Indoor plants that thrive in water are an exciting addition to any home or office interior. They have several benefits aside from their aesthetics, such as air purification, stress reduction, and improving concentration and productivity. Whether you are a seasoned horticulturalist or a beginner to the world of indoor gardening, these water-loving plants are an excellent choice for you. Now, let’s explore some of these enchanting hydrophilic indoor plants.
Pothos Plant (Epipremnum aureum)
Commonly known in some regions as “Devil’s Ivy,” the Pothos plant is an excellent water-growing plant. This hardy trailing vine is a perfect choice for beginner indoor gardeners due to its adaptability and low maintenance requirements. Pothos plants are also known for their air-purifying properties, specifically in eliminating toxins such as xylene, benzene, and formaldehyde from the atmosphere.
To propagate Pothos in water, cut a stem of a mature Pothos plant just below a node. Remove the leaves closest to the cut and place the stem in a container with clean, fresh water. You’ll notice new roots beginning to grow in one to two weeks. The plant will remain green and vibrant as long as it receives sufficient indirect sunlight.
Philodendron (Philodendron)
Philodendron family comprises a variety of tropical plants that are adept at thriving in water. From the Heartleaf Philodendron that boasts heart-shaped leaves to the Brasil Philodendron showcasing vibrant green and yellow leaves, Philodendron plants add a touch of elegance to any indoor environment. Like Pothos, Philodendron plants have impressive air-purifying properties.
The propagation process for Philodendrons is similar to that of Pothos. Simply cut a stem right below a leaf node, strip the stem of any leaves near the cut, and place the cutting in a jar of water. With ample indirect sunlight, the Philodendron will begin to sprout roots in just a few weeks.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
The Lucky Bamboo, despite its name, is not actually a bamboo plant. It is resilient, grows well in water, and is related to Dracaena genus. It’s often found in stores braided, spiraled, or straight, displaying its unique ability to adapt its growth to various shapes and forms.
Lucky Bamboo is considered a symbol of good fortune and prosperity, making it a popular decorative element in both homes and offices. It prefers filtered light and fresh, chlorine-free water. Change the water every two weeks or when it becomes cloudy to encourage healthy growth. The water level should be maintained at approximately an inch from the base of the plant to prevent rotting.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
With their long, arching leaves in shades of cream, yellow, and light green, Spider Plants make a striking presence in any space. This plant species excels at purifying air and can do excellently in a water-based environment. It’s also non-toxic, making it a safe choice for households with pets.
Propagating Spider Plants is a unique process. Instead of using stem cuttings, they naturally produce small plantlets that can be separated from the parent plant and placed directly in water. Bright, indirect sunlight, coupled with regular water changes, keeps this plant vibrant and growing.
Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
This plant gets its name from its unique, arrowhead-shaped leaves. Arrowhead Plants come in a variety of colors and are perfect for brightening up an indoor space. They’re known for their air-purifying qualities and their ability to thrive in a water-only environment.
You can propagate an Arrowhead Plant in water by cutting below a leaf node and placing the cut segment into a container with clean, fresh water. Be sure to provide it with plenty of indirect sunlight, and your Arrowhead Plant will thrive.
Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
This aquatic plant is traditionally found floating on the surface of ponds, but it also grows well indoors in bowls of water. It reproduces rapidly, forming clusters of lettuce-like foliage that can create a green, lush environment indoors. Since they naturally grow in ponds, they thrive in indirect sunlight, simulating the shadows cast by larger vegetation surrounding a pond.
When growing Water Lettuce, provide a broad, shallow container and fill it with clean water. We recommend changing the water every two weeks to prevent bacteria growth.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Renowned for its eye-catching white flowers, the Peace Lily is a favorite among indoor gardeners. This plant is resilient, known for its air-purifying abilities, and can effectively thrive in water only. Although it usually prefers soil, a Peace Lily does well in water as long as it’s transitioned correctly.
To grow a Peace Lily in water, rinse the roots thoroughly, removing soil or debris before placing it in a water-filled container. Introducing some hydroponic fertilizer initially will deliver necessary nutrients to the Peace Lily, promoting healthier growth.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreens are versatile, low-light-loving plants renowned for their lush, patterned foliage which varies in shades of green, silver, pink, and red. They withstand water-based environments, purify the air, and need minimal light to flourish.
To propagate a Chinese Evergreen, take a stem cutting of about six inches and place it in a container filled with clean water. Keep it in low to medium light levels. In a few weeks, your water propagation will sprout roots, indicating its readiness to continue growing in water or transition to soil.
Throughout this exploration, one factor remains consistent among these plants – they are all reliable options for water propagation and can live entirely in water. This hydroponic growth method provides an opportunity to have an indoor water garden that adds a touch of greenery and purifies the air in your home while requiring minimal maintenance. These plants represent just a fraction of the various indoor plants adaptable to hydrate fully via water, extending the possibilities of curating your unique indoor water garden.
