You know what shocked me when I first tried growing plants in water? How stupidly simple it was. I'd killed more potted plants than I care to admit - overwatering, underwatering, wrong light, you name it. But plants that grow inside water? Different story altogether.
Last year, I snipped a piece of my neighbor's pothos, plopped it in a mason jar, and forgot about it for weeks. Came back to find roots growing like crazy. That's when I got hooked on aquatic plants. No soil mess, no complicated schedules - just green life thriving in plain water.
Why Bother With Water-Grown Plants?
Let's cut to the chase. If you're busy, forgetful, or just bad with plants (like I was), these are your salvation. But there's more:
- Zero dirt disasters - No more sweeping soil after repotting
- Pest resistance - Most bugs avoid water-grown setups
- Obsession-friendly - Watch roots develop like nature's reality show
- Decor magic - Glass vessels turn into living art pieces
My bathroom windowsill has three jars of philodendron cuttings now. They've survived my two-week vacation, low winter light, and my cat knocking one over twice. Tough little guys.
Top 10 Plants That Thrive in Water
Through trial and error (mostly error), I've found winners and losers. These are the MVPs for indoor water gardens:
| Plant Name | Light Needs | Water Change Frequency | Rooting Time | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) | Low to bright indirect | Every 7-10 days | 7-14 days | Grows fast, hard to kill |
| Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) | Low indirect light | Every 7 days | N/A (sold rooted) | Use filtered/distilled water |
| Philodendron Heartleaf | Medium indirect | Every 10-14 days | 10-21 days | Vining, great for shelves |
| Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) | Bright indirect | Every 7 days | 7-14 days | Produces baby "spiderettes" |
| Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) | Low to medium | Every 10-14 days | Slow (4-8 weeks) | Beautiful patterned leaves |
| Mint (Mentha) | Bright light | Every 5-7 days | 7-14 days | Harvest leaves for cooking |
| Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) | Bright indirect | Every 7 days | 7-14 days | Colorful foliage show |
| Begonia (certain varieties) | Medium to bright | Every 10 days | 14-28 days | Angel wing types work best |
| English Ivy (Hedera helix) | Bright indirect | Every 7-10 days | 14-21 days | Can be temperamental |
| Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas) | Bright light | Every 7 days | 10-20 days | Grow from grocery store tuber |
My Personal Experience With Water Plants
I learned the hard way that not all plants adapt equally. My monstera cutting rotted within days while identical conditions grew pothos like Jack's beanstalk. English ivy? Total jerk - half died no matter what I did. But mint? That stuff grows in a dark closet I swear.
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Plants in Water
Forget complex tutorials. Here's what actually works based on killing (and reviving) dozens of cuttings:
Choosing Your Vessel
Glass jars work but cause algae fast. Colored glass slows algae growth. Wide mouths prevent leaf rot. My favorites:
- Mason jars (pint size)
- Recycled candle containers
- Test tubes for single cuttings ($12 for 6 on Amazon)
- Glass whiskey bottles (classy look)
Avoid metal containers - they react with water nutrients.
The Water Matters More Than You Think
Tap water contains chlorine that harms roots. Here's how different water types perform:
| Water Type | Rooting Success | Maintenance Level |
|---|---|---|
| Tap water (fresh) | Poor | High (frequent changes) |
| Tap water (sat 24hrs) | Good | Medium |
| Filtered water | Very good | Low |
| Distilled water | Excellent | Very low |
| Rainwater | Best | Low (if collected clean) |
I use Brita-filtered tap water. Change it every 10-14 days - mark your calendar!
Pro Tip: The Rooting Sweet Spot
Only submerge nodes (those bumpy spots on stems) where roots emerge. Leaves in water = rot. I lost three cuttings before figuring this out.
Feeding Your Water Plants
Here's where I messed up early on. Plants can't live on water alone forever after the rooting phase. They need nutrients to thrive long-term.
Simple Fertilizing Schedule
- Phase 1 (Rooting): No fertilizer for first 30 days
- Phase 2 (Early Growth): 1/4 strength liquid fertilizer monthly
- Phase 3 (Established): 1/2 strength every 3-4 weeks
Use balanced liquid fertilizer (look for 10-10-10 NPK). Hydroponic formulas work best. Avoid fish emulsion unless you enjoy swamp smells indoors.
Light Requirements Demystified
Light confuses everyone. Here's the real deal:
| Light Level | Foot-Candles | Best Plant Matches |
|---|---|---|
| Low light | 50-250 FC | Lucky bamboo, pothos, philodendron |
| Medium light | 250-500 FC | Spider plants, mint, aglaonema |
| Bright indirect | 500-1000 FC | Coleus, begonias, ivy |
| Direct sun | 1000+ FC | Not recommended (causes algae) |
Most homes have 100-400 FC near windows. Download a light meter app to check your space.
