Did you know over 60% of plant owners now prefer water-based plants for their homes? This fact shows how popular aquatic houseplants have become. They are easy to care for and look great, unlike traditional soil plants. You can find many types of indoor water plants that fit well in your home.
Key Takeaways
- Indoor water plants need less care and are perfect for busy people.
- These plants have fewer pests, making your home healthier.
- Water plants can make your home look beautiful in vases or jars.
- Popular choices include Chinese Evergreen, Heartleaf Philodendron, and Lucky Bamboo.
- They’re easy to grow and can make new plants from the ones you have.
Introduction to Indoor Water Plants
Want to add some natural beauty to your home? Think about adding indoor water plants to your decor. These plants live without soil, making them easy to care for and perfect for modern homes. By growing them in water, you can see the plant’s roots and create beautiful displays that match your home’s style.
The trend of growing plants in water is getting more popular. It offers a simple and modern way to garden indoors. These aquatic houseplants not only look great but also help clean the air. They’re a smart and stylish choice for those who care about the environment.
We’ll look at the perks of indoor water plants, the best containers for them, and different types of plants that do well in water. Get ready to improve your home’s look with these easy-to-care-for plants.
“Water plants are a captivating addition to any indoor space, offering a unique and modern twist on traditional indoor gardening.”
Benefits of Growing Plants in Water
Growing plants in water has many advantages over using soil. These plants are easy to care for, make less mess, and don’t get infested with pests easily. This makes them perfect for those who want a simple indoor garden.
Low Maintenance
Water-based plants are easy to take care of. They don’t need regular watering or soil changes. Just add water now and then, and they’ll do well.
Reduced Mess
With water-based plants, you don’t have to worry about soil spills or mess. They keep your space clean, especially if you have little room or a busy area.
Fewer Pests
These plants are less likely to get pests like fungus gnats. This means you won’t need to use pesticides, making them better for the environment.
“Growing plants in water uses one-third of the water compared to growing in soil, making it a highly water-efficient indoor gardening method.”
The benefits of growing plants in water include being low-maintenance, having reduced mess, and having fewer pests. These make water-based plants a great choice for water-conscious and low-maintenance indoor gardening.
Suitable Containers for Water Plants
When growing plants in water, you have many container options. Glass jars, vases, test tubes, wall-mounted vessels, and repurposed containers work well. Choose a container that is water-tight and big enough for the plant’s roots. Think about the size, shape, and look of the container to make your home look good.
Glass Jars and Glassware
Glass containers are great for indoor water plants. They let you see the water level and check on your plants easily. You can use everything from old glass jars to fancy vases.
Vases
Vases come in many shapes, sizes, and materials. They’re a good choice for water plants. You can pick a tall, classic vase or a modern, geometric one to make your indoor water garden look beautiful.
Test Tubes and Beakers
Test tubes or beakers can add a fun touch to your plants. They bring a bit of science and experimentation to your indoor plants.
Wall-Mounted Vessels
Wall-mounted containers save space and look great. They let you use vertical space for your water plants. You can find them in different materials like metal or wood to match your home’s style.
Recycled Containers
Be creative and use old items for your plants. You can turn glass bottles or ceramic mugs into unique containers for your water garden.
“The key to successful water gardening is selecting the right container that not only looks great but also provides the necessary space and support for your plants to thrive.”
Caring for Water Plants
Keeping your indoor water plants healthy and lively is easy with a few simple steps. Changing the water and adding the right food are key to their well-being.
Water Changes
It’s important to change the water in your plant containers often. Try to do this every 1-2 weeks to keep it fresh and full of oxygen. Always use water without chlorine, as it can harm your plants.
If you must use tap water, let it sit for 24 hours first. This lets the chlorine evaporate, making it safe for your plants.
Fertilizing
Adding a bit of liquid fertilizer to your plants can also help them grow strong. Choose a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer made for aquatic plants. This will support their growth and keep them healthy.
By following these easy how to care for water plants tips, you can make a beautiful indoor space. Your water changes for indoor plants and fertilizing water plants routine will make your plants flourish.
