There are many reasons to keep indoor plants — they’re good for our mental health, they help improve air quality, and hey, they look great!
But if you forget to water that spider plant for a few weeks, it probably looks… less than great.
Watering is one of the trickier aspects of plant care, since you can easily overwater or underwater a plant — and accidentally kill it. (Whoops.)
One way to avoid those problems? Growing plants in water! It works with many varieties of indoor plants, and your main considerations will be light, fertiliser, and changing the water when necessary.
Skip the stress of wondering if you need to give your plant a drink. Here are some of the best plants that grow in water — perfect for your home.
List of Indoor Plants that Grow in Water
- Aglaonemas
- Anthuriums
- Begonias
- Chinese money plant
- Herbs
- Lucky bamboo
- Monsteras
- Peace lily
- Philodendrons
- Pothos
- Prayer plants
- Spider plants
- Sweet potato vine
- Syngoniums
- Tradescantias
Can I Grow Plants in Water?
Yes, you can — they can even grow in water permanently!
One of the biggest benefits of growing plants in water (called hydroponics) is that you won’t have to water them.
With hydroponic setups, you don’t run the risk of overwatering or underwatering a plant — the water’s already there! There’s no soggy soil that will suffocate the roots and lead to rot, and no danger that your plant will dry out, either.
This also means you can leave your plants at home for prolonged periods, so long as they get enough sunlight. No need to worry if your friend kept their promise to give your plants a drink.
Moreover, growing your plants in water minimises the risk of soil-borne diseases (like fungi) and pests.
How to Grow Plants in Water
Before you go dunking your newest plant in a jar of water, it’s important to know how to care for hydroponic plants.
What containers to use for plants in water
You can use any watertight container, so long as the opening isn’t too narrow. Otherwise, you won’t be able to take the plant out without damaging the roots (or the container).
Additionally, you want the container to keep the plant upright without the leaves touching the water, as that could lead to rot.
Some commonly-used containers include propagation stations, recycled glass jars, mason jars, and bottles. Some people even get creative, using test tubes or old lightbulbs!
Many people prefer to use clear glass containers since they make it easier to monitor root growth. However, clear glass lets in more light, so it increases the chances of algae growth and makes it more visible.
Try using coloured or translucent containers (like a dark green bottle) to lessen the risk of algae blooms.
What water to use for hydroponic plants
Generally, lukewarm tap water should be fine — with some exceptions.
If your tap water has high levels of chlorine or chloramine, you’ll need to leave it out to sit for 24 hours beforehand or use a dechlorinator.
Meanwhile, if you live in a hard water area, you’ll need to filter the water first. High mineral or salt content can contribute to fertiliser burn, leading to wilting leaves with yellow or brown spots.
You can also use rain water, but make sure it’s clear of dirt and debris first!
Avoid reverse osmosis or distilled water (unless recommended), as these have a low amount of minerals that your plant needs to thrive.
Never use hot or cold water, which can shock the plant. As much as possible, keep the water consistently lukewarm.
How often to change the water for plants growing in water
A good rule of thumb is to change the water every 1–2 weeks, or when the water starts becoming murky. You can top up the water levels in between to ensure the roots are covered.
Regularly changing the water keeps it oxygenated, which is important for the root system. It also minimises algae buildup.
If there is significant cloudiness or algae growth, replace the water sooner! And don’t forget to give the container a quick wash with some soap and water.
For more sophisticated hydroponic setups, some people use an air stone, which diffuses air into the water to keep it oxygenated.
How much light to give plants that grow in water
Light can be tricky when growing plants in water. Too much light can heat up the water or cause algae blooms.
You want to place your plant in bright, indirect light — such as near an east- or northeast-facing window here in Australia. Keep the plant out of direct sunlight, especially in the afternoon.
Alternatively, place your plants under a full-spectrum grow light!
How to fertilise plants growing in water
Since water doesn’t have the same nutrient levels as soil, fertiliser becomes essential when growing plants in water.
Use a water-soluble fertiliser every 2–3 weeks (or every 3rd time you change the water). Follow the instructions on the package and do not add more than necessary.
Our Favourite Indoor Plants to Grow in Water
If we tried to list all the plants for hydroponics, we’d be here all day. But we did put together a list of our top indoor plants that grow in water here in Australia.
Aglaonemas
Aglaonema varieties are great for growing in water, especially for beginners!
Despite the nickname “Chinese evergreen,” an aglaonema is a tropical plant. It comes in a range of colours and patterns, from silvery green to deep pink.
Aglaonemas grow from long stems, so you can place them in bottles or vases. Just be mindful of the foliage, which can get large — you’ll need to prune regularly to keep your plants from tipping over.
Fortunately, aglaonemas grow much more slowly in water than in soil, so your plant shouldn’t get too unruly.
Anthuriums
It might feel like a tall task to grow a flowering plant in water, but it can be done — like with anthuriums!
They’ll make a great feature plant, as the brightly-coloured flowers contrast with the exposed white roots. You can even add light-coloured pebbles to the container for an Instagram-worthy display.
