Indoor Plants That Can Grow in Water: A Guide to Hydroponic Houseplants

Know top 12 Indoor plants that can grow in water, adding vibrant greenery to homes. Hydroponic houseplants, which thrive without soil, are easy to care for. These water-loving plants are perfect for creating a lush indoor garden. Learn expert care tips, benefits, and why these hydroponic houseplants are ideal for beginners and seasoned plant lovers alike. Transform your home with these easy-care, eco-friendly indoor plants today!

In this article, I will explore the top 12 indoor plants that can grow in water, highlighting their care tips, benefits, and why they’re ideal for hydroponic setups. Let’s dive into the world of water-grown houseplants or hydroponic houseplants!

Below are the top 12 easy-care houseplants that thrive in water, complete with care tips to ensure they flourish.

Top 12 Hydroponic Houseplants

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos growing in water

Pothos Care Tips

1. Pothos is forgiving, adaptable, and adds a cascading effect to shelves or hanging displays.
2. Place a stem cuttings in a glass container with water, ensuring the nodes are submerged.
3. Change the water every 1–2 weeks to prevent stagnation.
4. Trim vines to encourage bushier growth.
5. Ideal for low-light or indirect light environments.

2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Despite its name, it’s not true bamboo but a member of the Dracaena family. Lucky bamboo is a feng shui plant for its ability to bring positive energy. This plant thrives in water and is often sold in decorative vases. Its unique, sculptural look and feng shui benefits make it a stylish addition to any home. How to grow lucky bamboo

Lucky Bamboo Growing in Water

Lucky Bamboo Care Tips

1. Submerge the roots in 1–2 inches of water, using distilled or filtered water to avoid chemical buildup.
2. Place in indirect light to prevent leaf burn.
3. Clean the container monthly to keep the water fresh.
4. Add pebbles for stability and aesthetic appeal.

3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities and arching, striped leaves. They produce “pups” (baby plants) that can be easily propagated in water, making them a great choice for hydroponic houseplants. Spider plants are pet-friendly and excellent for improving indoor air quality. How to care for Spider plant

Spider Plant Care Tips

1. Place a spider plant pup in water, ensuring the base is submerged.
2. Keep in bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
3. Change water weekly to maintain clarity and prevent algae.
4. Once roots develop, you can keep it in water or transfer to soil.

Spider Plant growing in Water

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies are elegant indoor plants with glossy leaves and white, hood-like flowers. While they typically grow in soil, their cuttings can thrive in water with proper care. Peace lilies thrive in indoor low-light conditions, perfect for offices or shaded rooms. My peace lily is thriving in water for the last 7 years, producing several flowers every year. How to grow Peace Lily

Peace Lily Growing in Water

Peace Lily Care Tips

1. Place stem cuttings in a vase with water, ensuring no leaves are submerged.
2. Position in low to moderate light to avoid scorching.
3. Refresh water every 7–10 days and clean the vase to prevent bacteria.
4. Add a few drops of liquid fertilizer monthly for nutrients.

5. Philodendron

Philodendrons are versatile indoor plants with lush, heart-shaped leaves. Many varieties, like the heartleaf philodendron, can grow in water indefinitely, making them ideal for hydroponic setups. Their trailing vines create a lush, jungle-like vibe, perfect for shelves or hanging displays.

Philodendron Care Tips

1. Cut a stem with at least one node and place it in water.
2. Keep in bright, indirect light for vibrant growth.
3. Change water every 1–2 weeks to prevent cloudiness.
4. Trim yellowing leaves to maintain health.

6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English ivy is a classic climbing plant that adapts well to water-based environments. Its vibrant green leaves add a touch of elegance to any space. English ivy is perfect for creating vertical greenery or draping over edges.

English ivy Care Tips

1. Place cuttings with nodes in a clear container filled with water.
2. Position in indirect light to prevent leaf burn.
3. Change water weekly and clean the container to avoid algae.
4. Prune regularly to control growth and shape.

7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Keywords: Chinese evergreens is low-maintenance hydroponic plants known for their beautiful colorful, patterned leaves and adaptability. They can thrive in water, making them a great choice for hydroponic houseplants. Their striking foliage adds a pop of color to any room. How to grow Chinese Evergreen Plant from cutting

Aglaonema Care Tips

1. Use stem cuttings with nodes and submerge in water.
2. Place in low to medium light for best results.
3. Change water every 7–10 days and add liquid fertilizer monthly.
4. Keep away from cold drafts to prevent leaf drop.

8. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)

Wandering Jew plants are prized for their vibrant purple and green leaves. Their bold colors and fast growth make them a standout in any collection. They root easily in water, making them a top pick for water propagation and water-grown houseplants. Just put some cuttings in water, and they will root in a few days and flourish for years to come.

Wandering Jew Growing in Water

Wandering Jew Care Tips

1. Place stem cuttings in water, ensuring nodes are submerged.
2. Keep in bright, indirect light to maintain vivid colors.
3. Change water weekly to prevent stagnation. If you do not change water for long time, then the color of leaves will change from green to red.
4. Trim leggy stems to encourage fuller growth.

9. Coleus

Coleus plants are known for their stunning, multicolored leaves. They can be propagated and grown in water, adding a burst of color due to vibrant foliage to your indoor space. Coleus offers endless variety with its vivid foliage patterns. Grow Coleus from cuttings

Coleus Care Tips

1. Take stem cuttings and place them in water, covering the nodes.
2. Position in bright, indirect light to enhance leaf color.
3. Refresh water every 7–10 days and clean the container.
4. Pinch back tips to promote bushier growth.

10. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

Monstera, often called the Swiss cheese plant, is a trendy indoor tropical plant with iconic split leaves. Its cuttings can thrive in water, making it a great addition to hydroponic setups.

Monstera Care Tips

1. Place a stem cutting with a node in a water-filled container.
2. Keep in bright, indirect light to encourage growth.
3. Change water every 1–2 weeks and add liquid fertilizer monthly.
4. Support vines with a stake if they grow long.

11. Anthurium

Anthuriums, often called flamingo flowers, are stunning indoor plants known for their vibrant, heart-shaped blooms and glossy leaves. Certain varieties can be propagated and grown in water, adding a tropical flair to your hydroponic collection. Anthuriums bring bold color and a tropical vibe, perfect for statement pieces in your home. How to propagate Anthurium

Anthurium in Water

Anthurium Care Tips

1. Take a stem cutting with a node and place it in a water-filled container.
2. Keep in bright, indirect light to maintain vibrant blooms.
3. Change water every 7–10 days and clean the container to prevent bacteria.
4. Add a diluted liquid fertilizer monthly to support growth.

12. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, are hardy indoor plants with long, upright leaves. While typically grown in soil, their cuttings can root and thrive in water with proper care. My snake plant is thriving in water for the last 3 years, producing several new leaves. How to grow Snake plant in water

Snake Plant Growing in Water, Decoration Ideas

Tips for Growing Indoor Plants in Water

To ensure your hydroponic houseplants thrive, follow these general care tips:

Use Clean Containers: Glass jars or vases work best, allowing you to monitor water clarity and root health. Regularly clean containers and change water to prevent algae and bacteria growth.

Water Quality: Use filtered or distilled water to prevent chemical buildup.

Nutrients: Add a few drops of liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks to provide essential nutrients.

Light: Most water-grown plants prefer bright, indirect light, but always check specific plant needs.

Benefits of Hydroponic Houseplants

Why Choose Indoor House Plants That Grow in Water?

By choosing plants that grow in water, you can enjoy lush greenery with minimal effort. Growing plants in water, also known as hydroponics, offers several advantages:

Aesthetic Appeal: Transparent containers showcase roots, adding a modern touch.

Clean and Tidy: Eliminates messy soil spills, making it ideal for apartments.

Low Maintenance: No need to worry about soil or overwatering.

Eco-Friendly: Reduces the need for frequent repotting and soil use.

Space-Saving: Perfect for small apartments or offices.

Low Cost: No need for pots, soil, or frequent repotting.

Educational: Watching roots grow in transparent containers is fascinating for kids and adults alike.

Versatile: Easily move or rearrange plants without the mess of soil.

Conclusion

Incorporating indoor plants that can grow in water into your home is a simple, stylish, and sustainable way to enhance your living space. By following the care tips outlined above, you can create a thriving indoor garden with minimal effort. Start with one of these top 12 indoor plants and watch your home transform into a green oasis!

Choose your favorite water-grown plant from this list, grab a glass container, and start your journey into the world of hydroponic houseplants today!

Video of Growing fruits in containers