“The key to successful indoor water plant care is maintaining a delicate balance between water, nutrients, and oxygen.”
What are some indoor water plants?
There are many types of indoor water plants that can do well in hydroponic setups or in vases and containers with water. Some top picks include spider plants, philodendrons, Chinese evergreens, ivy, pothos, dumb cane, lucky bamboo, and begonias.
These plants are great for growing in water and can brighten up any space. They fit well in different containers, from classic vases to creative recycled ones. This adds a green and moist touch to your indoor decor.
Many of these plants, like pothos and philodendrons, can handle various conditions, including hydroponic setups. Others, like Chinese evergreens and lucky bamboo, are perfect for growing in water. They’re great for those wanting to add water plants to their homes.
Growing plants in water has many benefits, like less mess, fewer pests, and easy care. With the right containers and some attention, these plants can add a lush, natural look to any room.
“Growing plants in water can be a fun and rewarding experience, and the right types of indoor water plants can thrive in this unique environment.”
Spider Plant
The spider plant is a great choice for growing in water. It has ribbon-like leaves that do well in water and creates new plantlets for easy spreading. Make sure to give them bright, indirect light and change the water often to keep it fresh.
Growing Location and Care
Place spider plants where they get lots of bright, indirect sunlight. Change the water every week to avoid salt buildup and leaf rot. Using rainwater instead of tap water is better because it’s softer on the roots.
After the cuttings grow strong roots, feed them with liquid fertilizer once a month. But remember, spider plants need soil to grow fully. Staying in water too long can limit their growth.
To move rooted spider plants back to water, put washed pebbles at the container’s bottom for root support. Always flush the system to stop water from getting stagnant and to prevent salt buildup.
“Spider plants are relatively easy to grow in water, producing baby spider plantlets that can be shared with others.”
Heartleaf Philodendron
The classic heartleaf philodendron shines when grown in water. These tropical vines quickly form roots in water and can thrive long-term. They look elegant in a glass vase or jar, showing off their roots.
Coming from tropical areas of South and Central America and the West Indies, the heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum) is sensitive to cold. It’s not safe for humans and pets because of calcium oxalate crystals. Yet, it’s loved for its low maintenance and toughness.
This plant can grow 1-3 ft. wide and 3-13 ft. long. It likes bright, indirect light and soil that drains well and is slightly acidic. It does well in humid places but can handle less humidity than many tropical plants. Philodendrons can live for many years if moved to a bigger pot every two to three years. They’re easy to spread by cutting stems and putting them in indirect light.
For heartleaf philodendrons grown hydroponically or in water, change the water often and add diluted fertilizer in spring and summer. Watch out for pests like aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and fungus gnats.
“Heartleaf philodendrons are well-known for their ease of care and resilience, making them a popular choice for those inexperienced with plants.”
Chinese Evergreen
The chinese evergreen is loved for its easy care and ability to live in low light. It does well in water, needing only regular water changes. To grow it hydroponically, take a 6-inch stem cutting and put it in a clean container filled with water. Make sure it’s in bright, indirect light.
This plant fits well in many indoor settings. It’s considered one of the easiest houseplants to care for. This makes it great for busy people or those new to plants. Chinese evergreens grow slowly, so they can be placed on desks, tables, or the floor as they get bigger.
Watering is simple for the chinese evergreen. It can survive with regular or infrequent watering. Plus, it can grow in a variety of light conditions, even low light or bright spots like offices with fluorescent lights.
Feeding the chinese evergreen is optional, but it helps with growth. A general-purpose houseplant fertilizer once or twice a year in spring or summer is good. Its easy care makes it a great choice for indoor plant lovers.
There are many popular varieties of chinese evergreens, each with its own look. From the Silver Queen to the Emerald Beauty, there’s one for every taste. Whether you want a desk plant or a statement piece, the chinese evergreen is a good pick.
“The Chinese Evergreen is one of the easiest houseplants to care for, making it a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts of all skill levels.”
This plant is great for anyone wanting to add greenery indoors. It’s low maintenance, purifies the air, and comes in many varieties. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, this plant will do well under your care.