Anthuriums need a bit more care when grown in water, though. In particular, you’ll need to fertilise them regularly so the plants have energy to create flowers.
Begonias
Begonias are also excellent flowering plants to grow in water, thanks to their thick stems with many leaf nodes. Just place the stem cuttings in a container and let the roots develop.
Wax begonias are the easiest to start with, but you can also grow other types with proper care.
The one downside is that cuttings take a while to develop roots, sometimes needing over a month. You can give them a “boost” by adding a pothos or philodendron cutting to release more rooting hormone.
Make sure to change the water weekly to minimise the risk of rot.
Chinese money plant
Chinese money plants (Pilea peperomioides) are also called “pancake plants” or “coin plants” due to their coin-shaped foliage.
They’re very easy to grow in water, especially if you’re taking cuttings or if your plant is putting out babies (aka new, tiny plants).
For cuttings, start your new Chinese money plant in a small container while it grows new roots. You can size up once the roots are a few centimetres long, with secondary roots coming in.
Change the water regularly and watch out for etiolation, or leggy growth due to lack of light.
Herbs
You can grow several herbs in water, including basil, oregano, rosemary, and mint! In particular, mint is a great candidate since growing the herb in water can prevent it from spreading.
Like other plants, it’s best to propagate herbs in water and allow them to grow in a hydroponic setup. Be careful when taking cuttings — you want to avoid woody stems, which do not root easily and can rot.
For herbs that need lots of consistent light (like basil), it’s better to keep them under a grow light. This also lowers the risk of algae blooms.
NOTE: They’re not herbs, but you can regrow garlic scapes and scallions in water! Just pop your grocery scraps (like bulbs) in a shallow container and place them where they get sunlight.
Lucky bamboo
Add a touch of elegance to a space by growing some lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) in water!
The stems of lucky bamboo (which is not actually a type of bamboo) look great in simple glass jars or bottles. Don’t forget to place pebbles in the container — they’ll help keep the stalks upright and add aesthetic value.
Try not to submerge too much of the stalk, though, as this increases the risk of rot.
Monsteras
You can absolutely grow Monstera plants in water — in fact, they’re popular aquarium plants.
It’s better to choose a smaller Monstera variety, such as an M. adansonii. These grow to a manageable size that will fit in jars or vases.
Larger varieties (like M. deliciosa) can grow in water as well, but are more unwieldy. Make sure to use bigger containers and plenty of gravel to keep the plant stable.
You’ll also need to prune your Monstera regularly to maintain its size and shape. Don’t be afraid to trim off the roots if they start filling the container!
Peace lily
Yes, your fussy peace lily can grow in water — no more wondering if you’ve given it too much water or too little! It also takes away the need for frequent repotting and finding the right soil mix.
If you have a peace lily growing in soil, you’ll need to acclimate it slowly. Otherwise, you can propagate a peace lily in water and keep it there permanently.
These plants grow best in soft water, such as filtered or rain water. They need low chlorine levels as they’re quite sensitive.
Philodendrons
Philodendrons are already low-maintenance plants, but they’re even easier to care for in water setups!
Alongside pothos, philodendrons root easily and quickly in water, so it’s better to take cuttings than try and transition an established plant. Place the cuttings in a container with enough water to cover the leaf nodes and let them grow.
You can do this for most varieties, from the humble heart-leaf philodendron to the funky split-leaf philodendron.
Just be careful if you grow them as a trailing plant, since the weight of the vines could drag them out of the container.
Pothos
Want a different vining plant with heart-shaped leaves? Try a pothos (or Devil’s ivy)!
Many pothos varieties do well when grown in water — in fact, pothos cuttings are often added to water propagations! They root quickly and release hormones that are believed to help other plants produce roots as well.
Like philodendrons, it’s easier to take pothos cuttings and grow them in water. Keep the cuttings in bright, indirect light, especially if you have a variegated pothos like the Marble Queen or N’Joy.
Prayer plants
A prayer plant (Maranta leuconeura) can grow in a water setup, but it’s a tougher challenge than other plants on this list.
Prayer plants need water that’s low in minerals — either filtered, distilled, or taken from rain. They also grow much more slowly in hydroponic setups, so you’ll have to be patient!
Moreover, it can be tricky to find the right amount of sunlight — enough to maintain their colour, but not too much that the foliage scorches. Aim for a warm, bright area out of direct sunlight.
Spider plants
Surprisingly, spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) can thrive in water, especially if you start from a pup growing off the mother plant. That way, they’ll be rooted in water from the start.
Cut off the pup with clean, sharp shears. Position it in a small container with water so that just the bottom node is touching the surface — don’t let the leaves get wet.
If the opening of the container is too wide, use some plastic wrap to help hold the spider plant above the water’s surface! Stretch it over the opening and poke a small hole, then carefully insert the plant so it’s upright.
Keep the plant in bright, indirect light, and change the water every 4–7 days while the plant is still developing roots.
Sweet potato vine
Keep in mind: the sweet potato vine (Ipomoea batatas) cultivars that can be grown in water are typically not edible! The tubers they produce (if any) will taste more bitter than cultivars grown for food.
