House plants keep dying, pots stay messy, and soil causes more trouble than growth. But there’s a cleaner way most people never try. These 32 indoor plants grow beautifully in water alone.
1. Getting Started With Water-Grown Houseplants
Step-by-Step: Rooting and Care Basics for Water-Grown Houseplants
Step 1: Start with healthy cuttings
Drop a healthy cutting into clean water and roots appear quietly within days. Spider plant sends out baby plants that practically beg to be rooted in water.
Step 2: Keep roots submerged
As long as roots stay submerged, many plants keep growing like nothing’s wrong.
Step 3: Use clean, chlorine-free water
Clean chlorine-free water is the secret to keeping stems strong and leaves fresh.
Step 4: Support thicker stems
Thick stems root steadily in water when supported with pebbles. Pebbles also give support to plants that like a bit of structure.
Step 5: Change the water regularly
Fresh water every few days or every couple of weeks keeps plants crisp, prevents rot, and maintains steady growth.
Step 6: Give the right light
Bright indirect light keeps growth steady for most plants, while low to medium light suits those with softer, patterned leaves.
Step 7: Move some plants to soil later
Some cuttings root quickly in water before moving to soil for long-term growth and blooms.
Step 8: Use special setups for special plants
A shallow bowl and gravel mimic a natural habitat for certain aquatic plants. Narrow glass vases highlight sculptural stems and visible roots.
32 Water-Grown Houseplants
1. Verendin
Verendin looks innocent. This plant adapts fast. Drop a healthy cutting into clean water and roots appear quietly within days. Bright indirect light and fresh water are all it needs to keep growing nonstop.
2. Lucky bamboo
Lucky bamboo has fooled people for years into thinking it’s fragile. In reality, it thrives in water with almost zero effort. As long as its roots stay submerged, it keeps growing like nothing’s wrong.
3. Paos
Paos is one of those plants that refuses to die. In water, its trailing vines grow long and glossy without complaint. Change the water regularly and it’ll reward you with growth.
4. Chinese evergreen and dumb cane
Chinese evergreen and dumb cane may look like soil lovers, but they adapt well. Their thick stems root steadily in water when supported with pebbles. The patterned leaves stay bold and decorative for months.
5. Spider plant
Spider plant sends out baby plants that practically beg to be rooted in water. Those spiderettes grow roots fast and look striking in clear jars. Fresh water every few days keeps them crisp and healthy.
6. Arrowhead plant
Arrowhead plant grows faster than you’d expect in water. Its arrow-shaped leaves keep unfurling with minimal care. Just keep the water clean and it won’t slow down.
7. Kolus
Kolus brings shockingly bright color to plain glass containers. In water, its vibrant leaves stay dramatic and full. Indirect light turns it into a living centerpiece.
8. Wandering juice
Wandering juice spreads so fast it almost feels illegal. In water, its purple stems root effortlessly, perfect for terrariums, jars, and hanging displays.
9. Dina
Dina adapts quietly but powerfully to water growth. Tall stems look sculptural in narrow glass vases. Clean chlorine-free water is the secret to keeping it strong.
10. Croton
Croton doesn’t stay in water forever, but that’s the trick. Its cuttings root quickly in water before moving to soil. Those fiery leaves make the wait worth it.
11. Impatiens
Impatiens might surprise you with how long it lasts in water. Once rooted, it stays lush and green for weeks. Move it to soil later for even more blooms.
12. Begonia
Begonia grows calmly in water before slowly fading. Those soft leaves stay elegant in clear bowls. Regular water changes prevent rot and keep it fresh longer.
13. Paper white bulbs
Paper white bulbs feel like a magic trick in water. No soil, yet they bloom right before your eyes. Bright light turns them into a fragrant indoor show.
14. Ornamental sweet potato vine
Ornamental sweet potato vine grows wild in a simple jar. Its trailing leaves spill dramatically over glass edges. Frequent water changes keep it energetic and lush.
15. English ivy
English ivy looks timeless even without soil. In water, its vines stay neat and controlled. A bright window keeps the leaves firm and green.
16. Caladium
Caladium turns water containers into art pieces. Those bold, colorful leaves steal attention instantly, perfect for desks and tabletops.
17. Alicasia
Alicasia feels exotic even in plain water. Its strong roots adapt well when offsets are separated carefully. Clean water keeps those striking leaves upright.
18. Thai plant
Thai plant roots steadily in water from simple cuttings. Its colorful foliage brings a tropical feel indoors. Bright indirect light boosts its vibrancy.
19. Sweetheart Hoya
Sweetheart Hoya grows slowly but confidently in water. That heart-shaped leaf feels almost unreal in glass. Patience is rewarded with steady root growth.
20. Moth orchid
Moth orchid challenges everything you think about orchids. In water, its roots stay visible and healthy. Pebbles give support while keeping it elegant.
21. Prayer plant
Prayer plant feels alive as its leaves subtly move. In water, its patterned leaves stay soft and fresh. Low to medium light works best.
22. Aluminum plant
Aluminum plant shines in water with metallic looking leaves. Clear jars make its patterns pop even more. Gentle light keeps it compact and healthy.
23. Chinese money plant
Chinese money plant looks like it was designed for vases. Those round leaves hover beautifully above water. Bright light helps it stay symmetrical.
24. Monstera
Monstera looks dramatic even without soil. In water, its roots grow thick and visible. Large leaves still develop with proper light.
25. Mint
Mint grows so fast it feels suspicious. In water, it grows, producing fresh leaves. A quick leaf crush instantly freshens the room.
26. African violet
African violet propagates quietly from a single leaf. Roots form while the leaf stays dry above water. Soon, a tiny new plant appears.
27. Baby’s tears
Baby’s tears spread gently across water surfaces. Small stem clusters root easily without fuss. Regular water changes prevent rot.
28. Peace lily
Peace lily transitions into water surprisingly well. Its roots stay submerged while leaves remain upright. Fresh water every couple of weeks keeps it happy.
29. Lotus
Lotus feels almost unreal grown indoors in water. A shallow bowl and gravel mimic its natural habitat. Warmth and sunlight unlock its full beauty.
30. Fiddle fig
Fiddle fig looks bold even without soil. In water, it enjoys humidity and steady moisture. Rotate it often for balanced growth.
31. Basil
Basil grows fast enough to keep your kitchen stocked. Cuttings root quickly near a sunny window. Fresh leaves are always within reach.
32. Zebra plant
Zebra plant hides its secret ability well. In water, its striped leaves look striking and clean. Frequent water changes keep it thriving.
Final Thoughts on Water-Grown Houseplants
If these plants growing without soil surprised you, imagine what else your home could grow. Keep the water clean, match the light to the plant, and many favorites will root, thrive, and look striking in clear glass.