ARTICLES

Hydroponics - Indoor Plants Doing Great in Water Only

Do you want to know more about how to root your plants in only water? In this article, explore and enjoy what hydroponics have to offer you.

By: THURSD. | 06-12-2023 | 8 min read
Indoor Plants
Hydroponics Indoor plants' roots in water

One of the latest plant trends is hydroponics: plants with their roots in water. Without the need for soil. You not only enjoy the beautiful glass-plant combination, but you can also see the roots growing from all sides. Moreover, you hardly need to care for these plants. Here you can read how hydroponics work.


Hydroponics in Glass-Plant Combinations


Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water solutions. The plants are grown indoors, where the temperature, humidity, and lighting can be adjusted to maximize plant growth. Although many plants will root and grow well in just a glass jar and a little water, you can accelerate their growth with correct plant nutrition and adequate lighting. There are now many methods of not only growing plants but also studying them. You don't have to think and spend time doing tasks, just use assignment help UK.

 

Hydroponics - Indoor Plants Doing Great in Water Only

 

That said, here are 10 hydroponic plants that are great for beginners in case you're just starting this new chapter of plants for your indoor spaces!

10 Plants That Can Grow in Water as Hydroponic Indoor Plants

Have you ever cut a plant? Then you probably already have experience with hydroponics. When you put the cutting in water, it can take root. You often pot this small plant afterward, but you can also let it grow further in the water. The plant then removes all nutrients from the water, so that it hardly needs any care. This applies to cuttings, but you can also put a complete houseplant in a large vase! Just make sure to change the water every two to four weeks and use a water-soluble fertilizer when necessary. So, which plants are suitable to grow in water as hydroponic plants? Check these 10 options out!

1. Spider Plant

Spider plants, with their arching leaves and white stripes, are relatively easy to grow in water. Baby spider plantlets are produced by the houseplant, which you can let dangle from long stems or snip off and share with friends. While they can tolerate lower light conditions, they tend to grow better and produce more vibrant foliage in brighter light. Avoid letting the leaves fall into the water!

 

Spider hydroponic plant with visible roots
Photo: @hydro_plants_pr

 

2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana) Hydroponic Indoor Plant

This auspicious plant is said to bring good fortune to its grower. Despite its name, the striking spikes that protrude from lucky bamboo belong to the genus Dracaena, not the bamboo family. This hydroponic indoor plant prefers bright, indirect light, making a bold statement in home decor as well. It can become top-heavy, so make sure it's secure in your glass vase with stones or anything else decorative. These Lucky Bamboos also bring good luck and fortune.

 

Lucky Bamboo as a Hydroponic Plant in vase
Photo: Pinterest

 

3. Pothos Plant (Epipremnum Aureum)

Pothos is a fast-growing, vining plant that can reach a height of one foot in just one month. Because the houseplant requires frequent watering, it makes sense to grow it in water rather than soil. The leaves are heart-shaped on long vining stems, coming in colors of solid green or green with hints of chartreuse or hints of creamy white. PS: They prefer growing in the bright shade.
 
 
Pothos plant growing in water
Photo: @theoliviabloom
 

4. Velvet Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Micans)

Philodendron is a popular houseplant to grow in soil, but it also works well in hydroponic systems. This one specifically, also known as 'Velvet Leaf Philodendron', features small, dark green to reddish foliage that’s soft to the touch and almost seems to glisten in the light. It’ll root well and grow vigorously in water.

 

Velvet leaf philodendron hydroponic plant
Photo: @plantdaddypeter

 

5. Coleus Plant

This easy-to-grow plant will thrive in water and is indeed considered a hydroponic indoor plant. A lot of gardeners prefer saving cuttings of coleus to begin new before the next growing season. Remove the lower leaves from a length of stem and put it in water for a few weeks, and you'll have a fully rooted plant. You can keep growing coleus in this manner or pot it in soil. Coleus thrives in both full sun and partial shade and grows equally well in containers and in the garden.

 

Coleus plants roots submerged in water
Observe Coleus' plant roots submerged in water, making it a beginner-friendly hydroponic plant
Photo: @theoliviabloom

 

6. Monstera Plant

Monstera, also known as the Swiss Cheese plant, is a stunning hydroponic plant. It has large, fenestrated leaves and can grow well in bright, indirect light. Making a dramatic statement when grown in water, be mindful of proper water quality and offer structural support as the plant grows.

