Here’s a little secret: some of the most gorgeous houseplants don’t actually need soil to thrive. I know, it sounds almost too good to be true—like someone telling you that you can have your cake and skip the messy baking part. But water propagation and hydroponic growing are real, and they’re surprisingly simple.
If you’ve ever killed a plant because you overwatered it (guilty!), underwatered it (also guilty!), or just couldn’t figure out the whole “proper drainage” thing, growing plants in water might be your new best friend. There’s no guessing about moisture levels—you can literally see when the water’s getting low. Plus, watching those delicate white roots unfurl and grow through clear glass? It’s oddly mesmerizing, like having a living science experiment that actually looks good on your coffee table.
Whether you’re tight on space, want to skip the soil mess entirely, or just love the clean, minimalist look of plants in glass vessels, these water-loving beauties are here to make your life easier. Let’s dive into the world of soil-free greenery and find your next leafy companion.
18 House Plants That Grow In Water
Hoya Bella
Source Pinterest: hortaplantandosaude
If you’ve never seen a Hoya Bella in bloom, prepare to be charmed. This compact little vine produces clusters of star-shaped, waxy flowers that look almost porcelain—like tiny works of art hanging from delicate stems. And the best part? It’s perfectly happy growing in water, making it an elegant, low-fuss addition to any bright windowsill.
Why It Works
Hoyas are epiphytes in their native habitats (parts of Asia), meaning they naturally grow on trees rather than in soil. They’re adapted to absorbing moisture and nutrients from the air and rain, so transitioning to water is a natural fit. Their succulent-like leaves store water, making them forgiving if you forget to top off their vessel.
Best Conditions
Bright, indirect light is key—Hoyas need good light to produce those stunning blooms. Change the water every 1-2 weeks to keep it fresh and oxygenated. Room temperatures between 65-80°F are ideal. If you want flowers, make sure it gets enough light and don’t move it around too much once it’s settled.
Pro Tip
Use a clear glass container so you can monitor root health and water levels easily. Once roots develop, you might notice the plant needs water more frequently—those roots are actively drinking! If you want to encourage blooming, let it get slightly pot-bound (or in this case, root-bound in its container) and don’t cut off the flower stalks after blooming—new flowers often emerge from the same spot.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Source Pinterest: Perth Plant Studio
Yes, the notoriously “fussy” Fiddle Leaf Fig can actually start its life in water! While you probably won’t want to keep a full-grown Fiddle in water permanently, propagating stem cuttings in water is an excellent way to multiply your collection or save a leggy plant. Those large, violin-shaped leaves make a dramatic statement even as a single stem in a tall vase.
Why It Works
Fiddle Leaf Figs develop roots readily in water, especially if you take cuttings during the growing season (spring and summer). The water environment allows you to monitor root development closely, which is helpful since these plants can be particular about their root health once in soil.
Best Conditions
Bright, indirect light is essential—Fiddles are light-hungry plants. Place your water cutting near an east or west-facing window. Change water weekly to prevent bacterial growth. Keep the cutting in a warm spot (65-75°F) and be patient—roots can take 4-6 weeks to develop.
Pro Tip
Take your cutting just below a node (the bump where leaves emerge) and remove the lower leaves so they don’t sit in water and rot. Once roots reach 2-3 inches long, you can either keep it in water long-term (though growth will be slower) or transition it to well-draining soil. If transitioning to soil, do it gradually by adding a bit of soil to the water over a week to help roots adapt.
Snake Plant
Source Pinterest: Raffaele DiLallo
The nearly indestructible Snake Plant is already famous for surviving in soil with minimal care, but it also propagates beautifully in water. Watching those thick, sword-shaped leaves develop roots in a clear vase is surprisingly satisfying, and you can keep them in water indefinitely or transfer them to soil once rooted.
Why It Works
Snake Plants are succulents, so they’re built to store water in their leaves. This means they can handle the transition to water growing without panicking about moisture levels. Their root system adapts well to aquatic environments, and they’re naturally resistant to rot if you keep the water fresh.
Best Conditions
Low to bright indirect light works—Snake Plants are flexible. Change water every 2-3 weeks. They prefer temperatures between 60-85°F. When propagating, you can use either a whole leaf cutting or divisions with roots already attached (divisions establish faster).
Pro Tip
If you’re starting from a leaf cutting, cut the leaf into 2-3 inch sections and make a small notch on the bottom so you remember which end goes down (Snake Plant cuttings won’t root if placed upside down—learned that the hard way!). Be patient—roots can take 6-8 weeks to appear. Once established, Snake Plants in water need very little attention beyond occasional water changes.