Ivy
Ivy is a great choice for growing in water. It’s a climbing and trailing plant that looks beautiful in water. To grow english ivy in water, take cuttings 4-6 inches long and put them in a vase or jar. Over time, these cuttings will grow roots and can be moved to soil or kept in water.
There are about 15 types of ivy plants. The most common has leaves with five lobes. The article talks about 14 types of ivy houseplants. For example, the Algerian ivy has leaves up to four inches wide. The Hedera helix ‘Asterisk’ variety has unique leaf margins.
- Ivy houseplants are easy to care for and like bright, indirect light.
- Water them only when the top two inches of soil are dry. They do well with high-nitrogen fertilizers for leaf growth.
- Some ivy species do well in shade and need regular water. Variegated types prefer less sunlight.
Growing ivy in water needs well-drained soil and should be watered once a week in spring and summer. In winter, water less often. Keep the room temperature between 50°F to 70°F and fertilize monthly in warmer months for best growth.
To propagate ivy, cut 5-inch stem pieces with several leaf nodes and put them in water or soil. Move the plants to a bigger pot every two to three years when they get root-bound. Watch out for pests like mealybugs, mites, aphids, whiteflies, scales, and termites.
Ivy is easy for beginners to grow, making it perfect for growing ivy in water or in soil.
Pothos
The pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is a top choice for indoor plants that love water. These vines grow fast and do well in hydroponic setups. They need fresh water and some fertilizer to thrive. Pothos plants have beautiful trailing stems that look great in glass containers.
Pothos can grow up to 60 feet in the wild, climbing up trees. Indoors, they usually vine about six to 10 feet. They like temperatures between 65°F-85°F and humidity of 50-70%, which is easy to keep in most homes.
Water a pothos in water every 1-2 weeks, depending on the light. Indoors, their leaves grow four to eight inches long. This is much smaller than their wild counterparts. But, they are easy to grow pothos hydroponically, making them popular for water-based plants.
Pothos plants are easy to propagate in water. This is great for water-based pothos fans who want to grow more or share plants with friends. But, remember, pothos can be toxic to pets and humans if eaten. So, keep them away from pets and kids.
“My pothos plant has survived five years and three moves, proving its resilience. It’s known for being impervious to death!”
Pothos plants are low-maintenance and don’t make a mess. They also don’t get many pests. They’re perfect for those who want to add nature’s beauty to their homes with water-based pothos. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, pothos will make your indoor space look lush and green.
Dumb Cane
Dumb cane, also known as Dieffenbachia, is a versatile and eye-catching indoor plant. It thrives in water and adapts well to a hydroponic setup. Regular water changes and occasional fertilization keep its stunning foliage looking great.
When starting dumb cane in water, wear gloves to protect against skin irritation from the sap. These plants can grow quite large, reaching 3-10 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. They become a statement piece in any indoor area.
One major advantage of growing dumb cane in water is the low upkeep. They grow fast, adding up to 2 feet in height yearly. They love bright, indirect sunlight and consistent moisture, needing water twice a week when they’re actively growing.
For a water-based dumb cane to thrive, the right conditions are key. They do best in temperatures between 65-75°F and need a balanced, diluted fertilizer every four to six weeks. Keeping the humidity right is also crucial. Consider placing the plant on a tray of pebbles filled with water to increase the humidity around it.
Dumb cane plants are perfect for adding a lush, tropical feel to indoor spaces. They’re great for both plant experts and beginners. This species is sure to impress and bring joy.
“Dieffenbachia plants are one of the most popular indoor plants, known for their striking foliage and ability to thrive in a variety of growing conditions.”
Lucky Bamboo
Looking to add natural beauty and positive energy to your space? Consider lucky bamboo. This plant thrives in water, needs little care, and adds a unique touch with its stalks and green leaves.
Lucky bamboo comes from Africa and is part of the Dracaena family. It can grow up to 5 feet tall indoors, making it perfect for desks and low-light areas. It also cleans the air, making it great for homes and offices.
In Chinese culture, the number of lucky bamboo stalks matters. Arrangements of two, three, six, or nine stalks symbolize different fortunes. But, giving four stalks is seen as rude because ‘four’ sounds like ‘death’ in Chinese.