 

Monstera Swiss Cheese hydroponic plant
Photo: @angieplantita

 

7. Satin Pothos (Scindapsus pictus)

Another vining option is known as 'Satin Pothos' or 'Silver Philodendron'. It belongs to a genus called Scindapsus, despite its confusing common names. The plant’s vining nature and pretty silver leaf spots make it a great choice for a lovely hydroponic display. Also nice to create a jungle in your home.

 

Satin Pothos grown in water
Photo: Pinterest

 

8. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum sp.)

One of the most popular choices for hydroponic growing. This tropical aroid is a classic houseplant due to its easy care and beautiful white flowers, and it will grow very well in water. Provide your  Peace lily with bright indirect light plus extra nutrients and it’ll bloom almost year-round.

 

Hydroponic Peace Lily plant in water
Photo: @mrs_lewis748

 

9. Arrowhead Plant

In terms of hydroponics, the arrowhead plant of the genus Syngonium is a rather popular hydroponic plant. If you put its roots in an aquarium, it'll grow beautifully for years despite not getting much light at all. The Arrowhead plant is an excellent decorative addition to any home decor style. Grow it in a beautiful terrarium, use it as a centerpiece on a coffee table, or place it on a shelf or reading desk- it'll look great.

 

Arrow plant is one of the best hydroponic plant options
Photo: Pinterest

 

10. Geranium (Pelargonium sp.)

Geraniums are commonly grown as warm-weather annuals outside, but did you know they can also be grown as long-lived houseplants in water? Clip a 6- to 8-inch piece of stem just below a leaf node to keep your geraniums going through the colder months without the hassle of overwintering their container indoors. Place the stem in a glass of water to form roots. Any cultivar will thrive in water if you remember to change the water every few weeks when it begins to cloud.
 
 
Geranium plant is a beginner hydroponic plant
Photo: Pinterest
 
 

Herbs as Hydroponics Growing in Water

The above list also includes a number of herbs that can be grown hydroponically: basil, lavender, rosemary, and sage. Good to know that these plants grow incredibly fast on water. So fast, in fact, that at some point they produce new leaves every day. Ideal for your kitchen!

 

Herbs as Hydroponics

 

Basil - Hydroponics

 

What Do You Need?

To be able to take cuttings or plant a plant in water, you need the following:

  • A clean vase
  • A clean, sharp pruning shears (if you want to prune a plant)
  • A plant or cutting
  • Tap water with plant food or spring water

 

Pancake Plant as Hydroponic Plant

 

How Do You Proceed?

Firstly choose a stem that does not have a bud. Cut it to about 10-15 cm (depending on the size of the plant) and remove the lower leaves. Make sure to use clean scissors. Have you already brought home a cultivation dish? With this, you can easily propagate plants, seeds, and nuts in a glass of water, without it drowning in it. The top must be narrow enough so that only the bottom of the cutting is in the water. Another vase or bottle is also possible, as long as the top is narrow enough. Whatever you choose, make sure you clean it well in advance.

Secondly, fill the vase with spring water at room temperature. This contains important minerals that will promote growth. No spring water in the house? Then you can also use regular tap water with plant food. Replace it every month. You proceed by placing the cutting in the vase. Make sure only the bottom part is in the water. Place the plant in a light spot out of direct sunlight. Hydroponics or plants in water only, are easy to care for. You should have roots now.

 

Cuttings from the Woods Rooting in a Vase

 

Plants' Roots Have Grown - Place Your Plant in a Vase

Rinse the roots of the plant thoroughly to prevent the vase from becoming dirty. Just be careful not to damage the roots too much. Choose a vase that is suitable for your plant. A Monstera needs another vase than a sage or basil plant. Make sure you clean the vase well in advance. Following you fill the vase with spring water at room temperature. This contains important minerals that will promote growth. No spring water in the house? Then you can also use regular tap water with plant food. Now you can place the plant in the vase. Make sure only the roots are submerged. Replace the water every month with spring water or tap water with plant food.

 

Buy Hydroponic Plants

Does it seem a bit too much of a hassle to put or plant plants in the water yourself? Then you can also buy hydroponics ready-made.

 
Trio of hydroponic plants
A trio of hydroponic plants including the Snake Plant, Philodendron White Wave, and a Ctenanthe Burle Marxii hydroponic plant
Photo: @plantje.nl
 

 

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

ALL ESSENTIALS ALL FLORISTS ALL PRODUCTS ALL GROWERS ALL BREEDERS ALL TRADERS

Can't get enough?

Subscribe to the
newsletter, and get
bedazzled with awesome
flower & plant updates