Baby’s Tears
Source Pinterest: Ti-a Woven Goods
This delicate, carpet-forming plant looks like something out of a fairy garden with its tiny, round leaves clustered on thin stems. Baby’s Tears creates a lush, almost moss-like appearance and grows enthusiastically in water, making it perfect for small containers or as a filler in mixed water arrangements.
Why It Works
Baby’s Tears naturally grow in moist, boggy environments along stream banks in Mediterranean regions. They’re adapted to constant moisture and actually prefer having wet feet, which makes water growing ideal. Their fine root system quickly adapts to hydroponic conditions.
Best Conditions
Medium to bright indirect light keeps growth compact and lush. Change water weekly—this plant drinks quite a bit. Prefers cooler temperatures (60-75°F) and appreciates high humidity. If leaves start turning yellow, it usually means too much direct sun or water that’s gotten stale.
Pro Tip
Baby’s Tears can get a bit wild and sprawling, which is part of their charm. If you want to keep them more compact, give them regular trims—the cuttings will root in water too, so you can propagate more plants or fill in sparse areas. Group several stems together in one container for a fuller, more dramatic look.
Chinese Evergreen
Source Pinterest: ourhouseplants.com
With its stunning variegated foliage in shades of green, silver, pink, and red, the Chinese Evergreen is a showstopper even in water. This incredibly adaptable plant transitions beautifully from soil to water, and its glossy, patterned leaves create an elegant focal point in any room.
Why It Works
Chinese Evergreens are naturally found in tropical forests where they grow in humus-rich soil that’s almost constantly moist. They’ve evolved to handle wet conditions exceptionally well, and their root systems adapt easily to water growing. They’re also slow growers, which means they won’t quickly deplete nutrients from water.
Best Conditions
Low to medium indirect light works perfectly—too much direct sun can fade those beautiful leaf patterns. Change water every 1-2 weeks. Prefers warm temperatures (65-80°F) and doesn’t mind average household humidity. Use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is heavily chlorinated.
Pro Tip
The more colorful varieties (pinks and reds) will maintain their vibrant coloring better with slightly brighter light, but don’t go crazy—too much light can burn the leaves. If you’re starting with a soil-grown plant, wash the roots gently but thoroughly before placing in water to prevent soil particles from clouding the water and potentially causing rot.
Umbrella Plant
Source Pinterest: open-grower.com
The Umbrella Plant earns its name from the way its glossy leaves radiate out like umbrella spokes. It’s a cheerful, tropical-looking plant that propagates easily in water and can live there happily for months, developing a robust root system that’s fascinating to watch.
Why It Works
Schefflera plants are native to Taiwan and Southern China, where they grow as understory plants in humid, tropical conditions. They’re naturally vigorous growers and develop roots enthusiastically when placed in water. Their woody stems hold up well in aquatic environments without rotting.
Best Conditions
Bright, indirect light encourages the best growth and keeps the plant compact. Change water weekly, especially during active growth periods. Prefers temperatures between 65-75°F. If leaves start dropping, it usually means the water is too cold or the plant isn’t getting enough light.
Pro Tip
Take cuttings that include at least one leaf node and preferably 2-3 leaves. Remove the bottom leaves so they don’t sit in water. Umbrella Plants grow relatively quickly in water, so you’ll notice new growth within a few weeks once roots establish. If it gets too large, you can prune it back and root those cuttings too—free plants!
ZZ Plant
Source Pinterest: Instructables
The glossy, architectural ZZ Plant is already famous for being nearly indestructible in soil, and it propagates surprisingly well in water too. Those thick, waxy leaflets look striking in a clear vase, and watching the rhizomes develop is like witnessing a slow-motion botanical magic trick.
Why It Works
ZZ Plants store water in their thick rhizomes and stems, so they’re built to handle fluctuating moisture levels. When propagating in water, they develop roots slowly but steadily. The key is patience—this isn’t a fast-growing plant, but it’s incredibly reliable once established.
Best Conditions
Low to bright indirect light works—ZZ Plants are famously flexible. Change water every 2-3 weeks. They prefer temperatures between 65-75°F. When propagating, you can use either a stem cutting or individual leaflets (though leaflets take much longer to develop into full plants).
Pro Tip
Don’t panic if nothing seems to be happening for the first few weeks. ZZ Plants are slow developers, and roots can take 6-8 weeks or even longer to appear. Once they do, you’ll notice small potato-like rhizomes forming—these are energy storage structures and they’re perfectly normal. If the water starts looking cloudy, change it immediately to prevent rot.
