Top 20 Best Indoor Plants That Grow in Water: A Guide
Have you ever considered growing plants in water? It might sound unconventional, but choosing plants that grow in water is really a fantastic way to create an indoor garden that’s easy to maintain. Numerous benefits range from your plants’ low-maintenance needs to the unique beauty they add to your home. In this article, we’ll explore the basics of how to plant in water and discuss some of the best indoor plants that thrive without soil.
Why Grow Plants in Water?
Firstly, let’s discuss why you should consider adding aquatic or semi-aquatic varieties to your green collection. One significant advantage is their effortless maintenance. Watering schedules can be less frequent than potted plants because there isn’t any soil for nutrient absorption, which means less chance of over-watering or under-watering. Another benefit is that placing roots in water eliminates competition with fungal diseases like root rot since there’s no damp environment or stagnant humidity around them.
Not only are they easy to grow, but having these plants indoors may improve air quality by purifying toxins usually found indoors and raising humidity levels where heating tends to dry out surfaces during winter months.
Advantages of Plants That Can Grow in Water
Water-based houseplants are great options if you want something different from traditional potting arrangements or if you struggle with keeping regular foliage healthy due to limited sunlight exposure. They also offer more flexibility when it comes to styling your interior decor. Choose containers made of glass jars or vintage bottles, such as ornamental vases, instead of typical terracotta pottery pots to enhance the aesthetic appeal and create natural sunray reflection patterns throughout the day.
With all these advantages, it’s worth trying new methods next season. Consider changing up your usual routines, switching things around, starting fresh, and making creative choices to explore different avenues of engaging green adventures!
How to Grow Indoor Plants in Water: The Basics
Before you get started, there are a few things to keep in mind when planting indoor water-based plants. Let’s dive into some of the basics:
Choosing the Right Container
When it comes to choosing a container for your aquatic plant, glass jars or vases work best. They allow enough light penetration while also showcasing root development throughout growth cycles. This encourages healthy root growth by providing access to sunlight necessary for photosynthesis.
Water Selection and Maintenance
It’s important to use clean tap water – distilled or filtered – when growing plants directly in water since chlorine can damage roots. Change out one-third of the water every two weeks to keep bacteria and algae under control and prevent bad odors from developing. While fertilizing requirements vary based on the species being grown, remember that even small amounts make a big difference in ensuring strong and robust foliage.
Light Requirements for Aquatic Plants
Lighting conditions may vary depending on the location of the plants. Sunny windowsills brighten up the atmosphere, while shady spots with insufficient illumination should be avoided. Place plants at least five feet away from direct sunlight exposure sources, and maintain well-lit areas as part of daily care routines.
Fertilizing Water-Grown Plants
Fertilizers maintain nutrient balance, facilitating photosynthesis processes and allowing better absorption rates in a natural water ecosystem. This avoids soil compaction issues commonly found in traditional potted arrangements and offers higher potential crop yields during harvest periods.
Best Indoor Plants That Grow In Water
Now let’s take a look at some of the best 20 indoor plants that grow in water:
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
While there are many plant that thrive in the aquatic ecosystem, the spider plant is undoubtedly the most popular choice for beginners. The reason for this is the plant’s easy-to-care-for nature. It’s known for producing “spiderettes,” which dangle from the mother plant and can be propagated in water.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is an excellent indoor plant that can grow in water. This low-maintenance plant is perfect for beginners, as it is very forgiving and can tolerate various light conditions. Its trailing habit makes it ideal for hanging baskets or trellis designs, and it is known for purifying indoor air. To propagate pothos in water, simply place a cutting with at least one leaf node in a container of tap water, and watch it grow.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
The popular indoor plant known as Lucky Bamboo is frequently linked to luck and wealth. Despite looking like real bamboo, it belongs to the Dracaena family. Lucky Bamboo is a flexible addition to your home garden because it grows well in water and in low light. Simply put the Lucky Bamboo stem in a vase filled with fresh tap water to grow it in water, and change the water every two weeks to keep it healthy.
Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura)
The Prayer Plant is an attractive indoor plant known for its unique behavior of folding its leaves up at night, resembling hands in prayer. This tropical plant can grow in water and prefers bright, indirect light. Keep the water clean by changing it every two weeks, and your Prayer Plant will reward you with beautiful foliage and a sense of tranquility in your living space.
African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
Beautiful flowering plants that may flourish in water are African violets. All year long, these plants produce blooms that give your indoor garden color and charm. They do best in direct, bright light and require occasional fertilization to thrive in water. African violets can be grown in water by putting a clipping or bare-root plant in a container with tap water and watching the roots develop.
