26 Incredible Plants You Can Easily Grow In Water

Here are the best plants that grow in water if you want to ditch the soil!

For those of us who’ve suffered the pain of watching our beloved plants succumb to overwatering, growing greens directly in water could be a game-changer. Without the hassle of soil and the worry of watering every other day, this method offers a refreshing change from traditional gardening. No complex hydroponic systems are required either – just pure, unadulterated simplicity.

And let’s be honest, who hasn’t felt a twinge of guilt when their plants meet an untimely demise at the hands (or rather, the watering can) of a well-meaning but hapless gardener? Water-based plant growing offers a chance to leave all those worries behind and start anew. So, if this sounds like a solution you’d like to explore, then let’s dive in!

How to grow plants in water

Getting started with growing plants in water is a breeze! All you need to do is follow these straightforward steps. First things first, select the plant you’d like to cultivate in water. Don’t worry if you’re not sure where to start – we’ve got a comprehensive list of options available. Next, take a cutting from an existing plant and prepare it for its new aquatic home. For your plant’s comfort and stability, choose a glass vase with a slender neck or any container that suits your style.

Just make sure it has enough room for the roots to grow. Now, find a cozy spot for your plant to thrive. A location with bright, indirect light and a consistent temperature is ideal. Avoid areas with extreme temperature fluctuations, as this can cause stress to your plant. Once you’ve got everything in place, simply wait for your plant to flourish and enjoy the fruits of your labor!

How to transfer a plant cutting from water to soil

As you’ve successfully grown roots on your plant, the next step is to transplant it into soil. A crucial consideration here is the length of those developing roots. Through experimentation, I’ve found that roots should be at least two inches long before making the transition to soil. With this in mind, prepare a new pot by adding a layer of fresh soil at the bottom. Next, carefully remove your rooted cutting from the water, giving it a quick rinse to remove any excess moisture.

Place the cutting in its new home, covering it with soil as you go. Finally, give it a thorough watering until you start seeing water flow out of the drainage hole, ensuring the roots are well-hydrated and settled into their new environment.

Best Plants to Grow in Water

One of the most fascinating aspects of plant cultivation is exploring which species can thrive in aquatic environments. Over the years, I’ve experimented with a variety of plants in water and was excited to discover which ones excelled. Here’s a rundown of my top picks that have not only survived but thrived in this unique setting.

Philodendron

Philodendrons are a low-maintenance delight, thriving in both bright and low light conditions. What’s more, they can grow rapidly in a jar of tap water – a fact I’ve had the pleasure of observing firsthand over the past 15 years with my trusty heartleaf philodendron. The ease of propagation is another story altogether; simply snipping off a six-inch cutting from an existing plant and placing it in a clear jar or glass filled with water can lead to new roots forming within ten days.

This versatility allows for effortless cultivation, whether you choose to pot your philodendron in soil or let its lush, trailing leaves cascade down into the water. If you’re starting from scratch, consider picking up a baby heartleaf philodendron on Amazon to get started – it’s a great way to bring some natural charm into any room.

Spider Plant

While some may find the name ‘Spider Plant’ unsettling, rest assured that it’s not as intimidating as it sounds. The nickname stems from the plant’s unique characteristic of producing ‘spiderettes’ – small, plantlets that dangle from its mother plant like tiny spiders. I’m a big fan of this low-maintenance plant for one reason: its incredible adaptability. It can thrive in a variety of environments, making it perfect for those who consider themselves gardening novices.

The Spider Plant is also an excellent choice for water propagation due to its ease of care when grown without soil. Simply snip off the spiderettes and root them in water to create new plants. If you’re eager to get started, head over to Amazon and grab a baby Spider Plant – it’s the perfect way to begin your indoor gardening journey.

Wandering Jew

If you’re seeking to inject some vibrancy into your garden without worrying about pollen allergies, consider the humble Wandering Jew. Its striking zebra-striped foliage and rich purple leaves will undoubtedly add a pop of color to any room.

This adaptable houseplant thrives in moderate light conditions, making it an ideal choice for indoor spaces. To cultivate this plant in water, begin by snipping a stem cutting – ideally around six inches long for optimal growth.

Place the cutting in a clear glass or jar, ensuring the leaves remain above water to prevent rotting. Watching those tiny roots sprout beneath the surface is not only fascinating but also a great way to monitor your plant’s progress.

Ready to get started? Purchase a live Wandering Jew plant from Amazon here.

Lucky Bamboo

Indulge in the auspicious charm of lucky bamboo, a resilient and low-maintenance houseplant that can bring fortune and good luck to your home or office. Its sturdy stalks can thrive in a variety of conditions, including vases filled with water and diverse lighting scenarios. While it’s known for its hardiness, it does require some TLC – avoid direct sunlight as it may cause scorching, but provide more light when the stems begin to stretch or the green hue starts to fade.