Monstera Deliciosa
Source Pinterest: Hannah Wilcock
The Instagram-famous Monstera with its dramatic, fenestrated leaves is a stunning choice for water growing. While mature plants are typically grown in soil, propagating cuttings in water is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding—you get to watch those aerial roots transform into water roots right before your eyes.
Why It Works
In their native Central American rainforests, Monsteras are climbers with abundant aerial roots that absorb moisture from humid air and rain. These aerial roots transition beautifully to water, where they develop the fine, hair-like structures needed for nutrient absorption. The plant’s vigorous growth habit means you’ll see results relatively quickly.
Best Conditions
Medium to bright indirect light encourages those iconic leaf splits and holes. Change water weekly to keep it oxygenated. Prefers warm temperatures (65-80°F) and appreciates humidity. If you’re starting with a cutting, make sure it includes at least one node and preferably an aerial root—this speeds up establishment.
Pro Tip
Monstera roots can get quite extensive in water, so start with a larger container than you think you’ll need. If you want to encourage larger, more fenestrated leaves, add a few drops of liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength every 3-4 weeks during growing season. Those leaves might not get quite as large as soil-grown specimens, but they’ll still develop beautiful splits with proper care.
Peace Lily
Source Pinterest: Sil🌺
With its elegant white blooms and glossy dark green leaves, the Peace Lily is a classic beauty that adapts surprisingly well to water growing. This is one of the few plants that can live in water permanently and even continue blooming, making it a gorgeous and practical choice for hydroponic enthusiasts.
Why It Works
Peace Lilies naturally grow in tropical rainforest understories where the soil is constantly moist—almost bog-like. They’re adapted to wet conditions and actually thrive with their roots in water. Their robust root system quickly adjusts to aquatic life, and they’re quite forgiving if you forget to top off the water occasionally.
Best Conditions
Medium, indirect light is ideal—too much direct sun will scorch the leaves. Change water every 1-2 weeks and use filtered or distilled water if possible (Peace Lilies are sensitive to chlorine and fluoride). Prefers temperatures between 65-80°F and loves humidity.
Pro Tip
If you’re transitioning a soil-grown Peace Lily to water, wash the roots thoroughly to remove all soil, then trim away any damaged or musty-smelling roots. The plant may look a bit sad for a week or two as it adjusts, but it’ll perk up once new water roots develop. To encourage blooming, make sure it gets adequate light and add a diluted liquid fertilizer (1/4 strength) monthly during spring and summer.
Purple Heart
Source Pinterest: justhouseplants.com
This stunning plant lives up to its name with deep purple-magenta foliage that creates a bold color statement. Purple Heart is almost embarrassingly easy to grow in water—stick a cutting in a jar, and within days you’ll see roots emerging. It’s perfect if you want quick results and dramatic color.
Why It Works
Tradescantias are vigorous growers that root readily from almost any node. In nature, they spread along the ground and easily root wherever stems touch moist soil. This aggressive rooting tendency makes them naturals for water propagation. Plus, their succulent-like stems store moisture, so they’re not stressed by the transition.
Best Conditions
Bright light is essential for maintaining that vibrant purple color—too little light and the leaves will turn more greenish. Change water weekly, especially in warm weather when algae can develop. Comfortable in temperatures between 60-85°F.
Pro Tip
Purple Heart grows so enthusiastically in water that you’ll likely need to prune it regularly to keep it from taking over. The good news? Every cutting you trim off will root in water, so you can create multiple plants or create a fuller, bushier specimen by planting several cuttings together in one container. If the purple color starts fading, move it to brighter light—this plant needs strong indirect light to maintain its signature color.
English Ivy
Source Pinterest: smartgardenguide.com
This classic trailing vine brings old-world charm and elegance wherever it grows. English Ivy roots effortlessly in water, creating cascading greenery that’s perfect for elevated displays or hanging containers. It’s been a favorite for water propagation for generations—there’s a reason it’s a classic.
Why It Works
English Ivy produces aerial roots along its stems that naturally grab onto surfaces for climbing. These roots transition seamlessly to water, where they develop into full root systems quickly. The plant’s hardy nature means it tolerates a range of conditions and bounces back from occasional neglect.
Best Conditions
Medium to bright indirect light keeps growth compact and prevents legginess. Change water weekly to prevent algae and keep oxygen levels high. Prefers cooler temperatures (50-70°F)—it actually does better in cool conditions than many houseplants. If leaves start turning yellow, the water may be too warm or stale.