Looking after lucky bamboo is easy. Just keep the water level right and give it the right light and temperature. For feeding, a little liquid fertilizer each month works well for water-based plants.
To grow more lucky bamboo, cut a stem and put it in distilled water until roots appear, in about 30 days. If it gets too big, you can move it to a bigger pot easily.
If you want a plant that brings luck, prosperity, or just cleans the air, lucky bamboo is a great pick. It’s versatile, tough, and has deep cultural meaning. This plant will add balance and positive vibes to your home.
Begonias
Begonias are a great choice for those who love water-based plants. These plants are easy to grow from cuttings and thrive in water. The begonia adds beauty with its varied leaves and sometimes blooms, perfect for hydroponic setups.
About 83% of the begonias in the author’s collection came from cuttings in water. This method is surprisingly effective, unlike what many think. The author has also had great success with geraniums, fuchsias, and impatiens using this method.
The American Begonia Society backs the water method for growing begonias. The author tried cutting fresh stems of cane-type begonias and planting them together. This made the plants fuller. For rhizomatous begonias, planting a few leaves together also led to a fuller plant.
Regardless of the begonia type, rooting cuttings and caring for them leads to new growth. This creates a lively and healthy display. The author uses small spaces like window ledges for these plants, adding color indoors without taking much room.
Keeping water-based begonias healthy means changing the water often and feeding them. Changing the water weekly helps avoid algae, which harms the roots. Using an organic liquid fertilizer is key for their growth and color.
Whether you’re an experienced plant lover or new to water-based gardening, the begonia is a great choice. It’s easy to grow and brings natural beauty indoors.
Propagating Water Plants
Growing plants in water makes it easy to spread your plant family. You can take stem or leaf cuttings and put them in water. Over time, they grow roots, letting you move them to soil or keep them in water. This method is great for growing more plants with little work.
The time it takes for roots to form varies by plant. Roots should be 3-5 inches long before moving to soil. Some plants, like the fiddle leaf fig, might need up to 3 months. Always change the water every 3-5 days and clean the roots to keep them healthy.
Propagating plants is easy and lets you make new plants for yourself or share with friends. Make sure to find the root nodes on your cuttings before cutting them. Put the cuttings in a spot with bright, indirect light for the best growth.
Propagating plants is a simple process that allows for creating new plants for personal use or trading.
Here are some water-loving plants great for propagation: Chinese evergreen, Moth orchid, Chinese money plant, Inch plant, Boat lily, Prayer plant, Heartleaf philodendron, Zebra plant, Lucky bamboo, African mask plant, Caladium, and Hoya heart plant.
With patience and care, you can grow more indoor plants by propagating in water. Look up gardening blogs and social media for more tips on water-based plant propagation and rooting cuttings in water.
Decorative Displays with Water Plants
Make your living spaces pop with indoor water plants. Use them to create stunning decorative displays. You can go for simple stems in elegant vases or complex setups in wall-mounted containers. These plants are perfect for showing off your style and are easy to care for.
Try out different containers to match your style. Use sleek glass jars, vintage vases, or even old test tubes for your decorative water plant displays. Add unique touches like driftwood, stones, or LED lights to your water-based plant arrangements. This will make your plants stand out in your home.
Let your creativity shine with indoor water plant decor. Choose from a single stem or a complex arrangement. These plants add life and beauty to your home. They’re easy to care for and open up a world of decorating possibilities.
“Decorative water plant displays are a simple yet impactful way to bring the beauty of nature into your home.”
Conclusion
Growing plants in water is easy and keeps your indoor space looking great. You can pick from many houseplants that do well in water. With the right container, fresh water, and some fertilizer, you can make beautiful water-based displays.
These plants clean the air and need little care. They also make your home look calm and nice. Adding these plants is a great way for both experts and beginners to make their spaces better.
Indoor water plants are great because they clean the air and are easy to care for. This article shows how to make a water garden that brings nature into your life. With these tips, you can have a beautiful, low-care water garden at home or work.
