31 Best Indoor Houseplants that Grow in Water
Say goodbye to the mess created by soil by growing houseplants in water! Below we mention our top picks for houseplants that grow in water.
Growing plants in water are hassle-free and free from the mess created by soil. Also, something is soothing about seeing the roots growing from the transparent bowl or jar. Whatever the reason, we have curated a list of the best houseplants that grow in water!
1. Golden Pothos
Botanical Name: Epipremnum aureum
Heart-shaped leaves variegated with yellow gives golden Pothos and otherwordly appearance. Place the cutting in a container filled with clean water, and soon it’ll root. Replace the water every 2-3 weeks to keep Pothos happy.
2. Chinese Evergreen
Botanical Name: Aglaonema
Chinese evergreen makes a great indoor plant as it can survive low-light and poor ventilation. It’s a go-to houseplant for novice gardeners because of the minimal care requirements. Check out some of the most stunning Chinese evergreen varieties!
3. Philodendron
Botanical Name: Philodendron
Philodendron cultivars come in many shapes, sizes, and hues, bringing something for everyone. One of the most popular philodendron cultivars is the heartleaf philodendron roots easily in water. Its roots grow faster in water compared to the potting mix.
Related Post: Types of Vining and Upright Philodendron
4. Lucky Bamboo
Botanical Name: Dracaena sanderiana
Besides being an attractive indoor plant, lucky bamboo also brings good luck and fortune. It can grow in water as long as you keep the roots submerged. The branches are trained to form different shapes, increasing lucky bamboo’s value! All in all a perfect centerpiece for home and office.
5. Prayer Plant
Botanical Name: Maranta leuconeura
Folding and unfolding leaves of the prayer plant with the setting and rising sun adds to the uniqueness of the prayer plant. Growing it in water is easy, provided you supplement it with hydroponic fertilizer once or twice a month.
Check out these amazing Benefits of Growing Prayer Plant
6. Anthuriums
Botanical Name: Anthurium
Anthuriums are well-suited for growing hydroponically by feeding nutrients once or twice a month. Wash the roots gently and place them in a water-filled glass vase. Soon you’ll be rewarded with long-lasting cheerful blooms!
7. Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Baby spiderretes growing at the end of the stems of spider plants give rise to new spider plants. Root these baby spiderettes in water and transplant them into a pot once the root system is robust. Alternatively, you can grow it hydroponic solution!
8. Wandering Jew
Botanical Name: Tradescantia zebrina
The foliage of this stunning houseplant is covered with purple stripes and adds color to indoor spaces. Also known as Spiderwort and Inchplant, it can grow in water from stem cuttings. Make sure that foliage remains out of the water to prevent rotting.
9. Peace Lily
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum
Liven up your home and office with the easy-to-care-for peace lily! Layer the base of the jar with gravel or river stones to keep the bottom of the plant above water. Locate the peace lily at a spot where it receives bright indirect light for adequate growth.
10. Coleus
Botanical Name: Coleus
Coleus does not require transplanting in potting mix and continues to grow in water for an extended period. The vibrant, colorful foliage of coleus truly deserves attention!
11. African Violet
Botanical Name: Saintpaulia
Fuzzy foliage and clusters of white, blue, or purple-colored blooms define African violet. Leaf cuttings take 2-4 weeks to form roots and become well-establish in a couple of months. Add a few drops of organic liquid fertilizer to the water for nutrients.
12. Begonia
Botanical Name: Begonia
Among various begonia, it’s the hardy wax, rex, and tuberous begonia varieties that are best for growing in water. Both stem and leaf cuttings can root in water and give rise to new baby begonia. Change water weekly to prevent root rot.
13. Impatiens
Botanical Name: Impatiens spp.
Impatiens are among the plants that can be grown as marginal pond plants. After removing the lower leaves, place the impatiens cutting in a narrow glass or vase filled with water. Change water every other day, and soon the cuttings will root!
14. Arrowhead Plant
Botanical Name: Syngonium podophyllum
As arrowhead plant vines with age, it’ll require a support structure, or you can hang the bowl or jar. Windowsill and tabletop are some great spots to locate arrowhead plants.
15. Baby’s Tears
Botanical Name: Soleirolia soleirolii
Dense clusters of tiny leaves formed by the Baby’s tears plant make it a center of attraction. It’s one of the easiest plants to root in water but try to keep the leaves out of the water to prevent rot. Change water weekly to keep the plant happy!
