The best indoor plants that grow in water make it easy to add greenery to your home with minimal effort. No messy soil, no complicated care routines – just a container, some water, and a little patience.
But which plants are best suited for water-growing – and how can you keep them thriving long-term?
Let’s explore the top options and simple tips for growing plants in water.
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. Pothos
Pothos is perfect for water growth. You just need to snip a cutting below the node and place it in water. Watch as it takes root and thrives.
They’re really low-maintenance, making them ideal for beginners. Change the water every couple of weeks to keep your plant healthy. A bright spot with indirect light works best, but they’re quite forgiving.
Varieties like Golden Pothos and Marble Queen add a splash of color to your space. You’ll enjoy how adaptable they are. Just ensure the cutting doesn’t dry out, and you’ll have a beautiful addition to your indoor garden.
2. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo is an easy plant to grow in water. It’s not a bamboo but a type of Dracaena. You’ll find it can thrive with minimal care.
Use a clear container filled with water, and ensure the roots are submerged. Place some stones for support. Change the water every two weeks to keep it fresh.
Maintain the plant in indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight might lead to leaf burn. Lucky Bamboo brings a touch of greenery and is considered to enhance positive energy in spaces.
3. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are great because they can thrive in water alone. You don’t need a pot full of soil to keep them happy. These plants are also known for their air-purifying qualities.
Simply place the roots in water and watch them grow. Change the water every couple of weeks to keep it fresh. Make sure they’re getting indirect sunlight. Peace lilies are low-maintenance, making them perfect for busy people or beginners.
4. Philodendron
Philodendrons are popular for growing in water, making them perfect for beginners. They adapt well to different environments and thrive with minimal care. You can enjoy their lush green leaves without the fuss of soil.
Consider yourself a houseplant pro? Take this quiz and prove it!
All you need is a glass jar or vase, clean water, and a cutting with a few leaves. Change the water every couple of weeks to keep them healthy. They prefer indirect light, so a spot near a window works well.
With their vibrant leaves, they add a touch of nature to your space, creating a pleasant environment.
5. Spider Plant
Spider plants thrive beautifully in water. They’re easy to grow, making them a popular choice for beginners. With their arching green and white striped leaves, they add a lively touch to any room.
To grow one in water, place the plant’s roots in a jar, making sure to change the water every week or so. Avoid putting them in direct sunlight, as it can scorch their leaves. They do well in bright, indirect light.
6. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreen is easy to care for, making it a great choice for both beginners and experts. You can grow it in water, just remember to change the water regularly to keep the plant healthy. This plant thrives in low light, which makes it perfect for those cozy indoor spots with limited sunlight.
It features glossy, dark green leaves with vibrant patterns, bringing a touch of nature indoors. Simply place the stems in a container with water, and it will do the rest. This low-maintenance plant fits perfectly into any home setting.
7. Coleus
Coleus is a great choice for growing in water, thriving with its vibrant foliage. It doesn’t require much sunlight, making it ideal for indoor spaces. You can easily propagate coleus by taking cuttings and placing them in water.
Change the water every couple of weeks to keep it fresh. Coleus enjoys moderate temperatures, so avoid placing it near cold drafts. Regularly trim the stems to encourage bushier growth.
8. Chameleon Plant
The Chameleon Plant is an adaptable choice that grows well in water. You can enjoy its vibrant foliage, which includes shades of green, yellow, and red. It’s one of the few plants that thrives without soil while adding a splash of color to your home.
Place it in a jar or vase with water, and it’ll soon flourish. It’s easy to care for, requiring regular water changes to stay healthy. This plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions too.
The Chameleon Plant is both decorative and functional in any indoor space.
9. Prayer Plant
The Prayer Plant is great if you enjoy having unique plants in your space. It thrives in water, which makes it low-maintenance. The leaves fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer, adding a touch of beauty to your home.
Change the water every couple of weeks to keep it fresh. Make sure you place it in indirect sunlight. This plant enjoys a little humidity, so it might appreciate an occasional misting.
With its striking patterns and easy care, it’s a wonderful choice for any indoor garden.
10. Wandering Jew
The Wandering Jew is a vibrant houseplant that’s easy to grow in water. Its striking purple and green leaves add color indoors. Place a cutting in a jar or vase, and it’ll root quickly.
Change the water every couple of weeks to keep it fresh and prevent odors. This plant likes bright, indirect sunlight. Keep it out of direct sun to avoid damaging the leaves.
11. Water Wisteria
Water Wisteria is a fantastic plant for your indoor water garden. It thrives when its roots are submerged, making it an easy choice for water-based cultivation. You’ll enjoy its vibrant green foliage which can enhance any room.
Keep Water Wisteria in a sunny spot for the best growth. It prefers temperatures between 70-82°F. Changing the water every week will maintain the plant and prevent algae growth.
12. Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet potato vines are an attractive choice for growing in water. They’re easy to care for and add a vibrant green touch to any space. You just need a sweet potato, a glass container, and some water.
Place the sweet potato halfway in water with toothpicks to hold it up. You’ll see roots grow from the bottom and beautiful leaves sprout on top. Keep the water fresh by changing it every few weeks.
Be sure to place it in a sunny spot so it can thrive. Sweet potato vines are not just pretty to look at – they’re simple to maintain, making them ideal for beginners.
13. English Ivy
You can grow English ivy easily in water. This adaptable plant only needs a bright spot and a little care. You’ll love how lively it looks.
Place a cutting in a jar and fill it with water. Change the water each week to keep it fresh. It prefers indirect light, so try not to keep it under direct sunlight. English ivy adds greenery without taking up much space.
14. Umbrella Papyrus
Umbrella Papyrus is a great choice for growing in water. You’ll find it thrives in shallow containers or water gardens. Its tall, slender stems rise from the base, topped with unique clusters that resemble an umbrella.
Position this plant in bright, indirect light for best growth. Change the water regularly to keep it fresh and prevent odors. While it prefers temperatures above 60°F, it can adapt to various indoor environments.
15. Fiddle Leaf Fig
The Fiddle Leaf Fig can thrive in water for a while, making it an interesting plant to grow indoors. It’s known for its large, glossy leaves that bring a touch of green elegance to any room. You’ll need a transparent container to support the cuttings as they take root.
Change the water regularly to keep it fresh and avoid stagnation. Ensure the container receives bright, indirect light to promote healthy growth. Be patient, as it may take some time for the roots to develop fully.
16. Begonia
Begonias are a great choice if you want a plant that thrives in water. They do well with just their stems submerged, and you’ll notice roots forming in no time. It’s a simple way to add greenery to your space.
They like bright, indirect light and can adapt to various indoor environments. You may see flowers from time to time, adding a bit of color. Just change the water regularly to keep them healthy.
17. Purple Heart Plant
You’re going to love the Purple Heart plant if you’re looking for a colorful indoor option. This plant has vibrant purple leaves and grows well in water. It’s also quite easy to care for, making it perfect for beginners.
Simply place a cutting in water and watch it thrive. Make sure it gets enough light to maintain its vivid color. Change the water regularly to keep the plant healthy.
Purple Heart plants don’t just look good – they purify the air as well. This makes them a beautiful and practical addition to your home.