Water Plants For Indoor Gardens: The Soil-less Alternative For Home Gardens

Isn’t it fascinating how growing indoor house plants is possible without the hassle of preparing a soil mix and selecting the correct soil type? For the longest time, I had the perception that water plants can not be grown indoors only until I came across the list of water plants. 

Ever since, I have eagerly looked forward to planting indoor plants that grow in water. 

If you are a beginner and want to avoid the traditional method of planting, watering plants is the best choice for you. Read more to know how and why.  

What are Water Plants? Brief Introduction 

Also known as hydrophytes, the water plants are known to thrive in water rather than soil. 

While most of the indoor plants grown in containers or for balcony gardens are planted in a soil mix, the plants that grow in water are less prone to pests and diseases and are relatively easy to grow and maintain. This type of gardening that does not involve soil is called hydroponics. 

Apart from being low maintenance, the plants that grow inside water placed in a glass container look extremely aesthetically pleasing, especially if placed in the kitchen or bathroom.  

This sort of planting is not necessarily done with the true aquatic plants; the plants grown in soil can be successfully propagated in water. Hydroponics is the perfect solution for plant lovers who have a really busy schedule, or even for newbies. 

Why are Plants That Grow Inside Water Beneficial? 

Growing plants is a commitment, and properly maintaining them can be a little challenging, especially when you have a busy life. Water plants strike the perfect balance between the two and make planting easy and rewarding. 

Read more to know how they are ecologically and logistically beneficial for gardening enthusiasts: 

1. Plants that grow in water relatively take up less space and can be planted in small containers and jars easily, and can be kept anywhere. So, the headache of a dedicated space for planting is now gone.

2. House plants that grow inside water are less likely to be affected by pests and diseases, as the danger of soil-grown pathogens and pests laying eggs in the soil is completely removed. 

3. You can clearly observe and track the entire growth of the plant, like the germination and the root development, perfect for gardening lovers. 

4. The plants grown in water are considered to be healthier than those in soil because the soil generally contains chemical-based fertilizers that eventually affect the quality of the plant, which is unlikely in water plants.  

5. Water plants are low-maintenance and do not have the risk of over- or underwatering. 

How Can I Grow Water Plants Indoors?

As the name suggests, the water plants are grown in water without soil. The water plants can be utilised perfectly for elevating your indoor living space. If you are looking for ways to grow these aquatic plants indoors, here is a simple and effective guide for the same: 

1. Take a glass container or any vessel that holds water, depending on your plant’s expected size. 

2. Water plants can be either grown from plant cuttings or seeds, varying for different types. However, the seeds take a lot more time to grow and are less preferred than cuttings or division. 

3. If growing through the root cutting, take the roots and place them in the water as they are, and the roots will start to develop on their own. 

4. Change the water regularly, do not leave the water plant in standing water. Clean water is responsible for healthy growth. 

List of Plants That Grow in Water 

If you are wondering what plants can grow in water, here is a curated list of all the plants that you can grow indoors, with their special features.  

Take a look at the list of the most popular water loving garden plants: 

