15 Plants That Can Grow in Just Water

Growing plants in water isn’t just neat-looking — it’s genuinely practical. No soil, no drainage issues, fewer pests, and far less maintenance. As long as the roots stay healthy and the water stays fresh, many houseplants are perfectly happy living this way.

Here’s an expanded list of the best plants that can grow in just water, plus what makes each one a good choice.

1. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

One of the most reliable water-grown plants you can own. Pothos roots quickly, tolerates a wide range of light conditions, and keeps growing steadily in water.

It’s ideal for trailing from shelves or climbing up supports in tall glass containers, and it’s incredibly forgiving if you forget a water change now and then.

2. Lucky Bamboo

A classic water plant that’s been grown this way for generations. Lucky bamboo prefers its roots submerged but its stems kept dry.

Use distilled or filtered water if possible, keep it out of harsh sunlight, and it’ll happily live in water for years.

3. Spider Plant

Spider plant babies root beautifully in water and continue growing once established. Growth is slower than in soil, but the plant stays healthy and tidy.

This is a great option if you want something child- and pet-friendly with minimal mess.

4. Philodendron

Heartleaf philodendrons in particular adapt exceptionally well to water. They produce strong, thick roots and glossy foliage with very little effort.

They’re perfect for desks, shelves, and low-maintenance indoor spaces.

5. Peace Lily

Peace lilies can transition to water surprisingly well once their soil roots are gently cleaned.

They appreciate fresh water and space for their roots, and they’ll often continue producing elegant white flowers in bright, indirect light.

6. English Ivy

English ivy grows well in water when given bright light and frequent water changes.

Its trailing habit looks especially good in clear glass containers where the roots are visible, adding to the decorative effect.

7. Begonia

Many begonias thrive in water, particularly cane and rex varieties. Their decorative leaves make them a standout choice for water-only displays.

They prefer clean water and indirect light and will happily stay compact indoors.

8. Coleus

Coleus adapts incredibly well to water and keeps its vibrant colour as long as it gets enough light.

It grows quickly, which makes it perfect for regular trimming — and every cutting becomes a new plant.

9. Wandering Dude (Tradescantia)

Tradescantia is almost impossible to fail in water. It roots quickly, grows fast, and looks great trailing from jars or hanging containers.

It’s ideal if you want a plant that fills space quickly without soil.

10. Mint

Mint thrives in water and continues producing fresh leaves indoors.

It does best on a bright windowsill with regular water changes. Growth is slower than in soil, but it’s incredibly low effort and useful too.

11. Basil

Basil roots easily and can live in water for long periods, especially when harvested regularly.

It prefers warm, bright conditions and fresh water. Pinching the tips helps prevent it becoming leggy.

12. Syngonium (Arrowhead Plant)

Syngonium adapts very well to water and produces elegant arrow-shaped leaves.

It stays compact in water and works beautifully in minimalist interiors.

13. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Aglaonema can live long-term in water once established, particularly smaller varieties.

It tolerates lower light levels and grows slowly, making it ideal for calm, low-maintenance spaces.

14. Monstera (Young Cuttings)

While mature monstera plants prefer soil, young cuttings can live in water for extended periods.

They root strongly, grow steadily, and look great in larger glass containers where their roots can spread.

15. ZZ Plant (Leaf Cuttings)

ZZ plants are famously tough, and their leaf cuttings can grow in water — slowly, but reliably.

This is a patience plant rather than a fast grower, but it’s extremely low maintenance once established.

Why Grow Houseplants in Water?

Growing houseplants in water isn’t just about aesthetics — although the clean, minimalist look is definitely a bonus. For many people, water-grown plants actually solve some of the most common frustrations that come with traditional houseplant care.

Far Less Mess, Especially Indoors

Soil inevitably ends up where you don’t want it — on windowsills, shelves, desks, and carpets. Growing plants in water completely removes that issue. There’s no compost to spill, no muddy pots to move around, and no cleanup when you’re rearranging plants or watering them indoors.

This makes water-grown plants ideal for kitchens, home offices, bathrooms, and rental properties where keeping things tidy matters.

Fewer Pests and Fungal Problems

Many common houseplant pests — especially fungus gnats — thrive in damp soil. When you remove soil from the equation, you remove their breeding ground too.

Water-grown plants are far less likely to suffer from gnats, mould, or soil-borne diseases. If a problem does appear, it’s usually easy to spot early by simply looking at the roots through the glass.

Much Easier to Avoid Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common reasons houseplants fail. With water-grown plants, there’s no guesswork about whether the compost is still wet or drying out.

You can see the water level at a glance, top it up when needed, and change it if it starts to look cloudy. That visibility makes plant care far more intuitive, especially for beginners.

Clear Visual Feedback on Plant Health

Because the roots are visible, water-grown plants give you instant feedback. Healthy roots look firm and pale; unhealthy roots quickly show signs of trouble.

This makes it easier to correct problems early — whether that’s changing the water more often, improving light levels, or giving the plant more space.

Slower, More Manageable Growth

Plants grown in water tend to grow more slowly than those in soil. While that might sound like a downside, it’s actually a benefit for many homes.

Slower growth means less pruning, less repotting, and fewer plants outgrowing their space. Water-grown plants stay compact, controlled, and predictable — ideal for shelves, desks, and small rooms.

Ideal for Busy or Forgetful Plant Owners

If you don’t have time for complicated care routines, water-grown plants are refreshingly simple. There’s no feeding schedule to obsess over, no soil moisture to monitor, and no repotting stress.

A quick water change every couple of weeks is often enough to keep plants happy for months at a time.

Great for Propagation and Sharing

Water-growing makes it incredibly easy to propagate new plants. Cuttings root quickly, and once established, they can stay in water or be transferred to soil later.

This makes water-grown plants perfect for sharing with friends, growing your collection cheaply, or filling your home with greenery without constantly buying new plants.

Works Beautifully With Modern Interiors

Glass containers, visible roots, and simple plant shapes suit modern and minimalist interiors perfectly. Water-grown plants look intentional and decorative, rather than like an afterthought.

They also work well as centrepieces, shelf accents, or statement plants in areas where traditional pots feel bulky or cluttered.

How to Keep Water-Grown Plants Healthy

A few simple habits make all the difference:

• Change water every 1–2 weeks

• Rinse roots if water becomes cloudy

• Use clear containers to monitor root health

• Keep roots submerged, not stems

• Add a very diluted liquid feed every couple of months for long-term growth

If roots look white or light tan, you’re doing things right.