18+ Indoor Plants That Grow Beautifully in Water
Growing plants in water is one of the simplest and cleanest ways to add greenery indoors.
No soil, less mess, and a modern, decorative look make water-grown plants perfect for desks, shelves, kitchens, and bathrooms. Many popular houseplants root easily in water and can live there long term with minimal care.
This list features indoor plants that grow beautifully in water, whether as cuttings, propagations, or full-time hydro displays.
1. Pothos for Effortless Water Growing
Pothos is one of the easiest and most reliable plants to grow in water.
- Roots quickly from cuttings
- Thrives long term in jars
- Great trailing display
2. Lucky Bamboo for Classic Water Culture
Lucky bamboo is naturally suited to water growing.
- Grows directly in water
- Clean sculptural look
- Perfect for desks and consoles
3. Philodendron for Fast Rooting Cuttings
Many philodendron varieties root quickly and grow well in water.
- Easy propagation
- Heartleaf types work best
- Attractive trailing vines
4. Spider Plant Babies for Jar Displays
Spider plant offshoots root extremely fast in water.
- Ideal for propagation
- Compact starter plants
- Great for small containers
5. Coleus for Colorful Water Growth
Coleus cuttings root fast and keep their leaf color.
- Quick rooting stems
- Colorful foliage
- Good for bright spots
6. Tradescantia for Rapid Water Propagation
Tradescantia grows vigorously in water.
- Fast trailing growth
- Roots in days
- Easy beginner option
7. Mint for Edible Water Growing
Mint grows happily in water for long periods.
- Edible and fragrant
- Fast root development
- Great for kitchen jars
8. Basil for Fresh Countertop Greens
Basil cuttings can grow and produce leaves in water.
- Roots quickly
- Functional and decorative
- Needs bright light
9. Rosemary Cuttings for Slow but Steady Roots
Rosemary can root in water with patience.
- Woody stem cuttings work best
- Slow rooting
- Good for herb propagation
10. Oregano for Compact Water Jars
Oregano cuttings root well and stay compact.
- Easy kitchen display
- Edible harvests
- Bright light preferred
11. Chinese Evergreen Cuttings for Decorative Roots
Aglaonema can be propagated and grown in water.
- Thick stems root well
- Attractive foliage
- Low-light tolerant
12. English Ivy for Elegant Water Vines
Ivy grows nicely in water containers.
- Trailing decorative stems
- Roots quickly
- Great for shelves
13. Begonia Cuttings for Leaf and Stem Propagation
Many begonias root easily in water.
- Works from stem cuttings
- Decorative foliage
- Good for bright indirect light
14. Impatiens for Fast Rooting Color
Impatiens root very quickly in water.
- Fast propagation
- Flowering potential
- Best in bright spots
15. Dracaena for Structural Water Growth
Dracaena cane cuttings can grow roots in water.
- Strong upright stems
- Slow steady rooting
- Modern look in glass
16. Peace Lily for Water Adaptation
Peace lilies can adapt to semi-hydro water setups.
- Can grow in water with support
- Elegant leaves
- Likes indirect light
17. Arrowhead Plant for Easy Water Roots
Arrowhead vine roots readily and grows well in jars.
- Fast rooting nodes
- Compact leafy growth
- Great tabletop plant
18. Syngonium Cuttings for Decorative Jars
Syngonium varieties thrive in water propagation.
- Attractive leaf shapes
- Quick root formation
- Easy care
19. Lemon Balm for Fresh Scented Cuttings
Lemon balm roots easily and smells wonderful.
- Fragrant foliage
- Edible herb option
- Bright light best
Final Thoughts
Water-grown plants are perfect if you want a low-mess, modern greenery setup. Use clear glass containers to showcase roots and refresh the water regularly to keep plants healthy. Most water-grown plants start as cuttings, so you can multiply your favorites easily.
Start with fast rooters like pothos and philodendron, then experiment with herbs and decorative foliage.
FAQs
Can plants live in water permanently?
Yes, many houseplants can live long term in water if nutrients are occasionally added and water is refreshed.
How often should I change the water?
Usually every one to two weeks to keep it clear and oxygenated.
Do water-grown plants need fertilizer?
Yes, a diluted liquid fertilizer added occasionally helps long-term growth.
Do water plants need sunlight?
They still need light, usually bright indirect light is best.
What containers work best for water growing?
Glass jars, bottles, and vases work best so you can monitor root health easily.
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