You can take cuttings from a sweet potato vine and root them in water, then leave them to grow. Make sure to keep the foliage out of the water, or it could rot.
Make a statement by grouping a few vines together so the display looks fuller, or mix in a few other plants (like a pothos or philodendron).
Syngoniums
Syngoniums (or arrowhead plants) prefer consistent moisture but don’t like soggy soil. If finding that balance is a headache, you can ditch the soil and grow Syngoniums directly in water!
Like pothos and philodendrons, it’s best to start with cuttings with several nodes. They’ll root quickly in water, often within a few weeks.
To keep the plant stable, add some pebbles or gravel to the container.
Tradescantias
The problem with a tradescantia (also called an inch plant) is that once you get started, you can easily end up with many more!
These fast-growing plants root very easily in water, and they’ll thrive with regular fertiliser. Like mint, tradescantias work well in a hydroponic setup since it keeps the plant from becoming weedy.
Tradescantia’s eye-catching foliage looks great when displayed in a quirky-shaped container. Prune the plant if it becomes unruly or top-heavy — then save the cuttings for more inch plants.
Common Problems for Plants Grown in Water
You may not have to worry about soil moisture levels, but there are other potential issues when growing plants in water!
Algae growth
Algae won’t directly harm your plant, but it does compete with the plant for oxygen and nutrients. Large algae blooms also make the container look grimy.
Too much light is the most common cause of algae, especially if you use clear glass containers.
Thankfully, this is an easy fix! Carefully remove the plant, then empty the water and wash the container with soap and water.
Put the plant back with some fresh water and a little fertiliser. If the algae keep coming back, you may want to consider repositioning the plant so it’s out of direct sunlight, or choosing a darker container.
Yellowing leaves
If you’re transitioning an established plant to a water setup, it’s normal to have a few yellowing leaves! The plant is adjusting to its new environment and is suffering mild shock.
However, if you notice a lot of yellow, wilting foliage, that could be a sign that your plant lacks nutrients. Water doesn’t have the same level of nutrients as soil, so you need to supplement with a water-soluble fertiliser.
Add a small amount according to the package instructions, and your plant should perk back up soon.
Brown spots on leaves
For plants that grow in water, there are two common causes for brown leaf spots: over-fertilising or disease.
You’ll need to look at where the spots are — brown leaf tips usually signal too much fertiliser, while spots in the middle are signs of infection.
To fix over-fertilisation, change out the water ASAP so the plant doesn’t absorb more of the salt from the fertiliser. Then, cut back on fertilising for a few weeks.
For infections (whether fungal or bacterial), prune off all affected foliage and throw it away. Apply an appropriate treatment (e.g. fungicide) on the remaining leaves.
Black roots or stems
Dark and mushy roots or stems are a sign of rot, usually caused by bacteria in the water. It often occurs if you forget to change the water for a prolonged period.
Take the plant out of its container, and inspect the roots and stems. For the roots, cut off any growth that isn’t firm and white. For stems, cut back until you reach firm, white or green growth.
Lightly spray the remaining parts with a mix of 1 part 3% hydrogen peroxide to 4 parts water. Wash the container, then put the plant back inside with fresh water.
FAQs About Growing Plants in Water
Want to know more about plants that grow in water? We’ve rounded up some common questions people ask!
What are the easiest plants to grow in water?
Plants like pothos, philodendron, Monstera, tradescantia, and lucky bamboo root easily in water, and will thrive in water setups.
You can even combine a few plants in one container to create a statement piece!
Can I transition my existing plants from soil to water?
If you already have a plant collection, you can try and transition an established plant to a water setup.
However, it can be difficult to transition a plant grown in soil, since plants produce distinct roots when developing in either soil or water.
Soil roots take in water and oxygen differently from water roots, so your plant will need to put out new growth and adapt to a new environment.
As an alternative, you can take cuttings and root them in water, then leave them to mature in that setup.
Can I grow indoor plants in an aquarium?
Yes — so long as you don’t submerge the plant! You want only the roots touching the water.
Monsteras, philodendrons, pothos, and syngoniums are among the plants that are great for growing in aquariums. They create a mutually beneficial system with your fish!
The plants can remove compounds like nitrates and phosphates from the water — essentially acting as a secondary bio-filter. The roots also provide enrichment for fish.
In return, the plants get nutrients from the aquarium as they grow. The fish can also help maintain root health.
However, keep in mind that you’ll need to prune your plants regularly to prevent them from overgrowing the aquarium. You should also make sure your tank conditions suit both the fish and the plants.
Are there plants I cannot grow in water?
There are definitely plants that won’t do well when grown in water! Root crops like potatoes or carrots will struggle, as will fruiting trees — they’re very difficult to set up.
Other plants can grow in water, but won’t thrive or grow very much. A fiddle leaf fig, for example, will survive in water but often puts out smaller leaves as a result.
Surprisingly, succulents can grow in a hydroponic setup, but it’s tricky! The key is to ensure that only the roots touch the water — the base of the succulent should be above the surface.
