If you love greenery but don’t have the time or green thumb for soil-based gardening, hydro-growing plants in water are the perfect solution. Also called water propagation or hydroponics, this method lets plants thrive using only water and nutrients—no soil required. It’s ideal for apartments, offices, or any space where low-maintenance greenery is desired.
Follow along as we share five easy plants you can hydro-grow in water for a lush indoor garden.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to grow in water. It adapts to low light and thrives with minimal care.
How to grow:
- Cut a healthy stem with 3–4 leaves and a node.
- Place it in a jar of water, submerging the node.
- Change the water every 1–2 weeks.
- Roots will appear in a few weeks, and vines will continue growing.
Tip: Hang pothos in a container or let vines trail along shelves of a Magnolia Bookshelf or Laurel Shelving unit.
2. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English ivy is hardy and thrives in water, producing long, decorative vines.
How to grow:
- Place a cutting with a node in a jar of water.
- Change the water every 1–2 weeks.
- Roots will appear within weeks.
Tip: Bright, indirect light helps maintain vibrant leaves.
3. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo thrives in water and doesn’t need soil.
How to grow:
- Place a stem with several nodes in a container with water.
- Keep nodes submerged and change water every 2–4 weeks.
- Add liquid fertilizer occasionally.
Tip: Keep it in indirect light to prevent leaf burn.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Spider plants propagate easily through offshoots, making them ideal for hydroponics.
How to grow:
- Place a baby plant or offshoot in water, keeping the base submerged.
- Refresh water weekly.
Tip: Perfect for desktops, windowsills, or small vases. Pair a spider plant in a glass jar with an end table like the Addison to create a cozy, inviting living area.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are striking and thrive in water with minimal care.
How to grow:
- Gently rinse soil from the roots.
- Place roots in a vase with water.
- Replace water weekly and add liquid fertilizer occasionally.
Tip: Prefers indirect sunlight and tolerates low light environments.
Tips for Successful Hydro-Growing
- Use clean containers to prevent algae or bacteria.
- Change your plants water regularly––every 1–2 weeks.
- Add liquid nutrients sparingly.
- Provide indirect sunlight; avoid harsh direct light.
Hydro-growing plants in water is an easy way to add greenery to any space. Whether you choose pothos, lucky bamboo, spider plants, ivy, or peace lilies, these plants are low-maintenance and rewarding to watch grow.
