Plants That Grow In Water

Many common houseplants can thrive indefinitely with their roots submerged in water rather than soil. This method, known as hydroponic growing or simply water propagation, is a fantastic way to enjoy greenery with minimal mess. If you’re looking for easy-care options, there are numerous beautiful plants that grow in water perfectly.

This approach simplifies plant care. You eliminate the need for soil, which means no more worries about overwatering, under-watering, or soil-borne pests. It’s also a strikingly clean and modern way to display your plant collection in glass vases or jars. Let’s look at how to get started and which plants are best suited for a life in water.

You might be surprised by the variety of plants that adapt well to hydroponic life. This list includes classic foliage plants, herbs, and even some flowering varieties. Most of these are easily started from a simple cutting.

Popular Foliage Plants For Water Growth

These plants are prized for their leaves and are among the most reliable for water culture. They root quickly and often grow for years in a simple container.

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pothos is arguably the champion of plants that grow in water. Its trailing vines with heart-shaped, marbled leaves adapt without complaint. Simply take a cutting below a node (the bump on the stem where leaves emerge) and place it in water. New roots will appear in days, and the vine will continue to grow long and lush.

Philodendron

Similar to pothos, heartleaf and other vining philodendrons are exceptionally easy. They have a slightly more delicate leaf structure but are just as forgiving. They thrive in moderate to bright indirect light and help purify the air.

Lucky Bamboo

Although it looks like bamboo, this is actually a type of Dracaena. It’s almost always sold growing in water and pebbles. It prefers distilled or filtered water to prevent tip burn from fluoride and chlorine found in tap water. Its sculptural forms bring a zen, minimalist feel.

Spider Plant

Spider plants produce little plantlets, or “spiders,” on long stems. These baby plants are pre-programmed to root. Snip one off and place its base in water. It will develop a robust root system quickly and can eventually produce its own plantlets even while living in water.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

With its striking patterned leaves, the Chinese evergreen is a stylish choice. Start with a stem cutting from a healthy plant. It grows slower in water than in soil but maintains its beautiful coloration well in medium light conditions. It’s one of the more elegant low-light plants that grow in water.

Herbs And Edible Plants

You can maintain a handy kitchen herb garden right on your windowsill. While not all herbs will thrive long-term, many will produce fresh growth for culinary use for a considerable time.

Mint: Incredibly vigorous, mint roots rapidly in water. A few stems will provide you with fresh leaves for teas and garnishes.
Basil: Take cuttings before the plant flowers. Place them in a sunny spot, and they will grow roots and new leaves. Replace cuttings every few months for the best flavor.
Oregano & Thyme: Woody herbs like these can be propagated in water. The success rate is a bit lower, but with a fresh cutting and patience, they will root.
Green Onions (Scallions): This is the simplest project. Save the white root ends after using the green tops. Place them root-side down in a glass with a little water, and they will regrow their green stalks remarkably fast.
Lettuce & Cabbage: The core or base of a head of lettuce or cabbage can be placed in a shallow dish of water. It will often regrow several small, fresh leaves, perfect for a sandwich or salad.

Flowering And Aromatic Varieties

For a pop of color or a lovely scent, consider these options. They may require a bit more light than foliage plants to encourage blooming.

Coleus

Known for its vividly colored and patterned leaves, coleus roots very easily in water. While it can produce small flower spikes, the foliage is the main attraction. It prefers bright light to maintain its intense colors.

Wandering Dude (Tradescantia)

This fast-growing plant has purple, green, and silver striped leaves. It roots from any node and grows quickly in water, sometimes producing small pink or white flowers. It’s a very rewarding and colorful choice.

African Violet

You can propagate African violets from a single leaf. Place the leaf stem in water, ensuring the leaf blade itself stays dry. It takes longer than stem cuttings, but eventually, tiny plantlets will form at the base. Transfer these to soil for best long-term growth, though some keep them in water.

Paperwhites (Narcissus)

For seasonal color, forcing paperwhite bulbs in water and pebbles is a classic winter activity. The bulbs are placed in a container with stones for support and just enough water to touch the base. They will send up stalks and produce fragrant white flowers.

How To Start Your Plants In Water

The process is straightforward, but following a few key steps will ensure your success. You only need a few basic supplies to begin.

Select Your Cutting: Choose a healthy stem from a parent plant. Look for a section that is 4-6 inches long and has several leaves. For most plants, the cutting must include at least one “node.” This is the critical point from which new roots will emerge.
Make a Clean Cut: Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears. Cut just below a node at a 45-degree angle. This increases the surface area for rooting and helps the cutting absorb water.
Prepare the Cutting: Remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water. Leaves rotting in the water can promote bacterial growth and harm your cutting. You can leave the top leaves intact.
Choose Your Vessel: Use a clean glass jar, vase, or bottle. Clear glass lets you monitor root growth and water level, which is helpful. Some plants, like lucky bamboo, do better in opaque containers to limit algae growth.
Add Water: Fill your vessel with room-temperature water. If your tap water is heavily chlorinated, let it sit out for 24 hours before using it, or use filtered water. This allows chlorine to evaporate, which is better for sensitive roots.
Place Your Cutting: Insert the cutting so that the node (and any other nodes you have) is underwater. The remaining leaves should be well above the waterline. Ensure no leaves are touching the water.
Find the Right Location: Place your new water garden in a spot with appropriate light. Most plants that grow in water prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct, hot sun as it can heat the water and encourage algae.

