14 Indoor Plants That Grow in Water Without Soil

14 Indoor Plants That Grow in Water Without Soil

Exploring indoor plant options? Consider indoor plants that grow in water without soil—a practical and stylish choice for any space. This method, known as hydroponics, eliminates the need for soil, reducing mess and maintenance. It's an ideal solution for those with limited space or anyone seeking a cleaner, minimalist approach to plant care. 

How to Grow Indoor Plants in Water Without Soil

Growing indoor plants in water, such as the distinctive Moss Amigos moss ball, is a stylish and effortless way to bring greenery into your home without the mess of soil. Choose a water-holding container like a sleek glass jar or vase to display the plant's roots beautifully. If you're concerned about algae, consider using an opaque vessel for easier maintenance.

Ensure you understand each plant's light requirements—some thrive in bright sunlight, while others need more shaded conditions. 

Use chlorine-free options to maintain clear, clean water, and nourish your plants with a quarter-strength water-soluble fertilizer to replace the nutrients they usually get from the soil. 

The Top 14 Indoor Plants That Grow in Water Without Soil

Moss Amigos Moss Ball (Aegagropila linnaei)

Moss Amigos Moss Ball (Aegagropila linnaei)

Unique in form and function, these spherical plants encapsulate the beauty of nature in a single, compact form. Set in clear jars with gemstones, they create a peaceful and mystical ambiance. They require minimal light and maintenance, making them perfect for office desks or dim corners.

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Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider Plant

Known for its resilience and striking variegated leaves, the spider plant thrives in a hydroponic setup. This plant is ideal for beginners due to its high adaptability and minimal care requirements. It enjoys bright, indirect light and only needs its roots in water, making it an excellent choice for high shelves or hanging baskets.

Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)

With various shapes and sizes, philodendrons can add a tropical feel to any room. They root easily in water and grow best with moderate sunlight. This flexibility makes them perfect for indoor spaces where space and light are premium.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

PHOTO: Gyro / Getty Images

This classic plant is beautiful and effective at purifying the air. When grown in water, its trailing vines develop roots quickly, making it a fast decorator of any space. Place it in a container that allows its elegant vines to cascade down, creating a verdant curtain of green.

Impatiens (Impatiens spp.)

Impatiens

PHOTO: My Giant Strawberry

Ideal for low-light conditions where other plants might struggle, impatiens root well in water, especially during the colder months. This plant's ability to bloom with vibrant flowers even indoors makes it a popular choice for adding a splash of color to any room.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

PHOTO: The Spruce / Letícia Almeida

Often used in feng shui designs, lucky bamboo is an adaptable and exotic plant that grows well in a simple vase of water. The stalks can be twisted and shaped, adding an artistic element to your decor. Lucky bamboo is a symbol of good fortune and a great conversation starter.

Begonia (Begonia spp.)

Begonia plant

Photo: My Giant Strawberry

Known for their beautiful leaves and flowers, begonias can be propagated in water from a single leaf. This method is fascinating as you can watch the roots develop and grow into a full plant over time. Begonias prefer bright, indirect light and a stable environment to thrive.

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

Coleus plant

Photo: Krblokhin / Getty Images

Coleus plants offer a spectacular display of color with minimal effort. The vibrant leaves, ranging from green and yellow to red and purple, develop roots in water very easily. Regular pruning will help maintain their bushy shape and enhance the indoor aesthetic.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos plant

Photo: The Spruce / Cori Sears

This fast-growing vine is a favorite for its hardiness and the beauty of its heart-shaped leaves. It can thrive in low-light conditions and water, making it particularly suited for indoor spaces, where it can gracefully trail from shelves or cabinets.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema commutatum)

chinese evergreen plant

Photo: dropStock / Getty Images

With its tolerance for low light and the variety of leaf patterns, the Chinese evergreen is an excellent plant for water growth. It’s also known for its air-purifying qualities, making it as functional as it is beautiful.

Baby's Tears (Soleirolia soleirolii)

Baby Tears plant

Photo: Reiko Zoe T. / Getty Images

This plant features delicate, small leaves and a dense growth habit, making it visually striking in a transparent vase. It adapts quickly to water, with its tiny leaves creating a lush green carpet over time.

Spiderwort (Tradescantia zebrina)

Spiderwort

Photo: Magida El-Kassis / Getty Images

With striking stripes on its leaves and a great growth pattern, spiderwort thrives in water. It's perfect for adding a touch of drama and color to your indoor space, especially in moderate lighting conditions.

Dracaena (Dracaena or Cordyline spp.)

Dracaena

Photo: Mila Naumova / Getty Images

This tall, elegant plant is known for its dramatic foliage and air-purifying qualities. Dracaena cuttings can develop a full root system in water, and they prefer bright, indirect light to maintain their striking appearance.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Peace lily

The peace lily, recognized for its ability to improve indoor air quality, adapts well to hydroponic growth. It blooms sporadically throughout the year, producing white flowers against its glossy green leaves. It thrives in shaded areas and requires only occasional feeding with hydroponic fertilizer.

With detailed care instructions and a focus on each plant's aesthetic and practical benefits, your article is poised to attract enthusiasts eager to explore indoor plants that grow in water without soil.

Conclusion

Integrating indoor plants that grow in water without soil into your home offers a practical and striking way to enhance your living space. Whether it's the enchanting Moss Amigos moss ball or the Spider Plant, each of these 14 plants can transform an area with minimal effort. 

Adapting to hydroponics involves understanding each plant’s needs for light and nutrition, ensuring they remain vibrant and healthy. This approach is about beautifying your home and embracing a sustainable, low-maintenance style.

Explore more about these captivating plants in our blog post. Thanks for reading!

References:

Trees.com Staff. (2022, December 21). Hydroponic systems - different types and how they work - Trees.com. Trees.com. https://www.trees.com/gardening-and-landscaping/hydroponic-systems

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