Garden

8 Indoor Plants that Grow Better in Water than Soil

Written by Emily Belkoff

Did you know some plants actually like water better than dirt? Wild, right? 

I’ve got 8 awesome indoor plants that grow in just water. They’re perfect if you hate mess or just want something different. 

Ready to try them out?

1. Pothos

The Ultimate Beginner’s Plant

Pothos quickly became my go-to plant for water cultivation. It’s incredibly forgiving, perfect for those of us juggling a million tasks daily. Here’s how I do it:

  1. I snip a cutting with at least one node.
  2. Pop it into a pretty vase filled with water.
  3. Watch in amazement as it develops roots and grows.

It’s that simple! Now I have beautiful, trailing pothos adorning my bookshelves and kitchen windowsill.

2. Lucky Bamboo

A Touch of Zen in Water

When I needed a calm, low-maintenance plant for my home office, Lucky Bamboo was the answer. It actually prefers water to soil! I simply:

  • Keep the stalk submerged in water.
  • Change the water occasionally.

That’s it! It thrives with minimal care, adding a serene touch to my workspace.

3. Philodendron

Heart-Shaped Happiness

My love for philodendrons grew when I discovered they could flourish in water. The heartleaf variety is my favorite. It’s like pothos in its care requirements, making it a no-brainer addition to my water garden collection.

4. Wandering Dude

A Splash of Color

The wandering dude (also known as inch plant) caught my eye with its stunning purple-green foliage. Whether indoors or out, it’s a showstopper. For water growth, I make sure it gets plenty of indirect light. Now it’s the star of my kitchen counter!

5. Arrowhead Plant

Low-Light Lover

As a mom, I know not every corner of the house gets perfect light. That’s where the arrowhead plant shines. To propagate in water:

  1. I take a stem cutting with a node.
  2. Place it in water.
  3. Watch it root and grow, even in less-than-ideal light conditions.

It’s now thriving in that tricky, dim corner of my living room.

6. English Ivy

Elegant and Easy

English ivy has added a touch of classic elegance to my water-based garden. I was amazed at how easily it adapted to growing in water. Now, it gracefully cascades from a high shelf, adding a bit of whimsy to my decor.

7. Spider Plant

The Gift That Keeps on Giving

My spider plant became a water-growing superstar when I discovered I could propagate its “babies” or spiderettes. Here’s my simple process:

  1. Snip off the spiderettes from the long arching leaves.
  2. Place them in water.
  3. Watch them root with ease.

Now I have an army of spider plants, all grown in water!

8. String of Pearls Plant

Succulent Surprise

I was skeptical about growing succulents in water, but the string of pearls proved me wrong. It’s now my favorite mess-free display in my indoor garden. Its delicate, bead-like leaves create a stunning waterfall effect in a clear glass container.

Hi! I'm Emily!

I'm a mom who's passionate about creating beautiful gardens without the hassle. Here, I share simple tips that actually work for busy people like us.

From picking the right plants to making them thrive, I'll help you create an outdoor space you'll love!

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