Pro Tip
English Ivy can sometimes be prone to spider mites, even in water. Check leaves regularly for fine webbing or stippled leaves. If you spot pests, rinse the plant thoroughly, change the water completely, and wipe down leaves with a damp cloth. Adding a few drops of mild dish soap to the water (rinse thoroughly after 30 minutes) can help prevent pest issues.
Heartleaf Philodendron
Source Pinterest: Inga’s Greenery
With its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and easy-going nature, the Heartleaf Philodendron is an absolute beginner favorite. It roots readily in water and can live there indefinitely, producing vine after vine of beautiful foliage. This is the plant equivalent of a golden retriever—friendly, adaptable, and always happy to see you.
Why It Works
Philodendrons are naturally found in tropical Central American and Caribbean rainforests where they climb trees in humid conditions. Like Monsteras, they produce aerial roots that easily transition to water roots. Their vigorous growth habit means you’ll see new leaves regularly once established.
Best Conditions
Low to bright indirect light—Philodendrons are wonderfully flexible. Change water every 1-2 weeks. Happy in temperatures between 65-80°F and appreciates humidity but adapts to average household conditions. If you notice leaves getting smaller or spacing between leaves increasing (legginess), increase the light.
Pro Tip
Heartleaf Philodendrons grow so fast in water that they can quickly become long and vine-like. Train them up a moss pole, let them trail from a hanging spot, or prune them back to encourage bushier growth. Every node will produce roots in water, so if you have a long vine, you can cut it into multiple sections and root each one—instant plant collection!
Monstera Adansonii
Source Pinterest: Darren Loke
The playful younger sibling of Monstera deliciosa, Monstera adansonii features smaller leaves with distinctive holes that create a lacy, delicate look. It’s a climbing vine that propagates beautifully in water and grows with impressive enthusiasm once established.
Why It Works
Like its larger cousin, Monstera adansonii is a natural climber with aerial roots designed to grab onto surfaces and absorb moisture. These roots adapt quickly to water, and the plant’s fast growth rate means you’ll see progress within weeks. It’s naturally more compact than deliciosa, making it perfect for smaller spaces.
Best Conditions
Medium to bright indirect light encourages healthy growth and those characteristic leaf holes. Change water weekly. Prefers warm, humid conditions (65-80°F). If you want more dramatic fenestration (holes), make sure it’s getting enough light and consider adding a moss pole even in water—the climbing habit encourages larger leaves.
Pro Tip
Monstera adansonii can get quite viny and leggy if it’s not getting enough light. If you want a fuller plant, take cuttings from different parts of the vine and root them together in the same container—this creates a bushier appearance. The leaves won’t get quite as large in water as they would in soil with something to climb, but they’ll still develop those charming holes.
Spider Plant
Source Pinterest: AGreenHand | Tips Dedicated For Gardeners and Homeowners
The cheerful, easygoing Spider Plant is practically famous for producing little plantlets (“spiderettes” or “pups”) that dangle from long stems. These babies root almost instantly in water, making Spider Plants one of the easiest and most rewarding plants for water propagation. Plus, those arching, striped leaves bring a fresh, clean look to any space.
Why It Works
Spider Plants produce plantlets as a natural reproduction strategy—these babies are already partially developed and eager to root. They’re adapted to a range of conditions and aren’t fussy about their growing medium, which makes water an easy transition. Even mature Spider Plants can be divided and grown in water long-term.
Best Conditions
Medium to bright indirect light keeps those lovely stripes vibrant. Change water every 1-2 weeks. Comfortable in temperatures between 60-75°F. Spider Plants are sensitive to fluoride and chlorine in tap water, so if tips start browning, switch to filtered or distilled water.
Pro Tip
Those little plantlets root so easily that you can skip the waiting period entirely—just snip them off the mother plant and place directly in water. Within days, you’ll see roots developing. Spider Plants can get quite full and lush in water if you group multiple plantlets together in one container. They’re also one of the best air-purifying plants, so you’re getting beauty and function.
Lucky Bamboo
Source Pinterest: Homemy design
Despite its name, Lucky Bamboo isn’t actually bamboo—it’s a Dracaena. But that hasn’t stopped it from becoming synonymous with water growing. With its architectural stalks and glossy leaves, Lucky Bamboo brings instant zen vibes and is about as low-maintenance as plants get. It’s also considered a symbol of good fortune in feng shui traditions.
Why It Works
Lucky Bamboo has evolved to tolerate both water and soil growing, which makes it incredibly adaptable. It’s naturally found near streams and in waterlogged areas, so keeping its roots submerged is actually closer to its natural habitat than traditional soil growing. It’s nearly impossible to kill with neglect.