Name	Image	Features
Coleus		This colourful water plant belongs to the Lamiaceae family, is versatile in nature, and can be used as a hanging plant for balcony gardens or as a garden bed/borders. Although a great option for an indoor plant, it is toxic for pets.
Impatiens		Impatiens can be grown as both an indoor and outdoor water plant. They require constant moisture and indirect sunlight, so place them accordingly.
Lucky Bamboo		Primarily grown in water and placed on pebbles, lucky bamboo is one of the most common houseplants. Lucky bamboo belongs to the family of Dracaena and is also known for its air-purifying properties.
Spiderwort		Also known as Inch plant, spiderwort is not a true aquatic plant, but can be grown along the pond hedges. It needs bright, indirect sunlight if planted indoors.
Chinese evergreen		Named after its Asian origins and the ability to thrive all year long, this water plant requires indirect sunlight to grow. Given the light requirements, it is perfect to grow in office settings.
English Ivy		English Ivy (Hedera helix) is a climber that grows in soil but can be propagated in water for indoor purposes. The height of this water plant reaches up to 80 feet and is also known to spread as a ground cover.
Philodendron		Philodendron, with its heart-shaped glossy green leaves, makes a wonderful houseplant that can survive in direct sunlight. Easily adaptable to outdoor weather conditions, this water plant can become dull if placed in extremely low light.
Pothos		Pothos is also known as the devil’s ivy due to its ability to survive low light and minimal water conditions. This low-light indoor plant is known to remove toxins like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the surroundings and purifies the air.
Begonia		Begonias are one of the easiest water plants to grow indoors with stem cuttings. They can survive in all light conditions, depending on the type, but indirect sunlight is the most appropriate way to grow them. While propagating them, avoid using types like rhizomatous begonias due to their weak and thin leaves.
Dumb cane		Plants that grow in water can also be toxic, along with being aesthetically pleasing. Like, if any part of the plant is ingested, it can lead to temporary speechlessness; hence, it is named dumb cane.
Aluminium Plant		The aluminium plant gets its name from the silver-metallic patches on its leaves. This indoor water plant grows up to a height of 12 inches and is considered a pet-friendly plant. The aluminium plant is also a recipient of the Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
Prayer Plant		This unique name is symbolic of the leaves’ ability to fold themselves at night, much like hands in prayer. Prayer plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight and thrive in humid environments.
Spider Plant		Spider plants( Chlorophytum comosum) are perfect as a hanging plant. Known for its strap-like leaves, this water plant can adapt to a variety of light conditions and has air-purifying qualities, making it a very useful addition to your indoor space.
Peace Lily		Peace lilies are the best fit to add a fragrant touch to your living space, as they produce white flowers that resemble a calla lily. This easy-to-grow indoor plant grows up to 2 feet tall and wide and is listed among plants with air-purifying qualities.
Dracaena		Mostly used for decorative purposes, this indoor water plant is not aquatic in its true nature, but can grow in water through propagation. Native to Africa and South Asia, the Dracaena genus has over 120 species, some popular ones being: Dracaena draco and Dracaena marginata.
Pancake plant		The Pancake plant is also known as the Chinese money plant and is native to the Yunnan province of southern China. Recipient of the Garden of Merit Award by the Royal Horticultural Society, this plant grows up to 12 inches tall and is ideal as an indoor plant.
Lotus		This pink flower is the most common example of the flowers that grow in water. Lotus needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight to grow.
Rosemary		Rosemary is a versatile aromatic herb that is used for garnishing, culinary, and medicinal purposes. This water plant is native to the Mediterranean region, thrives in full direct sunlight, and is drought-tolerant as well.
Mint		This aromatic herb is not only a great indoor plant but is also used to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Coming from the family Lamiaceae, it includes various types under its wide umbrella, like peppermint, spearmint, and chocolate mint.
Arrowhead vine		This water plant gets its name from the arrowhead-shaped leaves. The meaning of this water plant is associated with love, prosperity, and growth in many cultures.

How Can I Care for Plants Grown in Water? 

Plants that grow in water create relatively less mess than those that grow in soil. This hassle-free process does not mean neglect, but rather precise control and consistency. 

Here is how I keep a watch on my water plants to keep them fresh and healthy: 

1. Clean Container: A dirty vase or jar is home to bacteria and diseases, so clean and dry the container for a hygienic start. 

2. Sunlight: Every plant has different light requirements, so it’s important to know the light requirements and place the plant accordingly. 

3. Fertiliser: The plants that grow inside water in the absence of soil need their nutrient requirements to be fulfilled, so add a diluted houseplant fertiliser once a month. 

4. Regular Cleaning: When the water starts to seem a bit cloudy, change it, as dirty water can affect the life of the water plants. 

Additionally, use tap water for the best results and avoid using cold water, as it can shock the root of the plant.

Concluding Remarks 

Hydroponic gardening is the soil-free method of planting that is convenient yet rewarding. Plants in water do not require a lot of care and maintenance, making it even easier for me to manage them with my hectic schedule. 

My search for plants for a water garden ended with so many plants that were useful, aromatic, and environmentally friendly. 

Furthermore, it is also forgotten that water-based planting is also a form of propagation for plants, as I started it as a propagation method for the existing plants in my garden. 

The entire process of watching roots develop, and that too just in water, was refreshing and really insightful for me, and something I would highly recommend. 

Happy gardening!