What if you could skip the dirt and grow stunning plants in nothing but water?
You’ve hit the jackpot if you’re searching for low-maintenance plants or want to try soil-free gardening.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the best 10 indoor plants that grow in water and pro tips to keep them healthy and lush.
Perfect for busy folks, newbies, or anyone craving a mess-free green space!
Table of Contents
Why Grow Plants in Water?
Hydroponic gardening (growing plants in water) is trending for good reason:
No soil mess: Say goodbye to dirt under your nails.
Easy care: Just refresh the water and watch them grow!
Air-purifying benefits: Many water-grown plants filter toxins.
Endless propagation: Snip a stem, pop it in water, and voilà—new plants!
10 Best Indoor Plants That Grow in Water (No Soil Needed!)
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Why It Works: Pothos is a hydroponic superstar thanks to its aerial root nodes, which absorb water and nutrients efficiently. Its trailing vines grow rapidly, even in low light, and it’s proven to remove airborne toxins like formaldehyde.
Care Tips:
Water: Use filtered or tap water left out overnight (removes chlorine).
Light: Bright, indirect light for faster growth. Tolerates low light.
Feeding: Add a drop of liquid fertilizer monthly.
Pro Hack: Trim stems above nodes to encourage bushiness. For extra root health, add a tiny drop of hydrogen peroxide (1 tsp per gallon) to prevent rot.
2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Why It Works: Despite its name, this isn’t bamboo—it’s a tropical Dracaena that naturally thrives in water. Its twisted stalks store moisture, making it drought-resistant and ideal for forgetful plant parents. Feng shui fans love it for attracting positive energy.
Care Tips:
Water: Use distilled water to prevent mineral buildup.
Light: Bright, indirect light (direct sun scorches leaves).
Pro Hack: Secure stalks with pebbles for stability. Drop an aquarium charcoal pellet into the water to keep it fresh longer.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Why It Works: Spider plant is great for its benefits. It is an air-purifying powerhouse, filtering out carbon monoxide and xylene. Their “pups” grow tiny water roots naturally, making propagation foolproof. They’re non-toxic to pets!
Care Tips:
Water: Change weekly to avoid stagnation.
Light: Bright, indirect light for more pups.
Pro Hack: Float pups in water until roots form. For bushier growth, trim mature leaves by 1/3 every few months.
4. Philodendron Heartleaf
Why It Works: This plant’s flexible stems and rapid root development make it perfect for water growth. Its heart-shaped leaves release moisture into the air, boosting humidity—a win for dry homes.
Care Tips:
Water: Submerge nodes only.
Light: Medium indirect light.
Pro Hack: Mist leaves to boost humidity. If roots grow too long, trim them back to 2-3 inches to refocus energy on foliage.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Why It Works: Peace lilies are natural water lovers—their native swamp habitats mean they thrive with submerged roots. Their white “spathes” (not true flowers) bloom more frequently in water than soil.
Care Tips:
Water: Keep roots submerged; mist leaves.
Light: Bright, indirect light for flowers.
Pro Hack: Use a clear vase to monitor root health. If roots turn brown, rinse with lukewarm water and trim mushy parts.
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Why It Works: This plant’s thick, waxy leaves retain moisture, reducing its need for frequent care. Its slow growth in water means less pruning, and its variegation intensifies in stable conditions.
Care Tips:
Water: Let cuttings callus first.
Light: Avoid direct sun.
Pro Hack: Wipe leaves to prevent dust buildup. Add a diluted neem oil solution to the water monthly to deter pests.
7. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Why It Works: Ivy’s tiny root hairs cling to water surfaces, absorbing nutrients quickly. It’s a top air purifier, removing mold spores and allergens—ideal for humid spaces like bathrooms.
Care Tips:
Water: Refresh water weekly to prevent algae.
Light: Bright, indirect light keeps growth compact.
Pro Hack: Trim long vines to encourage fullness. Propagate trimmings in a separate jar to create a fuller “mother plant.”
8. Coleus
Why It Works: Coleus’s vibrant pigments thrive in water, as soil can dull its colors. Its stems root within days, and it grows faster hydroponically than in soil.
Care Tips:
Water: Bright light keeps colors bold.
Light: Avoid low light to prevent legginess.
Pro Hack: Pinch off flowers to focus energy on leaves. For intense hues, use a fertilizer high in phosphorus (e.g., 10-20-10).
9. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium)
Why It Works: Young arrowhead plants grow water roots aggressively, adapting easily to hydroponics. As they mature, their arrow-shaped leaves split into dramatic lobes—a unique visual transformation.
Care Tips:
Water: Keep roots submerged.
Light: Bright, indirect light for variegation.
Pro Hack: Rotate the jar weekly for even growth. If leaves revert to solid green, increase light exposure.
10. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
Why It Works: This plant’s succulent-like stems store water, letting it survive occasional neglect. Its purple undersides absorb low light efficiently, making it versatile for dim corners.
Care Tips:
Water: Change weekly for healthy roots.
Light: Bright light intensifies colors.
Pro Hack: Prune regularly to avoid tangling. Use cuttings to fill gaps in the same jar for a denser display.
Hydroponic Care Tips for All Water-Grown Plants
Water Quality: Use filtered, distilled, or dechlorinated tap water.
Light: Most plants need bright, indirect light (direct sun promotes algae).
Feeding: Add diluted liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks.
Root Care: Rinse roots gently during water changes to prevent rot.
Container Tips: Use opaque jars to block algae growth.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Yellow Leaves: Over-fertilizing or poor water quality. Refresh water and reduce feeding.
Root Rot: Trim the mushy roots and rinse the plant with hydrogen peroxide (1:4 ratio with water).
Algae Growth: Switch to an opaque container and reduce light exposure.
So, are you Ready to Start Your Water Garden?
Growing plants in water is a game-changer for busy plant lovers or anyone craving a low-maintenance indoor garden. From the air-purifying peace lily to the colorful coleus, these 10 soil-free plants thrive with minimal effort. Grab a jar, snip a cutting, and let nature do the rest!
Share this guide with fellow plant enthusiasts or save it for your next hydroponic project. Happy growing! 🌿💧