For those seeking a hassle-free addition to their space, consider faux potted bamboo plants for creating privacy screens. To get started, simply purchase a live bamboo plant from Amazon and enjoy its benefits.

Peace Lily

The peace lily is a stunning and low-maintenance option for those who want to grow plants in water without soil. This tropical beauty can add an air of elegance to any houseplant collection when displayed in a beautiful glass vase. To ensure the plant thrives, it’s essential to suspend its base above the waterline. You can achieve this by using pebbles or glass stones to keep only the roots submerged in water.

This will prevent the leaves and base from becoming perpetually wet, reducing the risk of rot. If you’re interested in starting your own peace lily in water, simply purchase a live plant online through Amazon.

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Discover the joy of growing a fiddle leaf fig, an indoor plant that’s as easy to cultivate in water as it is striking with its violin-shaped leaves. With minimal care, you can expect roots to begin forming after just four weeks of propagation. As the weeks pass, the cutting will develop into a thriving young plant, ready to be shared or sold. If you’ve struggled to grow fiddle leaf figs in the past, consider opting for a high-quality faux alternative.

To get started with growing your own, simply purchase a baby fiddle leaf fig from Amazon and follow the simple steps to propagation. With time, patience, and proper care, you’ll be enjoying the beauty of this plant in no time.

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is an exceptional houseplant that not only purifies indoor air but also provides supplemental oxygen by removing carbon dioxide and other impurities from the atmosphere. Its ability to thrive in environments with minimal care is truly remarkable. While growing Pothos in water can be a challenge due to algae buildup caused by sunlight and water, cultivating it from cuttings is relatively straightforward.

Furthermore, utilizing dark-colored containers or vases can significantly reduce the likelihood of algae growth. With proper care, you can effortlessly maintain a healthy and thriving plant.

Chinese Evergreen

If you’ve ever been fooled by a fake Chinese evergreen plant in stores or someone’s home, you’re not alone. I know I’ve fallen victim to their realistic appearance too. One of the reasons these fake plants are so convincing is because many are modeled after this very real and beautiful houseplant. If you’re ready to grow your own Chinese evergreen, it’s surprisingly easy to do so in water.

Simply cut off a few inches from an existing plant, leaving enough stem submerged underwater with some leaves above the surface. Make sure the container receives indirect sunlight, such as a window sill, and be patient – within several weeks, you should start to notice roots emerging from the submerged part of the stem.

African Violet

Indulge in the vibrant beauty of African violets, which can be showcased in clear vessels throughout your home. The velvety textures and kaleidoscope of colors they display make them a delightful addition to any space year-round. For an innovative way to propagate new plants, try growing African violets from leaves in water. Select young, healthy leaves with about two inches of stem and keep them dry. After a month or so, roots will start to develop on the stem.

To get your hands on these lovely plants, consider shopping for assortment packs on Amazon.

Baby’s Tears

Baby’s tear produces an abundance of small, rounded leaves, creating a lush and dense trailing effect. Its compact, moss-like appearance is characterized by fleshy stems that spread out in all directions. This low-growing plant thrives when draped decoratively over the edge of a vase or container, where it can showcase its unique texture and form.

In fact, when grown in a jar of water with limited horizontal space, baby’s tear will take on a peculiar appearance, resembling a vibrant green ‘hairdo’. To maintain its health, be sure to change the water regularly – every week or so – to remove any leaves that have begun to rot and threaten the integrity of the plant. If you’re interested in bringing this unique specimen into your home, consider purchasing a small live baby’s tear plant on Amazon.

Begonia

Growing begonias in water is a surprisingly easy process. All you need is one leaf to get started, although it may take around two months for roots to develop. Once they do, you’ll find it hard to stop the begonia’s growth, thanks to its striking appearance and unique leaf shapes. This low-maintenance plant has become a favorite among many homeowners looking to bring some greenery into their indoor spaces.

With over 1,000 species of begonias to choose from, you can’t help but be drawn in by their vibrant leaves and colorful flowers – typically featuring hues of white, yellow, red, and pink. If you’re eager to start propagating your own begonias, Amazon has a wide selection of live plants available for purchase.

Coleus

Coleus plants are a versatile addition to any outdoor or indoor space, thriving despite their love for warmth. Their adaptability makes them an excellent choice for adding a splash of color during fall and winter months when other flowers may be scarce. One of the reasons I’m fond of having Coleus in my home is that it effortlessly brings life to our living areas. Moreover, this plant is incredibly easy to propagate and grow in water.

To start propagating Coleus, simply take a six-inch cutting from a mature plant and place it in a vase filled with water. Ensure at least two nodes are submerged, and position the vase in a bright area, but out of direct sunlight. If you don’t have an established mother plant yet, consider purchasing Coleus seeds on Amazon and growing one first.