Best Conditions
Low to medium indirect light is perfect—too much light can cause algae growth in the water. Change water every 2-3 weeks or when it gets cloudy. Prefers temperatures between 65-90°F. Use distilled or filtered water, as Lucky Bamboo is particularly sensitive to chlorine and fluoride which can cause yellowing leaves.
Pro Tip
You can grow Lucky Bamboo in plain water, but it’ll be healthier and grow faster if you add a few drops of liquid fertilizer diluted to 1/4 strength every 2-3 months. If you notice the stalks turning yellow, check your water quality—this is usually a sign of chemical sensitivity. You can also layer small pebbles or marbles in the bottom of your container for stability and aesthetic appeal.
Hoya Carnosa
Source Pinterest: my-garden-school.com
The Hoya carnosa, or Wax Plant, gets its common name from its thick, waxy leaves that look almost artificial in their perfection. This trailing beauty can produce clusters of fragrant, star-shaped flowers that smell incredible—like honey or chocolate, depending on the variety. And yes, it grows beautifully in water.
Why It Works
Like all Hoyas, carnosa is an epiphyte adapted to growing on trees with minimal soil. Its semi-succulent leaves store water, making it tolerant of fluctuating moisture levels. The plant develops roots readily in water and can actually bloom while growing hydroponically if conditions are right.
Best Conditions
Bright, indirect light is essential for flowering—Hoyas need good light to bloom. Change water every 1-2 weeks. Prefers warm temperatures (60-80°F) and appreciates humidity. Be patient with blooming—Hoyas can take a few years to reach maturity and won’t bloom until they’re ready.
Pro Tip
Don’t cut off the flower stalks (peduncles) after blooming finishes. Hoyas produce new flowers from the same peduncles year after year, so removing them means no future flowers. If your Hoya isn’t blooming, it likely needs more light—try moving it closer to a bright window. The roots can get quite extensive in water, creating an attractive display of their own.
Pothos
Source Pinterest: Garden to Garnish
If there’s a poster child for water growing, it’s Pothos. This trailing vine is arguably the easiest plant to grow—period—and it thrives in water with almost zero effort. With heart-shaped leaves that come in various colors (golden, marble, neon), Pothos is the perfect “I want plants but I’m scared I’ll kill them” plant.
Why It Works
Pothos is a natural climber from tropical forests where it scrambles up trees using aerial roots. These roots transition effortlessly to water, growing quickly and vigorously. The plant is famously nearly indestructible—it tolerates low light, inconsistent care, and just about any water quality. It’s the plant equivalent of a champion.
Best Conditions
Low to bright indirect light—Pothos handles it all, though brighter light brings out more color variegation. Change water every 1-2 weeks, though honestly, it’ll forgive you if you forget. Happy in temperatures between 60-85°F. If leaves start turning yellow, you’re probably overwatering (yes, even in water—usually from stagnant water) or it needs more light.
Pro Tip
Pothos grows so fast in water that you can create a full, lush plant in just a few months. Take cuttings with 3-4 leaves and at least one node, and root multiple cuttings together in one container for instant fullness. You can also train Pothos to climb a moss pole or trellis even while growing in water—just keep the support structure stable. This plant is so easy to propagate that you’ll probably end up giving away cuttings to everyone you know.
Philodendron Micans
Source Pinterest: Houseplant411.com
This gorgeous plant is like the sophisticated cousin of the Heartleaf Philodendron. Philodendron micans features velvety, heart-shaped leaves with a stunning iridescent sheen that shifts between deep green and bronze-purple depending on the light. It’s absolutely beautiful and roots just as easily in water as any other Philodendron.
Why It Works
Like all Philodendrons, micans is a natural climber with aerial roots adapted to tropical forest conditions. The velvety leaf texture is actually tiny hairs that help the plant capture moisture from humid air—a clever adaptation that makes it comfortable in water growing situations. It’s a vigorous grower once established.
Best Conditions
Medium to bright indirect light showcases that gorgeous iridescent quality—too little light and the leaves lose their shimmer. Change water weekly to bi-weekly. Prefers warm, humid conditions (65-80°F). If leaves start losing their velvety texture or color, increase humidity and check light levels.
Pro Tip
The velvety leaves can trap dust and debris, which reduces their ability to photosynthesize and dulls their shimmer. Gently wipe leaves with a damp cloth every few weeks—those leaves are delicate, so be gentle. Philodendron micans looks absolutely stunning in a hanging container where the trailing vines can cascade down, and the iridescent leaves catch the light from different angles.