16. Fiddle Leaf Fig
Botanical Name: Ficus lyrata
There is something soothing about watching roots grow out from the leaves of fiddle leaf figs. All you need is to place the leaf-cutting in clean water and see as the roots emerge.
17. Dracaena
Botanical Name: Dracaena
You can grow dracaena indefinitely in water if you keep changing the water regularly. Take a 6-10 inch cutting from a healthy stem and place it in a jar of water. Ideally, use water that does not contain chlorine or fluoride.
18. English Ivy
Botanical Name: Hedera helix
Grown commonly as ground cover or climber, English ivy is a fast-growing trailing plant. Ivy is a woody evergreen plant with attractive foliage. It’s hard to kill and takes around 2-3 weeks to root in water.
19. Pancake Plant
Botanical Name: Pilea peperomioides
Also, going by the name Chinese money plant is sure to have a stand-out role with the pancake-shaped leaves. Locate it on the windowsill, balcony, or anywhere it receives bright indirect light to keep it thriving indoors. Apply hydroponic fertilizer once a month for growing the Pancake plant in water.
20. Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum variegatum
Hailing from the tropical forest Croton is grown primarily for its striking and vibrant foliage. Bright indirect light is where the foliage shows true colors. The cuttings root in water, but a hydroponic solution is required for it to grow indefinitely.
21. Paperwhite
Botanical Name: Narcissus papyraceus
Cheerful white flowers of Paperwhite bulbs bloom in winter over the long upright stalks. Put the bulb in a thin vase or jar filled with water and small pebbles to hold to the bulb. Soon you’ll be rewarded with daffodil-like blooms!
22. Caladium
Botanical Name: Caladium
Caladiums are commonly referred to as Elephant Ear and angel wings and showcase large variegated foliage. Having many cultivars to choose from, Caladiums differ in color, size, and variegation. Change water weekly, and make sure to use non-chlorinated water.
23. Dumb Cane
Botanical Name: Dieffenbachia
Even being a thick-stemmed plant, dumb cane grows surprisingly well in water. Supply Dieffenbachia with a water-soluble fertilizer once or twice a month, as nutrients aren’t present in water. It is a great conversation starter when grown in a transparent vase and jar.
24. Sweetheart Hoya
Botanical Name: Hoya kerrii
Thick Heart-shaped leaves of sweetheart hoya succulents are Valentine’s day favorites. You can easily propagate sweetheart hoya in water via cuttings. Take 5-10 inches long cutting from the healthy stem and place it in a water-filled vase. Avoid direct light!
25. Sweet Potato Vine
Botanical Name: Ipomoea pandurata
Add a tropical feel to indoor spaces by growing sweet potato vines. Its heart-shaped leaves come in beautiful hues of shades of bronze, rose, and brown. Stem cuttings and tuber both form roots in the water!
26. Alocasia
Botanical Name: Alocasia
Grow Alocasia by carefully dividing the clumps and then placing them in water. Use thin glass vases and make sure the root is submerged in water. If you use tap water, allow it to sit undisturbed for 24-48 hours so that chlorine gets dissipated.
27. Ti Plant
Botanical Name: Cordyline fruticosa
Also, going by the name Good luck plant because of the popular belief that it brings good luck and fortune. Depending on the cultivar, foliage can be pink, green, purple, red, or variegated.
28. Monstera
Botanical Name: Monstera deliciosa
The large, showy foliage of monstera develops fenestrations as they mature, adding a dramatic effect. With adequate nutrients, bright indirect light, and protection, you can keep monstera in water for a long period.
29. Aluminum Plant
Botanical Name: Pilea cadierei
Foliage splashed with metallic silver hues creates a stir in the indoor space. Grow cutting in water or gently wash the roots of the Aluminum plant to get rid of soil and place it in water. Change the water when it turns murky or once in a couple of weeks, whatever comes first.
30. Moth Orchid
Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis
As most species of Moth orchid are epiphytic, it doesn’t require soil to grow. It bears attractive, long-lasting flowers that grow on stalks. Going well with any interior, it’s an all-rounder!
31. Herbs
Apart from the houseplants listed above, many herbs also grow in water. Basil, Mint, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme are herbs that grow in water.
