Growing plants in water instead of soil may sound super high-tech, but it’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it. Some houseplants take to hydroponics really well and can thrive with very little fuss.
But not every plant is built for life without soil – so which ones actually do well?
The best hydroponic plants to grow indoors are the ones that can adapt easily and still look great while doing it. If you’re curious about making the switch, these are my picks for the most solid options to start with.
Table of Contents
Quick Care Guide for Most Common Houseplants 💚
⭐ How to start? Easy, hard-to-kill plants like Monstera or Pothos are usually a great starting point.
💧 Water: Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, but avoid letting them sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
🌱 Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix designed for indoor plants - I personally use this one. A mix with peat, perlite, or coco coir is great for avoiding soggy roots.
☀️ Light: Most houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause leaf drop, while direct sun may scorch the leaves.
🌡️ Temperature: Keep them between 60-75°F (15-24°C) and away from drafts, heaters or air conditioners.
🌿 Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (my top pick is this Miracle-Gro one) once a month during spring and summer. Hold off during fall and winter.
1. Basil
Basil is a popular pick for indoor hydroponics because it grows quickly and doesn’t need much space. You can snip leaves often, which helps keep the plant productive.
You’ll want to give it plenty of light – at least six hours a day works best. Most hydroponic systems do well with basil, so you don’t need anything fancy.
It grows well year-round indoors, and you can use the leaves in a lot of dishes. Just keep the roots moist and check for any pests. You’ll enjoy fresh basil without much fuss.
2. Lettuce
Lettuce is one of the easiest plants to try when you’re starting out with indoor hydroponics. It grows quickly, and you won’t have to wait long to see results. Most varieties do well indoors and don’t need much attention once you set them up.
You can harvest leaves as you need them instead of picking the whole plant. Leaf lettuces are especially popular because they keep producing more if you just trim what you want.
The plants like cool temperatures and plenty of light, so putting your setup near a bright window or using grow lights works well. Just keep the nutrients balanced and check water levels regularly – that’s usually enough to keep your lettuce healthy.
3. Tomatoes
Tomatoes do really well with hydroponic systems, especially smaller varieties like cherry or grape tomatoes. You can grow them indoors year-round, as long as they get enough light. A sunny window can work, but grow lights usually give you more reliable results.
You’ll want to support the plants as they grow, since the stems aren’t very sturdy. Simple stakes or cages work well to keep them upright.
Give your tomatoes a steady supply of nutrients and keep an eye on moisture. They may need pruning so the plants don’t get too unruly indoors.
4. Spinach
Spinach does well in a hydroponic system and you won’t have to worry much about soil mess. It prefers cooler temperatures, so keeping your growing space a bit cooler will help these leaves thrive.
Consider yourself a houseplant pro? Take this quiz and prove it!
You’ll see sprouting in just a few days, and the leaves usually reach harvest size within a month. It’s a quick option if you want to enjoy fresh greens without a long wait.
Keep the water clean and make sure the roots get enough oxygen. Since spinach likes steady moisture and consistent nutrients, a deep water culture or nutrient film technique both work well.
5. Strawberries
Strawberries are a popular choice for indoor hydroponics. You can enjoy the fruit without waiting for warm weather, and the plants don’t take up much room.
You’ll need plenty of light for them – a grow light works best. It usually takes a few weeks for flowers to show, and then berries start forming.
Choose everbearing varieties if you want a longer picking season. Keep the water clean and the roots supported, and you’ll have fresh strawberries soon.
Pollination indoors can be tricky. Gently shake the plants or use a soft brush to help move pollen from flower to flower.
6. Kale
Kale grows well in indoor hydroponic setups, and you won’t need massive systems or special tools. This leafy green likes cooler temperatures, so it usually does best inside your home rather than outdoors in hot weather.
You can start harvesting baby leaves pretty quickly compared to some other plants. Just snip what you need, and the plant will keep growing more leaves for you.