Solving Common Water Plant Problems
Everything goes wrong eventually. Here's my troubleshooting guide:
Why are my plant's leaves turning yellow?
Usually nutrient deficiency. Add diluted fertilizer. Could also be too much direct sun or rotting stems (sniff the water - rotten eggs smell means decay).
Help! Slimy roots and smelly water?
Root rot. Immediately: 1) Remove plant 2) Rinse roots 3) Trim black/mushy roots 4) Clean container with bleach solution 5) Use fresh distilled water. Add a charcoal piece next time.
Green water - how do I stop algae?
Algae blooms in sunlight. Solutions: 1) Use opaque containers 2) Change water weekly 3) Add a pinch of aquarium algae inhibitor ($8 at pet stores) 4) Keep away from direct sun.
Long-Term Care: Beyond the Basics
After keeping plants in water for years, I've learned advanced tricks:
Pruning Strategy
Water plants grow slower than potted ones but still need trimming:
- Cut back leggy stems to 4" above water level
- Remove yellow leaves immediately
- Pinch stem tips to encourage bushiness
My pothos needed haircuts every 4 months. Use clean scissors!
The Transplant Debate
Can you move water plants to soil? Yes, but gradually:
- Week 1: 75% water / 25% moist soil
- Week 2: 50/50 mix
- Week 3: 25% water / 75% soil
- Week 4: Full transition
Frankly? I prefer keeping them in water. Less shock.
Unexpected Benefits I Discovered
Beyond easy care, plants growing inside water offer surprising perks:
- Air purification - NASA studies show water-grown plants remove toxins effectively
- Humidity boost - Group several jars to raise humidity by 5-10%
- Propagation station - Root multiple cuttings simultaneously for gifts
- Mental health wins - Watching roots grow is weirdly therapeutic
Plants That Grow Inside Water: FAQ
Can all plants grow in water permanently?
No. Many plants only root temporarily in water before needing soil for long-term survival. Stick to proven water-dwellers like pothos or philodendron.
Why are my plant's roots brown but firm?
Normal! Aquatic roots develop protective outer layers called velamen. Concern only if roots feel mushy or smell foul.
Do I need special water for lucky bamboo?
Critical point! Lucky bamboo is sensitive to fluoride in tap water. Use distilled or filtered water to prevent leaf burn.
How often should I change the water?
Every 7-14 days. Frequency depends on: container size (small jars need more changes), light exposure (sunlight speeds algae), and plant type.
Can I grow herbs in water permanently?
Short-term yes, long-term no. Herbs like mint and basil grow vigorously initially but eventually need nutrients from soil to thrive beyond 4-6 months.
Why isn't my cutting rooting?
Common reasons: 1) Wrong season (spring/summer best) 2) Water too cold 3) No nodes submerged 4) Low light 5) Old/woody cutting.
My Top 3 Starter Plants Ranked
For absolute beginners based on resilience:
- Golden Pothos - Grows in dark corners, survives irregular care
- Lucky Bamboo - Thrives in offices with fluorescent lighting
- Spider Plant - Produces endless babies for sharing
Cost Comparison: Soil vs Water Growing
Breaking down my startup costs:
| Expense Item | Soil Growing | Water Growing |
|---|---|---|
| Containers | $5-$25 per pot | Free (repurposed jars) |
| Growing Medium | $8-$15/bag soil | Free (water) |
| Drainage Materials | $5-$10 for rocks | Not needed |
| Fertilizer | $10-$20 | $15 (liquid lasts years) |
| Pest Control | $10-$25 | $0 (rare pests) |
| First-Year Total | $38-$95 | $15 (mostly fertilizer) |
Water growing saved me about 80% compared to potted plants. Those savings add up.
Advanced Tips for Thriving Water Gardens
After three years of trial and error:
- Oxygenate roots - Leave 1/3 air space in containers
- Prevent mineral buildup - Wipe containers with vinegar monthly
- Boost growth - Add aquarium air stone for root health ($15)
- Stop mosquito larvae - Drop mosquito dunk pieces ($7 for 6-month supply)
- Propagate faster - Use rooting hormone on stem tips before submerging
Avoid This Mistake!
Never use softened water - salt damages plants. If you have soft water system, use rainwater or store-bought distilled.
Final thought? Growing plants inside water transformed how I interact with nature indoors. It's accessible, affordable, and deeply satisfying. Start with a pothos cutting today - that jar on your desk could spark something wonderful.
Leave a Comments