Not every plant needs soil to thrive. In fact, some of the easiest and most beautiful houseplants can grow happily in nothing more than a jar of clean water.
Watching roots swirl and stretch through glass jars can be just as fascinating as the foliage above, giving your home a fresh, minimalist vibe.
Growing plants in water also means less mess, fewer pests, and an easy-care routine.
If you’re ready to bring this low-maintenance greenery into your space, here are ten plants that love life in water jars.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is practically made for water culture. Simply snip a healthy vine just below a node, place it in a jar of water, and roots will appear within days.
Over time, those roots grow long and thick, while the leaves trail gracefully.
Pothos tolerates low light but grows faster in bright, indirect light.
Change the water every week or two, and if you want to keep it lush long-term, add a drop of liquid fertilizer once a month.
2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo is one of the most popular water-grown plants.
Often sold in decorative arrangements, it grows best in a few inches of water with pebbles or marbles to help it stay upright.
You place it near a bright window, but avoid harsh direct sun that can scorch the stalks.
Refresh the water regularly and keep the jar clean to prevent algae. With care, lucky bamboo can live for years in nothing more than water.
3. Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Philodendrons adapt quickly to water culture and look stunning with their glossy, heart-shaped leaves spilling over the sides of a jar.
Snip a stem with a few nodes, place it in water, and you’ll see roots forming in a week or two.
Like pothos, philodendrons do best in medium to bright, indirect light.
They’re forgiving if you forget to refresh the water occasionally, but cleaner water always means healthier roots.
4. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Those adorable baby spiderettes that hang off mature spider plants root easily in water.
Just snip one off and place it in a jar, within weeks, it will develop its own root system.
While spider plants can live in water for several months, they may eventually outgrow the jar.
If you want them to stay long-term, keep the roots trimmed and add a diluted fertilizer occasionally.
5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
Peace lilies are known for their glossy green leaves and elegant white blooms, and they grow surprisingly well in water.
Make sure only the roots are submerged while keeping the leaves dry to prevent rot.
They do well in low light, which makes them ideal for offices and bathrooms.
Change the water weekly to keep it fresh, and don’t forget to give them a boost with diluted fertilizer every month if you want to encourage blooms.
6. Coleus (Coleus scutellarioides)
If you want color in your water garden, coleus is your answer. With its vibrant, patterned leaves, it makes a striking display in a clear jar.
Take a cutting just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and place the stem in water.
Within a week, new roots will appear. Coleus thrives in bright, indirect light and looks especially stunning in a sunny kitchen window.
You should also pinch back the tips regularly to encourage bushier growth.
7. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Few things are as eye-catching as a Monstera cutting in a tall jar.
The dramatic, split leaves look architectural, while the roots twist and curl beautifully in the water.
You cut just below a node with an aerial root if possible, and place it in a tall container.
Monstera loves bright, indirect light and can happily live in water for months, even years, if you keep it fresh.
8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English ivy grows quickly in water, sending out roots from almost every node.
It looks especially charming trailing from a glass jar on a bathroom shelf, where humidity keeps the leaves perky.
Ivy prefers cooler conditions and moderate light, so keep it away from strong heat or intense sunlight.
You refresh the water often as ivy can be prone to root rot if left in stagnant conditions.
9. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
Syngonium, also called arrowhead plant, adapts beautifully to water culture.
Its pointed leaves often start out green and mature into pink, cream, or variegated patterns, adding variety to your indoor garden.
Place a cutting in a wide jar where roots have room to spread, and give it bright, indirect light for best color.
The plant will grow quickly, so trim it back if it starts getting too leggy.
10. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema spp.)
Chinese evergreens are slow growers, but their colorful, patterned leaves look beautiful in a simple jar of water.
Cuttings will root steadily, though not as fast as pothos or philodendron.
They handle lower light levels well, which makes them a good option for dim corners of your home.
Keep the water clean, and don’t let the roots sit in cloudy or smelly water as fresh water is the secret to success.
Final Tips for Success
Growing plants in water jars is one of the easiest ways to enjoy greenery without the mess of soil.
The key is to change the water every one to two weeks, clean the jars regularly, and give your plants access to bright but indirect light.
For long-term growth, add a drop of liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month to provide essential nutrients.
With a little care, these plants will not only survive but thrive in jars of water, turning simple glass containers into living art pieces.
Refer to: 20 Beautiful And Easy Indoor Plants That Can Grow In Water