Kale doesn’t need much space and isn’t too fussy about light as long as it gets 10-12 hours daily. It’s easy to keep your greens clean and safe because you control the growing environment indoors.
7. Mint
Mint grows quickly in water and doesn’t need much attention. You’ll notice how fast it sends out roots and new leaves once it gets started in your setup.
It prefers a spot with lots of indirect light, but it can handle some shade too. You’ll want to trim it regularly so it keeps producing fresh growth.
The leaves are great for tea, cocktails, or tossing into dishes. Its strong scent can help keep some pests away from your other plants.
8. Arugula
Arugula is quick to grow, making it a popular choice for indoor hydroponic setups. You’ll notice its leaves start popping up in as little as a week after planting.
The flavor is peppery and fresh, adding a punch to salads and sandwiches. Since it grows fast, you can harvest small leaves often.
This plant doesn’t need a complicated setup. Just make sure it gets steady light and consistent moisture, and you’ll have a steady supply for your kitchen.
Arugula doesn’t mind cooler temperatures. That means it’s a solid pick if your grow space tends to run a bit cool.
9. Swiss Chard
Swiss chard is a colorful vegetable you can easily grow indoors using hydroponics. It grows quickly and doesn’t need much looking after, so you won’t have to do a lot to keep it healthy.
You can harvest the outer leaves as they mature, letting the inner leaves keep growing. That way, you’ll get a steady supply without having to replant often.
Swiss chard prefers moderate light, so using a standard LED grow light works well. You don’t need extra special nutrients – just make sure your system has enough magnesium and iron.
This veggie holds up well in a variety of recipes, from sautéed greens to soups. It’s a handy choice if you want a steady indoor crop that looks nice and adds color to your setup.
10. Cucumbers
Cucumbers are a solid choice for hydroponic setups. They grow fast and usually give plenty of produce when you keep the lights bright and temperatures steady.
You’ll want to provide lots of space since they tend to sprawl and send out fast-moving vines. Trellises or supports will help keep your setup organized.
Hydroponic cucumbers need steady moisture and a nutrient-rich solution. Choose smaller varieties, like bush types, to make things easier indoors.
Regular pruning keeps plants tidy and helps prevent fungal problems. Keep an eye on the water for any changes so the roots stay healthy.
11. Green Onions
Green onions do really well in hydroponic setups and don’t need a lot of space. You can start them from seeds or by regrowing the roots from ones you’ve bought at the store.
They grow quickly, and you’ll notice regrowth just days after trimming. Because they don’t need much light, even a small setup in your kitchen works fine.
You’ll get a steady supply for soups, salads, and garnishes. They’re also pretty forgiving if you forget to check the water or nutrients now and then.
12. Bell Peppers
Bell peppers can add a bit of color to your hydroponic setup. They come in several shades like green, red, orange, and yellow. You might be surprised at how well they grow without soil.
You’ll want to check that your system provides enough light, as peppers need plenty to thrive. A temperature range between 70 and 80°F is ideal for steady growth.
Pollination is simple – just give the flowers a gentle shake or use a small brush, since there’s no wind indoors. Bell peppers are ready to pick when they’re firm and reach their full color.
Harvesting your own bell peppers lets you enjoy fresh, crisp produce right at home. With a bit of patience, you’ll have a steady supply for recipes or snacking.
13. Thyme
Thyme is a compact herb that’s easy to care for indoors. It works well in small hydroponic setups, so you won’t need a lot of space. The plant needs plenty of light, so placing it near a window or using a grow light is helpful.
You’ll notice thyme has a strong, fresh scent when you pinch or trim its stems. Regular harvesting keeps the plant bushy and encourages growth. You can use the fresh leaves right away or let them dry for later.
Thyme adds a subtle flavor to soups, stews, and roasted vegetables. It’s a great herb to have on hand for simple, home-cooked meals. Clean hydroponic systems help keep thyme healthy and free from pests.
14. Oregano
Oregano grows well indoors using hydroponic systems and doesn’t need much space. You can easily snip off leaves whenever you need some for your cooking.
