Did you know you can grow gorgeous indoor plants in just water? I didn’t either until I started experimenting with these 11 amazing varieties!
No more messy soil spills to clean up or complicated watering schedules to follow. These plants are perfect for anyone who wants to add some green to their home the easy way!
My Top 11 Water-Thriving Indoor Plants
1. Lucky Bamboo
I’ll never forget the day my oldest brought home a tiny lucky bamboo from a school fair.
What started as a simple stem in a narrow vase has become our family’s symbol of resilience and growth.
Pro tip from my experience: Add some decorative gravel at the base – not only does it look prettier, but it also keeps those stems standing tall and proud.
2. Pothos
My kitchen window wouldn’t be the same without the cascading tendrils of my pothos plant.
Those heart-shaped leaves have stolen my heart, especially when displayed in my grandmother’s old fish bowl.
I’ve learned that changing the water every few days keeps those gorgeous leaves glossy and vibrant – it’s become part of my morning coffee routine!
3. Chinese Evergreen
The silvery patterns on my Chinese Evergreen never fail to catch my visitors’ eyes.
I started with one cutting in a clear vase filled with aquarium rocks, and now it’s the centerpiece of my home office.
The leathery leaves add such an elegant touch that my daughter calls it our “fancy plant.”
4. Spider Plant
If you’re looking for a conversation starter, spider plants are it!
My kids are fascinated by the “baby spiders” that dangle from the mother plant, making it their favorite to check on each morning.
I keep mine in a mason jar by the kitchen sink, changing the water every couple of days while doing dishes.
5. Arrowhead Plant
The distinctive arrow-shaped leaves of this beauty have earned a special place in my breakfast nook.
It’s truly the most laid-back plant I’ve ever owned – perfect for busy moms like me who sometimes forget their plant-care duties.
I just refresh the water twice weekly during my Sunday and Wednesday cleaning routines.
6. Coleus
The moment I discovered coleus could grow in water, my windowsills were never the same!
Those colorful, serrated leaves bring such joy to my workspace, especially during dreary winter days.
I’ve found that old wine glasses make perfect vessels for these stunning plants – talk about upcycling!
7. Wandering Jew
The purple hues of my Wandering Jew remind me of my grandmother’s garden.
I keep mine in a clear terrarium, and watching it catch the morning light has become one of my favorite quiet moments.
It grows so enthusiastically that I’m constantly sharing cuttings with other plant-loving moms in the neighborhood.
8. Croton
My kids call this our “rainbow plant” because of its vibrant yellow, red, and green leaves.
While it eventually needs soil to thrive long-term, I love starting new cuttings in water.
It’s become our science project of choice, watching those little roots develop in clear glasses.
9. English Ivy
There’s something magical about watching ivy roots develop in water.
I learned the hard way to remove any leaves below the waterline, but now my kitchen window showcase of ivy cuttings is thriving.
The intricate leaf patterns add such charm to my vintage glass collection.
10. Paperwhite
Nothing brightens up our winter days quite like paperwhites blooming in water.
My daughter and I make it a tradition to start new bulbs every few weeks during the cold months.
We use seashells from our summer beach trips in the bottom of the containers – a lovely reminder of warmer days to come.
11. Monstera
The “Swiss cheese plant” that started my water-growing journey!
I was terrified of killing such an Instagram-worthy plant until I discovered it could root in water.
Now my monstera cutting has become a stunning focal point in our living room, thriving in just a simple glass vase.
Care Tips From a Busy Mom
The beauty of these water-loving plants is their simplicity.
I’ve incorporated water changes into my regular cleaning routine – when I wipe down the counters, I refresh the plant water too.
Remember to place these beauties in indirect light – I learned this lesson the hard way after accidentally frying my first pothos on a sunny windowsill!