Best Vegetables to Grow in Water

Gardening just got a whole lot more exciting with indoor plants that thrive in water. But why stop there? Growing your own veggies from scraps is a game-changer, allowing you to save time and money by avoiding frequent trips to the grocery store for fresh produce. The best part? It’s incredibly easy and requires minimal effort. In fact, many vegetables can be grown in water with ease, without the need for soil. Some of the simplest and most rewarding options include…

Fennel

Indulge in the culinary delight that is fennel, a nutrient-rich bulb with numerous health benefits. Its versatility makes it an excellent addition to stocks, dressings, and salads alike. As you can’t have too much of a good thing, having access to this valuable ingredient is crucial. Fortunately, cultivating fennel in water is surprisingly straightforward. Simply trim the stalks to one to two inches tall, leaving the roots intact, and submerge it in a shallow glass or bowl filled with water.

Place it on a sunny windowsill, wait for it to flourish, and you’ll never run out of this versatile vegetable.

Green Onions

Green onions, also known as scallions, are a type of perennial vegetable that originated in central Asia. These versatile greens are not only a great addition to many dishes, but they’re also packed with essential vitamins, minerals like iron and calcium, and fiber. What’s more, the entire plant is edible, from its long, tender green stalks to its white roots.

While it’s perfectly fine to consume the entire plant, you may want to reserve the white part of the onion, including its roots, for other uses. If you’re interested in growing your own green onions at home, simply place the base of the plant in a glass of water and you’ll have a constant supply of fresh greens.

Lettuce

Lettuce may be a popular choice for sandwiches, salads, wraps, and soups, but did you know that its versatility extends beyond the kitchen? It’s one of those dependable ingredients that can be used in almost any meal throughout the year. Rather than discarding the unused parts, why not give lettuce regrowth a try? Not only is it an eco-friendly approach to reducing food waste, but it’s also remarkably easy.

To start, simply reserve about three inches of the base of the lettuce and place it in a shallow bowl of water. As you wait for small new leaves to emerge in the center, you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly this process unfolds.

Leeks

Leeks are a great option for growing vegetables in water, and surprisingly, they’re quite easy to care for. As members of the Allium family, along with onions and garlic, leeks possess a mild sweetness that makes them perfect for adding depth to soups, stews, and other dishes. Not only do they taste great, but leeks are also packed with nutrients like vitamins A, C, and K, as well as fiber, iron, and manganese, making them a nutritious addition to any meal.

While the green tops of leeks can be used in cooking, it’s worth noting that the white bottoms shouldn’t be discarded – they’re actually capable of regrowing when treated similarly to green onions.

Celery

While I’m not obsessed with staying healthy, I’ve always appreciated the satisfying crunch of celery as a quick snack. That’s why discovering how easy it is to regrow it in water has been a game-changer for me.

What’s more, I’ve never been one to waste anything – including celery scraps. Instead, I use them to cultivate my own stalks. When cutting the celery, I typically trim about two inches from the root end before placing it in a jar or glass filled with water.

It’s essential to submerge only an inch of the root end and maintain the correct water levels.

To keep things thriving, I make sure to change the water every couple of days and provide natural light for optimal growth.

9 Herbs That Grow in Water

Herbs are a culinary magic trick, capable of transforming even the most mundane dishes into flavorful masterpieces. With just a pinch of sage or thyme, your meals can be elevated to new heights. However, obtaining these organic wonders at an affordable price is often out of reach for many of us.

But what if I told you that it’s possible to have a constant supply of fresh herbs without breaking the bank?

It may sound too good to be true, but with just a glass or jar of water and a sunny windowsill, you can grow your own herbs from cuttings. The key is to snip a healthy stem from a mature herb plant, place it in the water, and wait for roots to form.

The process may take some time, depending on the type of herb you’re trying to propagate. But with patience and an ideal location, you’ll be rewarded with an endless supply of new leaves for your kitchen needs.

And as a bonus, they make beautiful home decor. Once you’ve mastered the art of growing herbs in water, you can choose from a wide variety of options.

Most herbs will root within about two weeks, making it easy to get started. From classic favorites like basil and thyme to more exotic options like lemon balm and stevia, there’s an herb out there for everyone. Simply click on the one that catches your eye, and you’ll be taken to a step-by-step guide on how to grow it in water.

The herbs that thrive in water include basil, chives, lemon balm, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, stevia, and thyme.

So what are you waiting for? 🙂

With the misconception that gardens require significant space or maintenance, many people may feel discouraged from bringing some greenery into their homes. However, the truth is that you can still enjoy the benefits of having plants without the hassle of soil and messy pots. Water-based plant cultivation is not only low-maintenance but also a great way to keep your home fresh and healthy.

Not to mention, it’s incredibly easy to care for these aquatic plants – simply provide them with sufficient water and sunlight, and they’ll thrive. This approach offers numerous advantages that can enhance your daily life. If you’re looking to learn more about indoor plant wonders, be sure to check out my article on 9 favorite indoor hanging plants.