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Popular indoor plants noted for their gorgeous foliage patterns and simple maintenance are philodendrons. They are great for offices or apartments without much natural light because they can grow in water and prefer low to medium light levels. Placing a cutting with a leaf node in a container filled with tap water and allowing the roots to develop will allow you to grow Philodendrons in water.
Baby’s Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)
A lovely cascading plant called Baby’s Tears has small leaves that look like raindrops. When draped over the sides of a container, this plant, which can grow in water, gives the container a classy appearance. Make sure to change the water every two weeks in order to maintain the health of Baby’s Tears because it prefers clean surroundings and bright, indirect light.
Begonia (Begonia spp.)
Begonias are gorgeous flowering plants that come in various vivid colors, making them ideal ornamental plants for your indoor garden. They can grow in water as long as you provide them with proper lighting and change the water every two weeks. With a little care, Begonias can thrive in water, adding beauty and elegance to your home.
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Coleus is a vibrant, leafy houseplant known for its stunning foliage and colorful patterns. It can grow in water under moderate lighting conditions and requires proper drainage to maintain healthy root development. To grow Coleus in water, place a cutting with at least one leaf node in a container filled with tap water, and watch the roots grow.
Chinese Evergreen Plant (Aglaonema commutatum)
The adaptable Chinese Evergreen is well-known for its gorgeous, variegated leaves in silvery and green tones. This plant is a great option for homes and offices with little natural light because it can grow in water and thrives in low-light conditions. Put a cutting with a leaf node in a pot with tap water to grow Chinese Evergreen there. As the roots develop, the cutting will be ready to plant.
Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum)
Arrowhead Beautiful indoor plants like vines have arrow-shaped leaves that are available in a range of hues, including green, pink, and white. It is a simple-to-grow plant that does well in water with direct, bright light. To keep a cutting healthy, simply place it in a jar filled with tap water and replace the water every two weeks. The cutting must have at least one leaf node.
Easiest Plants to Grow in Water for Beginners
Spiderwort (Tradescantia zebrina)
Spiderwort, often referred to as Wandering Jew or Inch Plant, is a colorful indoor plant with striped leaves that is simple to grow. It can survive in the water and favors direct, bright light. A cutting with at least one leaf node can be grown in water by placing it in a container with tap water and watching the roots develop.
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
A traditional indoor plant recognized for its trailing vines and evergreen foliage is English ivy. It is a fantastic option for novices because it can grow in water and adapt to different lighting conditions. Place a cutting with a leaf node in a container filled with tap water to grow English ivy in water. Then, see the roots developing.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Popular indoor plants with classy white blossoms and beautiful green leaves are peace lilies. They are ideal for novices because they are low-maintenance and can grow in water. Change the water every two weeks since peace lilies prefer clean, low-to-medium light environments. Place a cutting or bare-root plant in a container filled with tap water to grow Peace Lilies in water. Then, see the roots developing.
Best Plants to Grow in Water for Aromatic Scents
Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)
The evergreen herb rosemary has needle-like leaves and a lovely, fragrant smell. It may be easily grown in water and is frequently used in cooking. Take a clipping from a healthy plant, trim off the bottom leaves, and insert it in a container with tap water to grow rosemary in water. Enjoy the fragrant perfume it adds to your room and keep it in a bright area with indirect sunlight.
Mint (Mentha spp.)
Mint is an aromatic herb with a refreshing scent and flavor. It is widely used in cooking, beverages, and aromatherapy. Mint can be grown in water, making it an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy its fragrance indoors. To grow Mint in water, place a cutting with a leaf node in a container filled with tap water, and keep it in a location with bright, indirect light.
FAQs
When a plant cutting develops a strong root system, you can move it from water to soil. To accomplish this, carefully remove the cutting from the water, plant it in a potting mixture that drains well, and water it well. Be patient and give the plant the care it needs as it may take some time for it to get used to its new surroundings.
It is generally recommended to change the water for your plants every two weeks. This helps prevent the growth of algae and bacteria and ensures that your plants receive fresh, oxygenated water. Be sure to clean the container and rinse the roots before refilling it with fresh water.
Yes, several vegetables can be grown in water, including lettuce, spinach, and celery. Some vegetables, like green onions and leeks, can be regrown in water from kitchen scraps by placing the root end in a container filled with tap water.
Conclusion
Plants that grow in water offer numerous benefits, including low-maintenance care, flexibility in placement, and the ability to enjoy a variety of plants without the need for soil. With the wide range of plants that can be grown in water, there is something for everyone, from beginners to experienced gardeners. We encourage you to try growing plants in water and experience the joy and beauty they bring to your home or office space.