Remember the thrill you felt as a child when you plunked a carrot top in a dish of water and watched leafy greens emerge from the cut top several days later? Growing houseplants in water is a twist on the same plant properties, all grown up. Many houseplants are genetically programmed to form roots from plant pieces exposed to moisture. It’s a survival and propagation adaptation; one that you can take advantage of to multiply your houseplant collection at no expense.
What do we mean by Growing Plants in Water?
In order to root houseplant cuttings, it is best practice from the stem. Propagating plants in water can be an easy way grow new plants by using jars or bottles with water to grow new houseplants. It won’t be a lot of time until you have a nice indoor water garden!
Want to grow your own indoor plant? You can keep them in water vases or jars. In time, they will develop new leaves and even flower! The beauty about this method is that it’s less hassle than potting soil gardening- try not to worry if you don’t know how yet; we’ll teach you everything you need to know in this article!
How to Grow Plants in Water
You can grow plants in water by putting a few houseplant cuttings into an opaque or dark jar. The best container for these types of plants without soil is glass, but any other type will do as well!
For the best plant growth in a soilless medium, you’ll need more than just water. Fill your jar three-quarters full of decorative pebbles or sand to give it an interesting look, or to keep things fresh mix them with colored marbles for some added color!
Third, add water soluble houseplant fertilizer. This plant “food” provides plenty of nutrients in the water to promote healthy growth and substitution for minerals that are usually found in potting soil.
Fertilizer is a wonderful way to give your plants the best possible start. To make sure you have healthy roots, stems and leaves all season long mix one-quarter strength fertilizer into the water. If you grow a stem cutting, the water should be changed every couple of days.
Indoor Plants that Grow in Water
1.Philodendron
In all the philodendron species, heart-leaf philodendron is quite adaptable for growing in water. Keep a 6 inches long cutting in a clear glass jar or bowl in a location with bright indirect light. Don’t forget to change the water once in 3-4 days, and it’ll keep growing.
2. Lucky Bamboo
Famous for its forgiving nature, the lucky bamboo is one of the best indoor plants that grow in water. Narrow vases are perfect for this plant, depending on the size.
Make sure the roots are submerged in the water and add some gravel around them for firm placement.
3. Pothos
With its glossy heart-shaped foliage, pothos is one more option to go for. Grow it in water, in a clear fishbowl or vase and keep that on a shelf; cascading pothos leaves will look wonderful. Keep changing the water every few days to maintain the right oxygen level.
4. Chinese Evergreen & Dumbcane
With variegated and leathery leaves having a silvery pattern, the dumb cane and Chinese evergreen plants can be grown in water. You can easily propagate the cuttings in a transparent vase filled with small aquarium rocks.
5. Spider Plant
Spider plants look quite interesting with their narrow arching foliage and baby spiderettes. You can either grow them permanently in a glass jar or change the cuttings into a new pot once they root. Keep changing the water every 2-3 days.
6. Arrowhead Plant
Like other climbers and vining plants, the arrowhead plant is pretty straightforward to grow indoors in water. Keep adding fresh water twice a week, and it’ll keep on growing. If you like, transplant it into potting soil once the cutting sets new roots.
7. Coleus
Having colorful and serrated leaves, coleus will be the most colorful addition to glasses and jars. Since it likes indirect light, you can keep it as a tabletop centerpiece in a wine glass or decorative mason jar filled with water.
8. Wandering Jew
Wandering jews are tough plants that grow like a weed in warm climates. The astonishing purple-colored and variegated varieties make them desirable houseplants. The best part is you can grow them in water in terrariums.
