Gardening is a rewarding hobby, but not everyone has the space or desire to manage a full garden. Fortunately, many plants thrive in water alone, making them perfect for small spaces, urban living, or anyone looking to simplify their plant care routine. Growing plants in water, also known as hydroponics, eliminates the need for soil and reduces mess, pests, and the need for constant watering. This method not only adds a unique aesthetic to your home but also ensures a cleaner environment. Here are nine plants that you can grow in water, allowing you to enjoy the beauty and benefits of nature without the traditional gardening challenges.
1. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a popular plant often associated with good fortune and prosperity. It’s incredibly easy to grow in water and can thrive in various lighting conditions, though it prefers indirect sunlight. To grow lucky bamboo, place the stalks in a container with at least an inch of water, ensuring the roots are submerged. Change the water every two to four weeks to prevent stagnation and add a drop of liquid fertilizer monthly to provide essential nutrients. Lucky bamboo’s elegant, upright stalks and lush, green leaves make it a perfect addition to any indoor space, bringing a touch of nature and a bit of good luck into your home.
2. Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as devil’s ivy, is a hardy and versatile plant that can easily grow in water. This plant is renowned for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, which come in various shades of green and variegated patterns. To grow pothos in water, cut a healthy stem just below a node and place it in a jar or vase filled with water, ensuring the nodes are submerged. Change the water every couple of weeks to keep it fresh, and occasionally add a drop of liquid fertilizer to promote growth. Pothos can thrive in low light, making it an excellent choice for offices, bathrooms, and other areas with limited natural light.
3. Philodendron
Philodendrons are beloved for their lush foliage and ease of care. Many varieties of philodendron, including heartleaf philodendron, can thrive in water. To propagate a philodendron, cut a stem with several leaves and nodes and place it in a container of water, making sure the nodes are submerged. Change the water every two to three weeks and add liquid fertilizer once a month. Philodendrons prefer indirect sunlight and can adapt to lower light conditions. Their vibrant green leaves add a tropical touch to any room, and their trailing vines can be trained to climb or cascade, depending on your space and aesthetic preferences.
4. Spider Plant
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are known for their air-purifying qualities and distinctive arching leaves. These resilient plants are perfect for growing in water. To start, place a spider plant “pup” or small plantlet, which often grows at the end of a long stem from the parent plant, in a container with water. Ensure the base of the plantlet is submerged. Spider plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. Change the water every couple of weeks and add a small amount of liquid fertilizer monthly. Spider plants are excellent for hanging baskets or shelves, where their cascading leaves can be fully appreciated.
5. English Ivy
English ivy (Hedera helix) is a versatile vine that can thrive in water. Known for its classic, lobed leaves, English ivy can add a touch of elegance to any indoor space. To grow ivy in water, cut a section of the vine with several leaves and place it in a container of water, ensuring the lower leaves are above the water line to prevent rot. Change the water every two weeks and add a liquid fertilizer monthly to support growth. English ivy prefers bright, indirect light and can adapt to lower light conditions. This plant’s trailing nature makes it ideal for hanging baskets or pots where its vines can drape gracefully.
6. Mint
Mint (Mentha spp.) is a fragrant herb that can easily grow in water, making it a great addition to your kitchen windowsill. To propagate mint, take a cutting from a healthy plant and place it in a glass of water, ensuring the lower nodes are submerged. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent mold. Mint prefers bright, indirect light but can also grow in partial shade. Adding a small amount of liquid fertilizer every few weeks will help keep the plant healthy and encourage lush growth. Having fresh mint readily available is perfect for garnishing dishes, making tea, or adding a burst of flavor to your favorite recipes.
7. Basil
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is another herb that thrives in water and can be a handy addition to your kitchen. To grow basil in water, take a cutting from a healthy basil plant and place it in a jar of water, ensuring the leaves stay above the waterline to prevent rot. Change the water every few days and add a drop of liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks. Basil requires plenty of sunlight, so place it in a sunny spot or under a grow light. Fresh basil is perfect for cooking, adding to salads, or making pesto, and having it readily available can elevate your culinary creations.
8. Peace Lily
Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum) are known for their elegant white flowers and glossy green leaves. These plants can thrive in water and are excellent for adding a touch of sophistication to any room. To grow a peace lily in water, gently wash the soil off the roots of an existing plant and place it in a container of water, ensuring the roots are submerged but the base of the plant is above water to prevent rot. Change the water every two weeks and add a small amount of liquid fertilizer monthly. Peace lilies prefer indirect light and can tolerate low light conditions, making them suitable for various indoor environments.
9. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) is a durable and low-maintenance plant that can adapt to various growing conditions, including water. Known for its attractive, variegated leaves, the Chinese evergreen can thrive in water with minimal care. To grow this plant in water, take a cutting with several leaves and place it in a container with water, ensuring the nodes are submerged. Change the water every few weeks and add liquid fertilizer monthly. Chinese evergreens prefer low to moderate light and are perfect for areas with less natural light. Their striking foliage can add a splash of color and texture to any indoor space.
Conclusion
Growing plants in water is an excellent way to enjoy the beauty and benefits of greenery without the mess and hassle of soil. From the good fortune of lucky bamboo to the culinary advantages of mint and basil, these nine plants are easy to grow and maintain in water. They are perfect for small spaces, busy lifestyles, or anyone looking to try something different in their plant care routine. By incorporating these water-grown plants into your home, you can enjoy a cleaner, greener, and more aesthetically pleasing environment all year round.
