or jars and are perfect for adding a pop of color to windowsills, desks, or countertops. These plants can also be grown in a larger indoor water garden for a vibrant and striking display.
8. Philodendron
A classic houseplant, the Philodendron is an easy-to-grow plant that thrives in water. It’s an ideal choice for those wanting to propagate and grow in water without the hassle of soil. The plant’s beautiful, trailing vines make it a favorite for hanging baskets or jars.
Care Instructions: Place a cutting in a container filled with water, ensuring that a node is fully submerged. Philodendrons adapt well to various light conditions, but they thrive best in bright, indirect light. Change the water every 1-2 weeks and ensure the container is clean.
Placement: The trailing nature of Philodendron makes it perfect for placing on high shelves, hanging baskets, or even large glass jars to show off its growing roots. It’s a great addition to any indoor water garden.
9. Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are known for their stunning white blooms and their ability to purify indoor air effectively. They can also be grown in water without soil and still thrive. The sleek, glossy leaves add elegance to any indoor water garden.
Care Instructions: To grow Peace Lilies in water, place the roots in a tall container with enough water to cover the roots but not the leaves. They require bright, indirect light and fresh water to grow well. Change the water every week to prevent algae growth and ensure the plant stays healthy.
Placement: Perfect for displaying in glass vases or jars in bedrooms, living rooms, and bathrooms. Their blooms make them a great centerpiece, and they thrive as water-based plants.
Caring for Indoor Plants That Grow in Water
Taking care of water plants is simple and fuss-free, but there are a few key things to keep in mind to help your indoor plants thrive:
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Choose the Right Container - Use a clean container of water—glass jars, vases, or bottles work well. Make sure the container is large enough for the plant’s roots to grow comfortably and doesn’t restrict their growth.
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Water Quality is Key - Always use clean water for your plants. If you're using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to allow any chlorine to evaporate. Alternatively, bottled or distilled water can be used. Change the water every week or two to prevent algae buildup and ensure it stays fresh.
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Provide Adequate Light - Most water plants need bright, indirect light to thrive. Place them near a window where they get enough light but aren’t exposed to direct sunlight, as it can cause leaf burn or heat up the water.
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Add Fertilizer for Nutrients - Since these plants don’t have access to soil, it’s important to add a liquid fertilizer to the water every few weeks. This provides essential nutrients and supports their growth. Use a weak solution to avoid overwhelming the plant.
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Maintain Water Levels - Always make sure that the roots are submerged in water, but don’t let the water level go above the stem to avoid rot. Keep an eye on the water level, as evaporation might cause it to drop.
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Watch for Root Health - The roots should be white or light-colored and healthy-looking. If you notice any slimy, dark, or rotting roots, trim them off and refresh the water. Healthy roots ensure the plant can absorb nutrients effectively.
When to Change the Water of Indoor Water Plants?
Changing the water regularly is crucial for keeping your indoor plants healthy and thriving. Here’s what you need to know:
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Every 1-2 Weeks - A general rule of thumb is to change the water every 1 to 2 weeks. Fresh water prevents the buildup of algae and bacteria, keeps the plant’s roots healthy, and ensures they receive enough oxygen.
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When Water Becomes Cloudy - If you notice the water turning murky or starting to smell, it’s a sign to change it immediately. Cloudy water can lead to root rot and hinder the plant's ability to grow.
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Top Up Between Changes - It’s normal for the water level to decrease due to evaporation, so top up with clean water as needed. Always make sure the roots are submerged but not the stem.
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Signs of Plant Stress - If the plant appears to be wilting, turning yellow, or showing signs of distress, it may be time to change the water more frequently. Fresh, clean water will help the plant recover.
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Avoid Stagnant Water - Stagnant water can lead to algae growth, affecting your plant's health. When you change the water, clean the container as well to remove any residue, and then refill with clean water.
Consistently changing the water helps your plants get the nutrients and oxygen they need to thrive, ensuring they stay healthy and vibrant in your indoor space.
Which Containers to Choose for Your Water Plants?
Choosing the right container is key to helping your indoor water plants grow strong and healthy. Here are some tips on selecting the best container for your plants:
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Glass Jars and Vases for a Clear View - Glass containers are popular for growing plants in water as they allow you to see the roots and monitor their growth. They also add a modern, decorative touch to your indoor space, making your plants and their roots part of the display.
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Opaque Containers for Light-Sensitive Roots - While glass is visually appealing, some plants (like those with delicate roots) may thrive better in opaque or ceramic containers to protect the roots from direct light exposure. Roots growing in too much light can sometimes turn green or be more prone to algae growth.
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Narrow-Necked Bottles for Support - If you're growing plants like Arrowhead or Spider Plant cuttings, opt for bottles with narrow necks. These bottles provide support, keeping the plant upright while allowing the roots to grow comfortably in the water.
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Wide Containers for Larger Root Systems - Plants like Rubber Plants or Peace Lilies may develop broader root systems and will benefit from a wider container. This gives the roots more room to grow and prevents them from becoming cramped, allowing the plant to thrive.
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Shallow Dishes for Shorter Plants - Shallow dishes or bowls are great for smaller aquatic plants or plants with shorter roots. These containers work well for showcasing multiple plants together or creating a mini indoor water garden for an elegant look.
Always choose a container that suits the size of your plant. A small cutting will do well in a small jar or bottle, while a larger plant may require a bigger, deeper container for its roots to fully grow and spread.
Conclusion
Growing indoor plants in water is a simple, low-maintenance way to bring greenery into your home. With just a container of clean water, a bit of light, and minimal care, you can enjoy a thriving indoor water garden that adds beauty and freshness to any room—without the mess of soil. So go ahead, pick your favorite plant, let it grow in water, and enjoy the natural elegance it brings to your indoor space. Happy planting!
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