Growing houseplants in water is a simple, mess-free, and rewarding way to enjoy indoor greenery.

This method requires minimal equipment and maintenance, making it perfect for beginners or anyone looking to simplify their plant care routine.

With water-based propagation, you don’t need soil—just water, a container, and a little patience.

In this article, we’ll explore 17 houseplants that thrive in water, along with detailed care instructions and benefits.

Why Grow Houseplants in Water?

• Low Maintenance: No soil to deal with, less mess, and fewer pests.
• Eco-Friendly: Reduces water waste compared to traditional planting.
• Easy Propagation: Many plants root easily in water.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Clear glass containers showcase the beauty of roots.

Now let’s dive into the best houseplants you can grow in water.

1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Description: Known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, pothos is one of the easiest plants to propagate in water.

Care Tips:

• Use clean water and change it every 1-2 weeks.
• Place in indirect sunlight.
• Add liquid fertilizer every month for healthy growth.

Benefits:

• Excellent air purifier.
• Thrives in various lighting conditions.

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Description: Spider plants are resilient, with arching leaves and small plantlets that dangle like spiders on a web.

Care Tips:

• Place spiderettes in water with nodes submerged.
• Change water every week.
• Keep in bright, indirect light.

Benefits:

• Known for its air-purifying qualities.
• Grows rapidly in water.

3. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Description: Often associated with good luck, this plant grows well in water.

Care Tips:

• Keep roots submerged in water.
• Use distilled or filtered water.
• Avoid direct sunlight.

Benefits:

• Brings a touch of Zen to any space.
• Easy to shape into decorative forms.

4. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

Description: Known for its large, glossy leaves, the philodendron is a fast grower.

Care Tips:

• Place cuttings in water with a node submerged.
• Refresh water weekly.
• Provide bright, indirect light.

Benefits:

• Air-purifying.
• Adaptable to various environments.

5. English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Description: A trailing vine with lobed leaves, English ivy is a classic choice.

Care Tips:

• Place cuttings with nodes in water.
• Change water every few days.
• Keep in bright, indirect light.

Benefits:

• Helps remove airborne toxins.
• Creates a beautiful cascading effect.

6. Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

Description: Known for its vibrant, colorful foliage.

Care Tips:

• Place cuttings in water.
• Keep water fresh.
• Provide plenty of indirect sunlight.

Benefits:

• Adds a splash of color to indoor spaces.
• Grows quickly.

7. Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa)

Description: This plant’s iconic split leaves make it a popular indoor plant.

Care Tips:

• Use a cutting with an aerial root.
• Place in water and change every week.
• Position in indirect sunlight.

Benefits:

• Unique, decorative foliage.
• Thrives in water.

8. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Description: Known for its attractive, patterned leaves.

Care Tips:

• Submerge the base of the cutting in water.
• Use room-temperature water.
• Provide indirect light.

Benefits:

• Tolerates low light.
• Air-purifying properties.

9. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)

Description: A striking plant with purple and silver-striped leaves.

Care Tips:

• Place cuttings in water.
• Change water weekly.
• Keep in bright, indirect light.

Benefits:

• Fast grower.
• Beautiful trailing habit.

10. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)

Description: A fragrant herb that grows easily in water.

Care Tips:

• Take fresh cuttings.
• Place in water near a sunny window.
• Change water regularly.

Benefits:

• Provides fresh herbs for cooking.
• Easy to propagate.

11. Mint (Mentha spp.)

Description: Known for its refreshing aroma and taste.

Care Tips:

• Place cuttings in water.
• Change water every few days.
• Position in bright, indirect light.

Benefits:

• Ideal for culinary uses.
• Rapid growth.

12. Oregano (Origanum vulgare)

Description: A culinary herb with aromatic leaves.

Care Tips:

• Submerge stems in water.
• Refresh water weekly.
• Provide good sunlight.

Benefits:

• Useful in cooking.
• Grows easily.

13. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus)

Description: A woody herb with needle-like leaves.

Care Tips:

• Take softwood cuttings.
• Place in water.
• Provide bright light.

Benefits:

• Great for cooking.
• Aromatic and attractive.

14. Sage (Salvia officinalis)

Description: Known for its earthy flavor and velvety leaves.

Care Tips:

• Place cuttings in water.
• Refresh water regularly.
• Keep in moderate light.

Benefits:

• Culinary and medicinal uses.
• Easy to propagate.

15. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris)

Description: A hardy herb with tiny leaves.

Care Tips:

• Place cuttings in water.
• Provide plenty of light.
• Change water weekly.

Benefits:

• Culinary favorite.
• Compact growth.

16. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)

Description: A fragrant plant known for its calming scent.

Care Tips:

• Take fresh cuttings.
• Place in water.
• Provide bright light.

Benefits:

• Aromatic and relaxing.
• Medicinal properties.

17. African Violet (Saintpaulia spp.)

Description: A flowering plant with velvety leaves.

Care Tips:

• Take a leaf cutting.
• Place in water.
• Avoid direct sunlight.

Benefits:

• Produces beautiful flowers.
• Easy to propagate from leaves.

Tips for Growing Plants in Water

1. Use Clean Water: Filtered or distilled water is best.
2. Provide Indirect Light: Direct sunlight can cause algae growth.
3. Change Water Regularly: Refresh water every 1-2 weeks.
4. Use Glass Containers: Clear jars allow you to monitor root development.
5. Add Nutrients: Use a water-soluble fertilizer monthly.

Growing houseplants in water is a fun, convenient, and visually appealing way to cultivate greenery indoors.