This herb prefers plenty of light, so keep it near a sunny window or use grow lights. Oregano isn’t fussy about water but appreciates consistent moisture and occasional trimming.
You’ll find that it responds quickly to hydroponic setups. Fresh oregano tastes much stronger than dried, so you only need a little for most recipes.
15. Parsley
Parsley does really well in water-based growing setups. It likes steady moisture and simple care, so you won’t need to hover over it all the time.
This herb is slow to start from seed, but once it sprouts, you’ll get steady growth. Choose curly or flat-leaf types depending on your preference.
You can snip small amounts when you need a quick garnish or want more flavor in your cooking. Bright light is key – aim for at least six hours of light each day so your plant stays healthy.
Keep the water clean and give it some nutrients every few weeks. That way, you’ll have fresh leaves to pick almost any time.
16. Chives
Chives are a great way to add fresh green flavor to salads, baked potatoes, or soups. You can grow them in small spaces and snip what you need without digging anything up.
They don’t need a ton of light compared to some other plants, but having a sunny spot or grow light helps. You’ll notice chives sprout quickly in water or hydroponic systems.
These plants have shallow roots, so they fit nicely in compact setups. Just keep the water clean and trim them regularly, and you’ll have a steady supply.
17. Watercress
Watercress is a fast-growing green that’s easy to manage with a hydroponic setup. It thrives in constantly moist conditions, so you won’t have to worry about it drying out.
The leaves are mild and peppery, making them a nice addition to salads or sandwiches. You can harvest watercress as soon as the leaves reach a decent size, usually within a few weeks.
With just a bit of light and steady airflow, watercress will keep producing fresh greens. Regular trims help encourage more growth and keep your plants healthy.
Hydroponic Plant Care Tips
You’ll get the best growth and health from your system when you get the key basics right. Focus on providing the right light, nutrients, temperature, and humidity at each stage of growth to avoid common issues.
Lighting Requirements
Good lighting is crucial for strong, healthy indoor plants. Most hydroponic setups use either full-spectrum LED or fluorescent grow lights.
You’ll want to provide 12 to 16 hours of light each day for leafy greens and herbs, and about 14 to 18 hours for fruiting plants like tomatoes.
Keep the lights about 6 to 12 inches above the tops of your plants. Adjust the height as plants grow.
Remember that too much light can cause leaf burn, while too little will result in leggy, pale growth. Because of this, it’s best to always use a timer to keep lighting consistent.
For best results:
- Clean dust or residue off your lights regularly.
- Replace bulbs as needed to maintain brightness.
- Keep light distance uniform across your plants.
Balancing Nutrients
Proper nutrition is key indoors, since your plants rely entirely on what’s in your solution. Use a complete hydroponic nutrient mix containing nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and trace elements. Mix according to the label and adjust based on plant type and size.
Check the nutrient solution’s electrical conductivity (EC) and pH at least once a week. Most plants do well with an EC between 1.0 and 2.5 mS/cm and a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Use a digital meter for the most accurate readings.
Too much fertilizer can cause salt buildup, leading to nutrient lockout or root burn. Refresh your nutrient solution every 1 to 2 weeks and rinse out your hydroponic reservoir. Watch for yellowing leaves or slowed growth as signs you may need to recalibrate your mix.
Controlling Temperature and Humidity
Room temperature for most hydroponic plants should stay between 65°F and 75°F during the day, with nighttime temperatures no lower than 60°F. Staying in this range avoids stress and supports consistent growth.
Humidity should be between 40% and 70%, depending on the plant’s stage. Seedlings prefer higher humidity – up to 70% – while mature plants do best around 50%.
A small fan helps air circulate and prevents mold. If humidity rises too much, try a dehumidifier or open a window. In drier rooms, use a humidifier or shallow trays of water near your plants.
Use a digital thermometer and hygrometer to check conditions daily. Consistent monitoring helps you catch problems before they affect your plants.