Top Tips for Growing Houseplants in Water

Growing houseplants in water is a simple, low maintenance way to bring fresh greenery into your home, no soil required (and less mess). With just a little care, many popular indoor plants thrive in water alone, making it an ideal option for busy schedules or beginner plant parents. Plus, the possibilities for display are endless; from sleek glass vases to vintage jars, or even quirky upcycled finds. You can choose the contains that perfectly match your personal style. Whether your vibe is minimal and modern or colorful and eclectic, growing houseplants in water adds a unique touch to any style.

Choosing the Right Containers

When it comes to growing plants in water, the right container you choose can make all the difference in both the health of your indoor plants and the look of your space. Since the roots are on display, clear glass jars and vases are a popular choice because you’re able to admire the growth of the root system, observe aerial roots, and watch roots growing in real time, all while keeping an eye on the water level. However, opaque containers work just as well and helps reduce algae growth if your set up gets a lot of sunlight. Something like the Klara Propagation Station by Treleaf are perfect for growing plants in an opaque container.

Houseplant cuttings growing in Klara by Treleaf

The size and shape of the container should also match your houseplant, just like with terracotta or ceramic planters. Wide mouthed jars are perfect for larger cuttings and plants with larger root systems, while narrow neck bottles can support single stem plants and smaller indoor plants. Make sure the container provides enough space for the plant's roots to grow and develop healthily.

Growing Plants in Water

• To grow indoor plants in water, start by selecting a healthy stem cutting just below a leaf node from a mother plant—be sure to remove all the soil from the roots and rinse them thoroughly with fresh water. When propagating plants, make sure the leaf nodes are submerged in water, as this is where roots will grow. Keeping only a few leaves on the cutting helps the plant develop roots and prevents rot. You can propagate a few stems at once to create a more bushy plant.

• Make sure to pick a tropical plant or vining plant over plants in the succulent/cacti family, as plants with succulent stems are generally not recommended for water propagation due to their tendency to rot.

• Place the cutting or leaf in a glass jar or container filled with fresh water, and add a few drops of a fertilizer, preferably one made for aquatic plants, to promote healthy growth—this will help to create a thriving indoor ecosystem. Within a few weeks, roots will form at the leaf nodes, and new plants can be produced from the cuttings.

• Change the water regularly to prevent algae growth and root rot, and make sure the plant is getting enough light—most plants prefer bright indirect light, but some can thrive in medium light conditions. As the plants continues to grow in water, you can observe roots growing and forming, and these water grown plants can thrive long-term.

If you want the benefits of growing indoor plants in water but want to try a different route, you can consider growing in hydroponics. Growing plants in water but using a medium like pon or LECA to help drive the water up to the roots. You can read more about that here.

Popular Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants

If you’re new to growing plants in water, consider starting with some popular low-maintenance options, such as lucky bamboo, spider plants, prayer plants, chinese evergreen, golden pothos, arrowhead plant, and chinese money plant. These plants are easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions. These indoor plants are considered low maintenance options, making them ideal for beginners. You can also find many of these indoor plants already growing in water at your local plant stores.

Spider plant in a glass jar of water
Photo by おにぎり on Unsplash

With a little care and attention, these plants can grow and thrive in water, producing beautiful foliage and roots that will add a touch of elegance to any room.

Tips for Growing Plants in Water

• One of the most important things to remember when growing plants in water is to change the water regularly to prevent algae growth and root rot—this will help to keep the plants healthy and thriving. When changing water, it is best to let tap water sit for a few hours to allow chlorine to dissipate before using it for your water indoors setup. An alternative is using distilled water or collecting rain water.

• Make sure to add a few drops of fertilizer to the water to promote healthy growth. This will help your indoor plants thrive and continue to create healthy foliage.

• Consider using a water conditioner to remove chlorine and other chemicals from the water, this can help to prevent damage to the plants. Avoid using heavily chlorinated tap water for sensitive indoor plants, like Prayer Plants and Anthuriums.

• Most plants grown in water indoors prefer bright light or indirect sunlight. Avoid direct light, which can cause the water to become too hot and lead to algae growth; too much algae can take oxygen away from the water, which is important for a healthy root system.

Growing indoor plants in water is a simple yet stylish way to bring greenery into your home and choosing the right container is key to making it both functional and beautiful. By considering factors like size, shape and material you can ensure your indoor plants have the support they need while also creating a design element that reflects your personal taste.