Caring For Your Hydroponic Plants

Ongoing maintenance is simple but essential for keeping your plants healthy. The main tasks involve water management and occasional feeding.

Water Changes And Quality

Stagnant water becomes depleted of oxygen and can harbor bacteria. You should change the water completely every one to two weeks. When you change the water, rinse the roots gently under lukewarm water to remove any slimy film. Refill with fresh, room-temperature water. Using filtered or distilled water can prevent mineral buildup on the roots and container, especially for sensitive plants like lucky bamboo.

Nutrient Supplementation

Plain water lacks the nutrients found in soil. For long-term growth beyond a few months, you will need to add a hydroponic fertilizer. Use a very diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer. A quarter or half strength of the recommended dose is usually sufficient. Add it during a water change once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Over-fertilizing can damage the roots, so less is more.

Light And Placement

Most indoor plants that grow in water have the same light requirements as their soil-grown counterparts. Pothos and philodendron tolerate lower light, while herbs and coleus need brighter light. Rotate your containers occasionally if the plant seems to be leaning toward the light source for even growth.

Managing Algae Growth

Algae, the green film that can appear in the container, is not directly harmful to the plant but competes for nutrients and looks unsightly. To minimize it, use an opaque container or keep your clear one out of direct sunlight. Regular water changes are the best defense. You can clean the container with a bottle brush when you change the water.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even with easy plants, you might encounter a few problems. Here’s how to identify and fix them.

Yellowing Leaves: This can be a sign of nutrient deficiency, especially if the plant has been in plain water for many months. Try adding a diluted hydroponic fertilizer. It can also mean the plant is getting too much direct sun.
Rotting Stems or Roots: If the stem or roots become mushy and brown, it’s often due to bacterial rot. This happens if leaves are submerged or if the water isn’t changed regularly. Cut away the rotten parts with a clean tool, change the water, and ensure only the nodes are underwater.
Slow or No Root Growth: Some plants are just slower than others. Ensure your cutting has a node, and be patient. You can also try a rooting hormone gel on the cut end before placing it in water, though it’s not always necessary for easy propagators like pothos.
Leggy or Sparse Growth: This usually indicates insufficient light. Move the plant to a brighter location with indirect light. You can also take cuttings from a leggy plant to create a fuller new one.
Brown Leaf Tips: This is often caused by chemicals in tap water, like fluoride or chlorine. Switch to using filtered, distilled, or rainwater for your plants. Letting tap water sit out for a day before using can help some.

Creative Display Ideas

Part of the joy of growing plants in water is the display potential. Clear containers turn the root systems into a visual feature.

Glass Variety: Use a collection of different glass vessels—test tubes, mason jars, vintage bottles, or simple vases. Grouping them together creates a beautiful, laboratory-chic display.
Support with Decorative Mediums: While not necessary, adding clean pebbles, marbles, or glass beads to the bottom of the container can help stabilize cuttings and add a decorative touch. This is essential for top-heavy plants or bulbs like paperwhites.
Highlight the Roots: Choose containers with interesting shapes that showcase the intricate root networks. A clear, swirled bottle or a geometric terrarium can be stunning.
Incorporate into Decor: Place individual bottles on windowsills, group them as a centerpiece, or use wall-mounted test tube holders to create a living wall of water-grown plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can all plants grow in water permanently?

No, not all plants can thrive long-term in just water. Many plants, especially succulents, cacti, and most trees, are adapted to soil and will rot if kept in water. The plants listed in this article are known for their ability to adapt to hydroponic conditions for extended periods, sometimes indefinitely with proper nutrient care.

How often should I change the water for my water plants?

You should change the water completely every one to two weeks. This refreshes oxygen levels and removes any waste products from the roots. If the water looks cloudy or you notice any algae forming, change it immediately. Rinsing the roots during the change is also a good practice.

Do I need to use fertilizer for plants growing in water?

For short-term propagation (a few months), plain water is usually fine. However, for plants you intend to keep growing in water long-term, adding a diluted hydroponic fertilizer is necessary. Soil contains nutrients that water lacks; without supplementation, the plant will eventually become stunted and show signs of deficiency like yellowing leaves.

What is the best way to prevent mosquitoes in water plants?

Mosquitoes breed in stagnant water. The key to prevention is regular water changes. By refreshing the water every week or two, you disrupt their breeding cycle. Ensuring your containers don’t have a wide opening can also help, though it’s not always practical. If you’re concerned, you can add a single drop of mosquito dunks solution, which is a biological larvicide safe for plants, to the water.

Can I transfer a water-grown plant to soil later?

Yes, you can, but the transition can be tricky. Water roots are different from soil roots—they are more fragile. To increase success, transfer the plant when it has a strong, established root system. Plant it in a moist, well-draining potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks as the roots adapt to their new environment. A humidity dome or plastic bag over the plant can help reduce transplant shock.