12 Plants That Grow in Water

pothos plants growing in water in three vases — Photo:
Koonsiri Boonnak / GETTY IMAGES

If you have a hard time following a watering schedule, which can ultimately lead to the death of your plants, consider growing your greenery hydroponically, instead. Many popular houseplants, like monstera and philodendron, can grow in a container of water without soil. Simply put the roots of your plant into water—making sure the foliage isn't also submerged—and watch as they flourish. While these growing conditions aren't suitable for every type of houseplant, there are a few beautiful options that can thrive as hydroponic plants.

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Spider Plant

Known for their arching leaves and white stripes, spider plants are relatively easy to grow in water. The houseplant produces baby spider plantlets that you can let dangle from long stems or snip off and share with friends. "While they can tolerate lower light conditions, they tend to grow better and produce more vibrant foliage in brighter light," says Kelly Funk, president of Jackson & Perkins. “Avoid letting the leaves fall into the water.”

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Lucky Bamboo

This auspicious plant is thought to bring luck to its grower. Despite its name, the eye-catching spikes that protrude from lucky bamboo actually belong to the genus dracaena; it's not part of the bamboo family. "Making a bold statement to home décor, it prefers bright, indirect light. It can get top heavy, so ensure it is secure in the container," says Funk.

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Pothos

A fast-growing, vining plant, pothos can grow up to a foot long in just one month. The houseplant requires frequent watering, so it makes sense to grow it directly in water rather than in soil. "The leaves are heart-shaped on long vining stems, coming in colors of solid green or green with hints of chartreuse or hints of creamy white," says Adrienne Roethling, garden director for Paul J. Ciener Botanical Garden. "They prefer growing in bright shade."

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Snake Plant

Believe it or not, the stems of snake plants will grow and root in water. "A healthy stem can be trimmed from the base and placed in water," says Roethling. "Snake plants make up several species and cultivars. Thick narrow stems make up a rosette growing upright." Snake plants grow best in partial sun to shade and come in a range of colors, from green and gray to gold or a combination.

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Philodendron

Philodendron is a popular houseplant to grow in soil, but it's also great as a hydroponic plant. "This tropical plant comes in various varieties, such as the heartleaf philodendron, and it can tolerate low light conditions," says Funk. "It is an easy-care houseplant to grow in water. The stems make a fun display in vases on windowsills." Though it's low light tolerant, philodendron can thrive in all types of sunlight and does best in brighter lighting to produce more leaves.

How to Plant and Care for Philodendron

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Coleus

This beginner-friendly plant will easily grow in water. "A lot of gardeners prefer saving cuttings of coleus to begin new before the next growing season," says Roethling. "Cut a length of stem, removing the lower leaves. Place it in water and in weeks, you'll have a fully rooted plant." You can continue growing coleus like this, or place it in a pot of soil. Coleus grows in full sun or shade and does equally well in containers as it does in the garden.

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Chinese Evergreen

If you love houseplants that offer a pop of color, Chinese evergreen is a low-maintenance option beloved by gardeners. "Their cane-like stems—giving way to narrow, spade shaped leaves—are easy to grow in water or in soils," says Roethling. "The canes are green, producing brightly colored leaves with green margins or streaked with pink, chartreuse, light green or creamy white." The canes can be rooted and grown in water, where they'll thrive in indirect light.

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Monstera

Also known as Swiss cheese plant, monstera is stunning as a hydroponic plant. "It has large, fenestrated leaves and can grow well in bright, indirect light," says Funk. "Making a dramatic statement when grown in water, be mindful of proper water quality and offer structural support as the plant grows."

How to Grow and Care for Monstera

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Pilea

Most commonly known as the Chinese money plant, pilea is one of Martha's favorites to grow. "Pilea in water can be an interesting and convenient way to cultivate this unique houseplant," says Funk. "It is a compact and eye-catching plant with round, coin-like leaves that grow on slender stems." Pilea prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in a location that receives direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.

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Rosemary

Want to grow your windowsill herbs in water, too? You're in luck—fragrant rosemary works well as a hydroponic plant. "Rosemary plants require ample sunlight to thrive," says Funk. "Place your water-grown rosemary in a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day." As upright growers, rosemary plants can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet and develop woody stems with branching foliage.

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Peace Lily

Aptly named, the peace lily is considered a symbol of peace, prosperity, and purity, "Growing a peace lily in water is a viable option and can add a touch of elegance to any space," says Funk. "Peace lilies are known for their beautiful, dark green foliage and striking white flowers." Place your hydroponic peace lily in a location that receives bright, filtered light, as direct sun can scorch the leaves.

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English Ivy

If you prefer low-maintenance plants, English ivy is a popular climbing vine that is amenable to a handful of growing conditions. "English ivy can be grown in water and can tolerate a wide range of light conditions, but it prefers bright, indirect light," says Funk. "It is a versatile, easy-to-grow houseplant that makes an excellent gift." Its waxy dark green leaves with creamy white veins will take center stage in your home.

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