🌿 15 Beautiful Plants That Can Grow Just in Water (No Soil Needed!)

Growing plants without soil might sound like something out of a science lab, but it’s actually an ancient and low-maintenance gardening technique. Whether you're tight on space, want a cleaner indoor setup, or just love the look of plants growing in clear vases, growing plants in water is a fantastic, easy way to enjoy greenery without the mess of potting soil.

Here’s a guide to 15 plants that thrive in water, along with step-by-step instructions to help you get started.

🌱 Why Grow Plants in Water?

  • No mess from soil.

  • Fewer pests and fungus issues.

  • Easier to propagate and monitor root health.

  • Aesthetically pleasing – roots in clear glass can be stunning!

  • Great for beginners and plant lovers with small spaces.

🧪 Basic Supplies You'll Need

  • Healthy cuttings from mature plants

  • Sharp scissors or pruning shears

  • Clear glass jars, vases, or bottles

  • Fresh, chlorine-free water (tap water that has sat out for 24 hours works)

  • Optional: Liquid fertilizer, charcoal pieces (to prevent odors)

🪴 How to Grow Plants in Water: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Choose Your Plant

Pick from the list below — these are all plants that can root and grow long-term in water.

Step 2: Take Cuttings

Use clean scissors to snip 4–6 inch cuttings just below a node (the bump where leaves grow). Nodes are where roots will sprout.

Step 3: Remove Lower Leaves

Strip any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent rotting.

Step 4: Place in Water

Put the cuttings in a clean glass container filled with room-temperature, dechlorinated water. Make sure at least one node is submerged.

Step 5: Find the Right Spot

Place your jar in a bright, indirect sunlight spot. Too much direct light can lead to algae growth.

Step 6: Change the Water Regularly

Change the water every 5–7 days to keep it oxygenated and clear of debris. Clean the container if you see algae forming.

Step 7: Optional Feeding

After a month or so, add a drop or two of liquid houseplant fertilizer every couple of weeks for stronger growth.

🌿 15 Plants That Grow Well in Water

Here are the top plants you can grow hydroponically with minimal effort:

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

  • Extremely popular.

  • Grows quickly in water.

  • Long trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves.

Tip: Change water often to prevent root rot.

2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

  • Not actually bamboo!

  • Symbol of good fortune.

  • Looks beautiful in pebbles and water.

Tip: Keep only the roots submerged, not the stalk.

3. Philodendron

  • Especially the heartleaf variety.

  • Ideal for water propagation and long-term growth.

Tip: Rotate the vase occasionally for even growth.

4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

  • Baby spiderettes root easily in water.

  • Fast-growing and fun to watch.

Tip: Once rooted, you can leave them in water or pot them.

5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

  • Elegant vines that thrive in water.

  • Prefers cooler temps and bright light.

Tip: Use a shallow container for multiple vines.

6. Coleus

  • Bright, colorful leaves.

  • Great for decorative water displays.

Tip: Needs regular trimming to stay bushy.

7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

  • Can survive in water for a long time.

  • White blooms, shiny green leaves.

Tip: Gently rinse the roots when changing water.

8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

  • Tolerant and low maintenance.

  • Bold foliage in pinks, greens, and silvers.

Tip: Avoid direct sun – it scorches the leaves.

9. Mint (Mentha spp.)

  • Grows vigorously in water.

  • Provides fresh leaves for tea or cooking.

Tip: Snip often to encourage bushy growth.

10. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

  • Great for kitchen windowsills.

  • Roots in water quickly from cuttings.

Tip: Harvest often to keep it from flowering.

11. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)

  • Slower to root, but grows well once established.

  • Lovely scent and culinary use.

Tip: Use softwood cuttings (green and bendable stems).

12. Oregano

  • Another kitchen favorite.

  • Spreads easily in water.

Tip: Change water more frequently for herbs.

13. Sweet Potato Vine (Ipomoea batatas)

  • Stunning leaves in bright green or purple.

  • Grows from sweet potato halves or cuttings.

Tip: Place a sweet potato in water with toothpicks holding it halfway submerged.

14. Tradescantia (Wandering Jew)

  • Bright purple or green striped leaves.

  • Grows fast and trails beautifully.

Tip: Pinch tips to encourage fullness.

15. Begonia

  • Especially Rex and Wax varieties.

  • Root well in water and grow new leaves quickly.

Tip: Keep the leaf above water and the petiole submerged.

🌼 Final Tips for Success

  • Use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is hard or heavily chlorinated.

  • Trim dead or yellowing leaves regularly.

  • If algae develops, clean the jar and move to a shadier spot.

  • Don’t overcrowd your jars — give each cutting some breathing space.

🌈 The Beauty of Soil-Free Gardening

Growing plants in water isn’t just practical — it’s also beautiful and calming. You can see roots develop day by day, making it a wonderful project for kids or anyone who loves watching nature in action. Whether you're growing herbs for your kitchen, vines for décor, or foliage for fresh air, there's something magical about water-grown plants.

So grab a jar, some cuttings, and let the green magic begin — no soil required!