Houseplants are simply enchanting! They have the power to bring nature right into our homes, creating a lively and invigorating atmosphere while cleansing the air we breathe. Now, we all know the importance of finding the right soil and pots for our leafy companions, especially if we're new to gardening. But guess what? There's a super cool trend taking the plant world by storm: growing houseplants in water!
Let’s have an experiment, ditch the soil and dive into the exciting world of growing houseplants hydroponically. This new trend is all about nurturing our green friends in water, and it's gaining popularity like wildfire. Hydroponics or water propagation has become the go-to method for those seeking a soil-free, minimalist approach to indoor gardening. Moreover, watching your plants grow and spreading their root system in a glass jar or vase is mesmerizing! So, let's take a closer look and discover the wonders of growing houseplants in water and check out what plants are the best candidates for this method.
What do You Need to Grow Houseplants in Water?
To grow houseplants in water, you'll need a few essential items and some preparation beforehand. Here's what you'll need and how to prepare for this exciting experiment:
- Water-friendly houseplants: Choose houseplants that have a natural ability to develop roots in water. Many common houseplants can thrive in water, so do some research and select plants that are suitable for the Hydroponics method.
- Containers: Select suitable containers to hold the plants and water. Glass jars, vases, or propagation vessels with narrow openings work well. Make sure the containers are clean and free from any residue or chemicals that could harm the plants.
- Water: Use clean, distilled water or rainwater. Do not use tap water as it may be harmful to the fragile roots.
- Lighting: Identify the lighting requirements of your chosen houseplants. Most plants require bright, indirect light to thrive. Choose a window that receives adequate light, but avoid direct sunlight, as it can be too intense and cause damage. You can also invest in a grow lamp if your room does not have enough lighting.
- Nutrient supplementation: While houseplants in water can survive without soil, they still need nutrients. Add a water-soluble fertilizer at a diluted strength to provide essential nutrients. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging for the correct dosage and frequency.
How to Grow Houseplants in Water - Step by Step
- Prepare the cuttings: You should not remove a plant from soil and immediately put it in water. Transferring from soil to water environment is challenging, so it is easier to take some cuttings and propagate them in water, so the roots would grow in water right from the start. Take stem cuttings from a healthy, mature plant. Select cuttings that are around 4-6 inches long and have several nodes or leaves. Trim off the lower leaves, leaving a few leaves at the top using a clean, sharp pair of gardening shears.
- Fill the containers with water: Fill your containers with clean, chlorine-free water. We recommend that you use only room-temperature filtered water or rainwater.
- Place the cuttings in water: Submerge the nodes of the cuttings into the water, ensuring that the leaves are above the waterline. The nodes are the areas where the roots will develop. Make sure they are fully submerged.
- Position your containers in a location that provides the appropriate lighting conditions for your plants. Most houseplants thrive in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as it can be too intense.
- Regularly monitor the water in your containers. Ensure that the nodes of the cuttings remain submerged in water. If the water evaporates, add more to maintain the desired level. If the water becomes cloudy or murky, replace it with fresh, clean water. Changing the water every one to two weeks is generally recommended to prevent the growth of algae or bacterial buildup.
- Provide nutrients: Houseplants in water still require nutrients for healthy growth. Add a water-soluble fertilizer at a diluted strength, following the instructions on the fertilizer packaging. Apply the fertilizer every few weeks or as recommended for the specific plant.
- Monitor and care for your plants: Keep an eye on the health of your water-grown plants. Watch out for signs of rot, disease, or nutrient deficiencies. Remove any affected cuttings promptly to prevent the spread of issues.
Top Houseplants to Grow in Water
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is a popular houseplant that is well-known for its ability to thrive in water. This trailing vine is native to the South Pacific and is characterized by its pointed, heart-shaped green leaves, although some varieties may have variegated leaves with white, yellow, or pale green striations. Pothos needs bright indirect light and can grow in various indoor environments. With its resilient, fast-growing nature and ability to adapt to different light conditions, pothos is an excellent choice for water propagation. Watching the vines grow and roots develop in water can be an exciting and rewarding experience for any plant enthusiast.
Philodendrons
Philodendrons are beloved houseplants that come in various leaf shapes and sizes, ranging from iconic heart-shaped leaves to deeply lobed and split leaves. This diversity allows you to choose a philodendron variety that suits your personal aesthetic and complements your home decor. Growing philodendrons in water is a convenient and visually appealing option. It offers an opportunity to observe the plant's root development and enjoy the lush foliage without the need for soil. The vining nature of philodendrons makes them ideal for hanging baskets or trailing down from shelves or bookcases. Find a well-lit spot for your philodendron, preferably with bright, indirect light. Although philodendrons can tolerate lower light conditions, they thrive and exhibit better growth in moderate to bright light.
