10 Best Indoor Plants That Thrive in Water: Easy Guide to Water-Based Gardening.
Growing indoor plants in water is an excellent way to add a touch of greenery to your home without the hassle of soil. This simple, low-maintenance method not only beautifies your space but also helps purify the air and create a calming atmosphere. Here’s a list of 10 indoor plants that can thrive when grown in water, along with some essential care tips.
1. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo is one of the easiest indoor plants to grow in water. It requires minimal light and can grow well in a vase filled with water. To keep it healthy, change the water every two weeks, and add a few drops of liquid fertilizer occasionally.
Why It Thrives in Water: Lucky Bamboo doesn’t need soil and can grow in low light, making it perfect for indoor spaces with limited sunlight.
2. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is a popular plant for indoor water gardens. Known for its heart-shaped leaves, it thrives in low light and is incredibly easy to propagate. Simply place cuttings in a jar of water, and watch them grow roots and new vines.
Why It Thrives in Water: Pothos is known for being hardy and adaptable, making it a fantastic choice for growing in water.
3. Spider Plant
Spider plants are resilient and low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginners. By placing spider plant pups (small shoots) in a container filled with water, you can watch as they develop into new plants with cascading foliage.
Why It Thrives in Water: Spider plants are tough and easy to propagate, and growing them in water requires minimal effort while still offering lush, green growth.
4. Philodendron
Philodendrons come in various shapes and sizes, making them versatile and suitable for a variety of indoor water gardens. Simply place a cutting in a jar with water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Within a few weeks, roots will form, and you’ll have a beautiful, water-grown plant.
Why It Thrives in Water: This plant grows quickly in water and is great for low-light environments, making it ideal for indoor spaces.
5. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen is a hardy and adaptable plant that can thrive in both soil and water. For water growth, place a stem cutting in a vase of water, change the water every two weeks, and watch the roots develop.
Why It Thrives in Water: Known for being easy to care for, Chinese Evergreen can tolerate a variety of conditions, including growing in water.
6. Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are not only known for their stunning white flowers, but they are also excellent air-purifying plants. While they generally prefer soil, they can also grow beautifully in water. Place a cutting in a container with water, and enjoy its graceful foliage and occasional bloom.
Why It Thrives in Water: Peace lilies are resilient and adapt well to water-growing, benefiting from the constant moisture.
7. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium)
The Arrowhead plant, also known as Syngonium, is easy to propagate in water. By cutting a stem with several nodes and placing it in water, you’ll quickly see roots develop and new leaves unfurl, adding beauty to your home.
Why It Thrives in Water: Arrowhead plants grow rapidly in water, and their attractive, arrow-shaped leaves make them a popular choice for indoor gardens.
8. English Ivy
English Ivy is perfect for water gardens due to its ability to quickly develop roots from cuttings. The plant’s cascading vines add an elegant, classic touch to any indoor space.
Why It Thrives in Water: English Ivy is low-maintenance and adaptable, making it an excellent choice for growing in water.
9. Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew is a beautiful plant that adds a vibrant pop of color to your indoor garden. By placing stem cuttings in water, it quickly grows roots, and you’ll soon have multiple new plants to place around your home.
Why It Thrives in Water: Known for its colorful foliage, Wandering Jew thrives in water, making it a great low-maintenance option for busy plant lovers.
10. Delicious Monster (Split-Leaf Philodendron)
The Delicious Monster is an elegant houseplant with large, stunning leaves. It can thrive in water for long periods, making it an attractive option for a stylish indoor space.
Why It Thrives in Water: With its large, showy leaves, the Delicious Monster creates an eye-catching display in any room, and it’s easy to grow in water.
How to Grow Plants in Water: Essential Tips
Growing indoor plants in water is simple, but it requires a bit of knowledge to ensure the plants stay healthy. Here are some key factors to consider:
1. Light Requirements
While growing plants in water, be mindful of their light needs. Most of these plants prefer indirect or low light, but direct sunlight should be avoided, especially if you’re using a glass container. Direct sunlight can cause the water to heat up, which may harm the delicate roots.
2. Fertilizing
Water doesn’t provide the nutrients that soil does, so it’s essential to fertilize your water-grown plants regularly. Use a liquid fertilizer, adding a few drops every few weeks to keep your plants healthy and strong.
3. Temperature Stability
Plants, like people, prefer stable temperatures. Make sure to place your water-grown plants in an area with a consistent temperature, avoiding drafts and extreme heat or cold. A comfortable room temperature is ideal for most indoor plants.
4. Water Changes
Just like soil plants need watering, water-grown plants need fresh water too. Change the water ideally once a week to prevent algae buildup and keep the water oxygenated. Use room temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
5. Water Quality
Tap water can contain chlorine and other minerals that may harm your plants. For best results, use filtered or rainwater, or allow tap water to sit overnight to let the chlorine evaporate.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Water Garden
Growing indoor plants in water is a rewarding, low-maintenance way to bring a touch of nature indoors. With the right care and a few simple steps, you can create a beautiful and thriving water garden that purifies the air and enhances your home’s ambiance. Try experimenting with different plants and containers to find the perfect combination for your indoor oasis!