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9 Plants that Grow in Water

Best Plants to Grow in Water Indoors and Outdoors

When most people think about growing plants in water they think of hydroponics gardening. However, did you know that there are several plants you can grow in water without all the expensive equipment needed for hydroponics gardening.

All you really need is the right vessel, the proper amount of light, the right water and fertilizer and you can grow several interesting plants in just water without the need for soil.

Here is a look at plants that can be grown indoors or outdoors in water.

Different plants that grow in water.

Indoors Plants that Grow in Water

Here is a look at some interesting plants you can grow indoors in a vessel of water. In most cases you will want to place the plants in a windowsill or at least close to a window.

#1. Lucky Bamboo

Lucky bamboo growing in water

Lucky bamboo is not really bamboo, but rather a type of cane from the Dracaena family. While this plant grows best in soil it can grow well in water with proper care.

You’ll want a clear glass container that you have cleaned thoroughly, rinsed and dried. Add clean pebbles to the bottom of the container. Add an inch or two of distilled or filtered water. Place a proper cutting from a healthy mature Lucky Bamboo plant.

You will need to change the water on your plant every two to four weeks or whenever the water begins smelling.

This plant needs to have bright indirect sunlight and needs temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also grow this plant in a small bathroom without windows.

#2. Pothos

Pothos growing in water

Pothos also known as Devil’s Ivy is an easy to care for plant with trailing vines and large wildly tumbling leaves. To grow this plant in water it is best to take a cutting from a mature plant that was also grown in water.

You need to snip the stem beneath the leaf node leaving at least 3 nodes on the stem. You then cut off the leaves at the bottom of the stems and submerge those stems completely in water. Place this plant near a window where it will get indirect sunlight. Change water every two weeks.

#3. Wandering Jew

Wandering Jew

The Wandering Jew plant is a quick growing plant with trailing stems and variegated leaves. This is one plant that grows well in water.

To start your plant you will need a 4 to 6 inch cutting from a healthy mature plant. Make sure you cut beneath the node. Remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem so no leaves trail in the water.

Place the leafless stems in a glass vase and allow the cutting to take root. Place the clear glass vase in a window where the plant gets plenty of direct sunlight. Keep the water level up and maintain the plant in a room in temperatures between 65 and 75 degree Fahrenheit.

#4. Chinese Evergreen

Chinese Evergreen

Growing a Chinese Evergreen in water is pretty easy to do. You need to cut a 6-inch long stem just below the node of the stem. Make sure the part of the stem that you submerge under water does not have any leaves on it.

You will need to change the water every other day to keep the water fresh so that the plant can grow healthy.

Place your vase of Chinese evergreen in a place where it gets indirect sunlight and you can maintain a temperature of between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilize once a month using liquid fertilizer.

#5. Coleus

Coleus

Coleus is another plant that grows in water. It has attractive variegated leaves and is one of the plants with green and purple leaves.

To propagate coleus in water, take a cutting from a healthy stem that is at least 3-4 inches long and has several leaves.

Cut the stem just below a node and remove the leaves from the bottom of the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top.

Submerge the bottom of the stem in water (in a glass or jar), but not the leaves. Chane the water every few days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.

In about 2-3 weeks you should see roots growing from the bottom of the stem.

#6. Baby Tears

Baby Tears

Baby tears are a trailing plant with tiny leaves lining the trailing stems. To grow this plant in water you’ll need to take a 6-inch cutting from a healthy plant and remove all the leaves where the stem will be submerged in water.

Grow the plant in a clear vase so you can see when the roots begin to grow. Once the plant grows roots it should thrive in water. Make sure you maintain the water level as needed and change water periodically.

#7. Herbs

Herbs growing in water

While you can’t grow every type of herb in water you can grow soft stem herbs quite easily in water. Herbs such as basil, oregano, thyme, mint, sage, rosemary, chives, and lemon balm have little difficulty growing in water. You’ll want to start with a stem cutting about 4 to 6 inches long.

The best vessel to use for growing your herbs in water is to choose a bottle with a small opening so the leaves of your herbs won’t fall in the water. Make sure that the bottles with the plants in them are placed in bright indirect sunlight.

Growing fresh herbs in water on your windowsill is a great way to have fresh herbs all winter long.

Outdoor Water Growing Plants

If you have a fresh water pond on your property you can easily grow a variety of plants in your pond. Here is a brief look at some plants that fair well when grown outdoors in water.

#8. Water Lilies

Water Lilies

Water Lilies are what are referred to as a deep-water plant. They have large leaves called lily pads and cup shaped flowers with a series of petals. However, the entire plant does not grow in water, as the roots must anchor in the dirt under the water.

To plant water lilies in a pond it is best to place the roots of the stalks in pots with a mix of sand and clay and weight them under the water with gravel. You can grow water lilies in as little as 10 inches of fresh water.

Keep in mind that you may have to do maintenance and remove some of the plants to keep them from taking over your entire pond.

#9. Water Lettuce

Water Lettuce

Water lettuce is another aquatic plant that looks great in ponds. This plant consists of rosettes of lime green leaves that look like little heads of floating lettuce.

Water lettuce floats on the surface with its stems trailing under the water. Small fish like hiding under this plant.

Final Thoughts on Plants that Grow in Water

If you are looking to grow plants in water, the few plants mentioned here do extremely well. So whether you are seriously considering growing plants in water or just want to grow one or two for fun this list should get you started.

Plants growing in jars of water and text overlay that reads, "Best plants to grow in water".

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