13. Hydrangea
Hydrangeas root well in water when propagating from cuttings.
- Why it’s great: You can create new plants from garden cuttings easily.
- Care tips: Change water often, and plant into soil once roots are established.
14. Calathea
Calathea species can survive in water temporarily but usually need soil for long-term health.
- Why it’s great: Adds exotic, patterned foliage to your collection.
- Care tips: Use water propagation for new plants, then transplant into soil.
15. Gerbera Daisy
Gerberas root in water and offer bright, cheerful flowers.
- Why it’s great: Easy propagation and color to brighten indoor spaces.
- Care tips: Keep water clean and provide ample indirect light.
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagate Plants in Water
If you’re new to water propagation, here’s how to start your own plants from cuttings:
Step 1: Select a Healthy Stem or Leaf Cutting
Choose a mature, healthy stem with several leaves. The stem should be about 4-6 inches long.
Step 2: Make a Clean Cut
Use sterilized scissors or pruning shears to cut just below a node (the spot where leaves attach).
Step 3: Remove Lower Leaves
Strip leaves from the bottom 1-2 inches of the cutting to prevent rot in water.
Step 4: Place Cutting in Water
Fill a glass jar or vase with room temperature water and submerge the cutting base.
Step 5: Position in Indirect Light
Keep the cutting in a bright spot away from direct sun.
Step 6: Change Water Regularly
Replace water every 1-2 weeks or when it becomes cloudy.
Step 7: Wait for Roots
Within 1-4 weeks, you’ll see roots emerging. When roots are 2-3 inches long, transplant or keep growing in water.
Tips to Keep Water-Grown Plants Healthy and Thriving
- Use filtered or dechlorinated water to protect roots.
- Avoid direct sunlight that can heat water and damage roots.
- Maintain humidity around plants with occasional misting.
- Fertilize lightly with a water-soluble fertilizer monthly.
- Trim dead roots and leaves regularly to prevent rot and disease.
- Choose the right container to support the plant and show off roots.
Creative Ways to Display Your Water Plants
- Mason jars lined on windowsills for kitchen herbs or pothos.
- Tall, narrow vases with trailing vines for a modern look.
- Floating plants in decorative bowls with water and pebbles.
- Suspended glass orbs for air plants and small water plants.
- Minimalist single-cutting setups for clean and elegant décor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Growing Plants in Water
- Leaving water unchanged for too long (leads to stagnation and root rot).
- Using containers that block light to roots, causing poor growth.
- Placing plants in direct, hot sunlight causing overheating.
- Overcrowding multiple cuttings in one jar restricting oxygen flow.
- Forgetting to remove dead leaves that can decay in water.
Should You Keep Plants in Water Forever or Transplant to Soil?
Some plants thrive indefinitely in water, like lucky bamboo and pothos. Others may grow slower or eventually weaken without soil nutrients.
If you want vigorous growth or flowering, transplant water-rooted plants into soil after roots develop. Doing so combines the ease of propagation with the benefits of traditional growing.
Conclusion
Growing indoor plants in water is a delightful way to add greenery and life to your home with minimal effort. It’s clean, simple, and surprisingly versatile. From the easy-to-care-for pothos to elegant lucky bamboo, a wide variety of plants flourish in water.
By following the right techniques, providing fresh water, and giving them the right light and nutrients, you can create a lush indoor garden that captivates visitors and lifts your spirits.
Start with one or two water-friendly plants, and soon you’ll be enjoying a whole collection of beautiful, thriving water-grown greenery. It’s nature’s art, right on your windowsill!
