Many houseplants are types of plants that grow well in water. If you want an easy way to care for indoor plants, growing plants in water is ideal. Plants grown without soil require less care because they are less susceptible to pests and diseases and do not require regular watering.
How to grow plants in water
If you want to grow houseplants in water, you can start with mature plants or cuttings that were previously grown in soil. I tried both methods with good results, although I personally prefer using cuttings: this saves me the time of having to remove the roots first, and also eliminates the slight risk of the plant not adapting to life in water.
We will discuss many different plants that grow in water. You can take almost anything (vines grow particularly vigorously), cut a piece off, and put it in a pretty vase. Just make sure the stems are submerged but the leaves are not.
Light requirements
One of the only challenges with growing indoor plants hydroponically is finding the right spot for them in your home. Placing them on a windowsill exposed to direct sunlight is usually a bit too much as it can overheat the water.
Too much light can also promote algae growth, unless you use opaque containers or dark-colored jars (such as amber bottles, dark gray bottles, or dark blue jars).
Instead, choose a plant that can tolerate indirect light (some of which we’ll discuss below) and place it in a bright but sunny location.
Be sure to avoid drafty areas of the house as you don’t want the water to get too cold here either.
Fertilizer
If you’re now wondering how on earth your plant gets the nutrients it needs to thrive when it’s grown in water instead of soil, that’s a legitimate concern. Fortunately, it is now easy to find specialized fertilizers suitable for hydroponic farming. For plants that are already well established, you can use them according to the instructions on the container.
1. Peace lily
One of the most popular hydroponic growing options. This tropical aroid is a classic houseplant because of its easy care and beautiful white flowers, and it grows well in water. Provide your plants with bright, indirect light and extra nutrients so they bloom most of the year.
2. Lucky bamboo
Did you know that Lucky Bamboo is not actually a real bamboo? It belongs to the extremely popular houseplant genus Dracaena, which also includes dracaena and corn plants.
When it comes to aquatic plants, lucky bamboo is the first choice. In fact, you will almost never see them for sale while grown in soil. I’ve been growing a few plants in a simple vase for years, but I’ve never thought about adding fertilizer!
3. Pothos
Yes, the classic pothos, everyone’s favorite low-maintenance houseplant, is a great choice for hydroponic growing. Since it’s a vine, you can cut a piece off anywhere on the stem and place it in a pretty vase to root.
It may not be the fastest growing, but it can handle low light conditions like a champ. There are many different varieties to choose from: try ‘N’Joy’, ‘Marble Queen’, ‘Manjula’, or just the classic golden-speckled pothos.
4. Anthurium
I’m seeing more and more houseplant and home decor stores selling water flamingo flowers, and it’s easy to see why. This popular alocasia, also called anthurium, produces colorful, waxy flowers that contrast beautifully with its white roots when stored in clear containers.
5. Monstera adansonii
The classic large-leaved Monstera deliciosa may not be the best choice for aquatic plants because it is too bulky, but its smaller relative Monstera deliciosa is a good choice.
This species, also known as Swiss Cheese Vine, has similar perforate leaves (leaves with holes) but does not grow as clumsily as its larger relatives. Roots in water and grows easily.
6.Tradescantia zebrina
Like the purple dew plant, the inch plant of the genus Viola (also known as the wandering jew plant) is one of the strongest, fastest-growing, and fastest-rooting houseplants on the market.
Because these plants are so easy to grow, it’s no surprise that they thrive in water as well. Their pink, purple and silver leaves look beautiful in a simple vase! For added embellishment, choose from the three-color version.
7. Begonia
You may have begonias growing on your patio or patio; these plants add a pop of color to container gardens and are a summer favorite. With their waxy leaves and succulent stems, they also make a great houseplant.
You can grow waxy begonias, tuber begonias, angel wing begonias or king begonias in water. For wax begonias, cut off the stem and place it in water. For tuberous begonias, angel wing begonias and rex begonias, single leaves with stems create a simple, elegant display.
8. Spider plant
The spider plant is another long-standing classic houseplant that, for some reason, no one puts in water. In fact, it is an excellent choice for hydroponic cultivation.
This species has low light requirements and does not require much light to grow. Additionally, offsets are created for easy separation. Grow your own army of hydroponic houseplants to keep or give as gifts!
