Growing plants at home is fun and easy, especially if you don't want to deal with soil. Soil can be messy, attract bugs, and require frequent repotting. But some plants grow perfectly in just water! This method is called hydroponics for houseplants. You put cuttings or the plant in a jar or vase of water, and they happily grow roots and leaves.
These plants are great for beginners, small spaces, apartments, or people who forget to water often. They clean the air, look beautiful on shelves or tables, and need very little care. You only change the water every 1-2 weeks and add a bit of fertilizer sometimes.
Here are 15 amazing plants that grow in just water. We will talk about each one, how to start it, and simple care tips.
1. Spider Plant
Spider Plant has long, green leaves with white stripes. It grows baby plants (spiderettes) that hang down. How to grow in water:
Take a baby plant or cutting and put it in water. Roots grow fast. Care:
Bright indirect light is best. Change water every 1-2 weeks. It purifies air well. Very hard to kill!
2. Pothos
Pothos (also called Devil's Ivy) has heart-shaped leaves in green or variegated (with yellow/white). It grows long vines. How to grow:
Cut a stem with 2-3 leaves, remove lower leaves, put in water. Roots appear in days. Care:
Low to medium light. It grows fast in water. Trim if it gets too long. One of the easiest plants ever.
3. Snake Plant
Snake Plant has tall, upright leaves that are green with patterns. It is super tough. How to grow:
Cut a leaf and put the bottom in water. It can grow roots slowly. Care:
Low light is okay. Change water often to avoid rot. It likes less water change if roots are healthy.
4. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo has thin green stalks. It is not real bamboo but looks like it. How to grow:
Just put the stalks in water. No need for cuttings. Care:
Indirect light. Change water every week or two. Keep water clean. It brings good luck in many cultures!
5. Peace Lily
Peace Lily has dark green leaves and white flowers (spathes). How to grow:
Take a plant from soil, clean roots, put in water. Or use cuttings. Care:
Medium to low light. It droops when thirsty but perks up fast. Change water regularly. Great air purifier.
6. English Ivy
English Ivy has pretty trailing vines with pointed leaves. How to grow:
Cut stems and place in water. Roots grow quickly. Care:
Bright indirect light. Trim to keep shape. It can climb or hang.
7. Philodendron
Philodendron (like Heartleaf) has heart-shaped leaves. Very similar to Pothos. How to grow:
Stem cuttings in water root easily. Care:
Low to bright indirect light. Grows fast. Easy for beginners.
8. Coleus
Coleus has colorful leaves in red, pink, green, and yellow. How to grow:
Cuttings from the garden or plant in water. Care:
Bright light for best colors. Pinch tips for bushy growth.
9. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen has silver or patterned leaves. How to grow:
Cuttings or divide the plant, put in water. Care:
Low light tolerant. Slow grower but very tough.
10. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia)
Wandering Jew has purple or green striped leaves that trail. How to grow:
Stem cuttings root super fast in water. Care:
Bright light. Trim often for fullness.
11. African Violet
African Violet has fuzzy leaves and pretty purple/blue/pink flowers. How to grow:
Leaf cuttings in water (leaf stem in water). Care:
Bright indirect light. Keep water level steady. Flowers are a bonus!
12. Mint
Mint is a herb with fresh smell. Great for kitchen. How to grow:
Cut stems from store-bought or garden, put in water. Care:
Lots of light. Change water often. Use leaves for tea!
13. Basil
Basil has aromatic leaves for cooking. How to grow:
Stem cuttings root well. Care:
Bright light. Pinch tops for more growth.
14. Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet Potato Vine has heart-shaped leaves in green or purple. How to grow:
Put a sweet potato in water (half in, half out). Vines grow! Care:
Sunny spot. Grows very long vines.
15. Begonia
Begonia has colorful leaves and sometimes flowers. How to grow:
Stem or leaf cuttings in water. Care:
Bright indirect light. Keep water fresh.
General Tips for Growing Plants in Just Water
- Container: Use clear glass jars, vases, or bottles so you see roots. Clean them well.
- Water: Use room temperature tap water. Let chlorine go away (leave overnight) or use filtered water.
- Light: Most like bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun to prevent algae.
- Water Change: Every 7-14 days, or when cloudy. Rinse roots gently.
- Fertilizer: Add a few drops of liquid houseplant fertilizer (diluted) every month or during water changes.
- Algae: If green algae appears, clean jar or move to less light.
- Benefits: No soil means no mess, fewer bugs, easy to see when roots need care. Great for decorating!
These 15 plants are perfect if you want green indoors without hassle. Start with one or two like Pothos or Spider Plant – they forgive mistakes.