Spider Plants
Spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are popular houseplants cherished for their distinctive long, arching leaves adorned with white stripes. Not only are they visually appealing, but they are also remarkably easy to grow in water, making them a fantastic choice for water propagation.
One of the unique features of spider plants is their ability to produce cascades of "spiderettes" or baby plantlets that dangle from the main plant on slender stems. These spiderettes can be propagated into new plants. To grow spider plants in water, start by selecting a healthy spiderette or take a stem cutting from the parent plant. Ensure that the cutting or spiderette has a few roots attached or emerging from it. Place the cutting or spiderette in a container filled with fresh water, making sure that the roots are submerged. Position the container in a well-lit area with bright, indirect light. Spider plants can tolerate lower light conditions but prefer moderate to bright light for optimal growth and variegation.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is a captivating plant that, despite its name, is not actually bamboo but it belongs to the Dracaena family. It is renowned for its elegant and slender stalks, often adorned with vibrant green leaves. Lucky Bamboo is well-suited for growing in water and is commonly associated with good luck, prosperity, and positive energy. To propagate in water, choose healthy lucky bamboo stalks with vibrant green leaves. Look for stalks that are straight and free from any signs of damage or discoloration. Place them in water and fertilize them every few months to provide essential nutrients for healthy growth. You can trim off yellowing or damaged leaves and if you notice small roots forming along the lucky bamboo stalks it is totally normal and these tiny roots actually add to the plant's charm.
English Ivy
English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a timeless and elegant trailing vine that can be grown in water. This plant thrives in moderate to bright indirect light. Place the water-filled container in a location where it receives ample natural light, such as near a window. If natural light is limited, supplement it with artificial light, ensuring the ivy receives at least a few hours of light per day. English Ivy is a versatile and resilient plant that can adapt to different environments. Growing it in water not only allows you to enjoy its lush foliage and trailing growth habit but also provides an opportunity to observe the development of roots. With proper care, your English Ivy will flourish and bring a touch of elegance and natural beauty to your indoor space.
Syngoniums (Arrowhead Plants)
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum) is a delightful and visually striking houseplant that features unique arrow-shaped leaves, which showcase a captivating variety of colors and patterns. With their remarkable ability to thrive in water, Arrowhead plants are an excellent choice for anyone looking to introduce a burst of vibrant foliage into their indoor garden.
One of the appealing aspects of growing Arrowhead plants in water is their fast-growing nature. They quickly establish themselves, making them a perfect choice for displaying in glass jars or vases. The transparent container allows you to admire the roots as they develop and witness the plant's growth and transformation. As your Arrowhead plant grows, you may want to prune and propagate it to maintain its shape and create new plants. Pruning can be done by trimming back overgrown or leggy stems, which encourages bushier growth.
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant or Split-leaf Philodendron, is a stunning tropical plant that can be grown in water, although it typically thrives in the soil. Growing Monstera deliciosa in water can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The large, fenestrated leaves of this tropical beauty make it a visually stunning addition to any indoor space. With adequate light, regular water maintenance, and attention to root health, you can enjoy the unique foliage of Monstera deliciosa even when grown in water. Over time, however, this plant may still. need to be transferred to soil to reach their potential size and growth rate.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen is a popular houseplant known for its attractive foliage and ability to tolerate a wide range of indoor conditions. While it is primarily grown for its leaves, Chinese Evergreen can occasionally produce small, inconspicuous flowers. Chinese Evergreen has large, glossy leaves that are usually lance-shaped or oval. The leaves often have prominent veins and can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including shades of green, silver, cream, and pink. As a low-maintenance houseplant, Chinese Evergreen is known for its tolerance to different light levels and its ability to purify the air, making it a popular choice for indoor gardening. Aglaonema roots easily in water, but it may not bloom or reach its potential size. Water propagation is still recommended for this plant.
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)
Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides) is a stunning houseplant known for its vibrant and diverse foliage. With its wide range of colors and patterns, Coleus adds a splash of beauty and visual interest to any indoor garden. The good news is that Coleus plants can be easily propagated in water, making them a popular choice for water-based gardening. They are quick growers, and you can enjoy watching the roots develop and the plants flourish in water at a very fast rate. Remember to monitor the health of the cutting, provide adequate light, and maintain the water quality to ensure a successful water propagation.
String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii)
The dearest plant String of Hearts! This charming trailing succulent is loved for its delicate, heart-shaped leaves and cascading growth habit. While it is traditionally grown in well-draining soil, String of Hearts can also be successfully grown in water, allowing you to enjoy its beauty and unique form in a different way. While growing String of Hearts in water, ensure that the leaves remain clean and free from debris. You can gently wipe the leaves with a soft cloth or tissue to remove any dust or dirt that may accumulate. Monitor the plant for any signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action if needed. Don’t forget to give it a lot of bright indirect light and a stable temperature.
