Need some effortless indoor display ideas? Go with these indoor plants that can survive in water for years!
Many people start growing plants in water as a simple propagation project. What surprises them is that some plants never need to be moved into the ground. With the right light, clean water and a little care, these houseplants can stay healthy and continue to grow for years in just water!
Indoor plants that can survive in water for years
Quick note: Changing the water every 7-10 days is enough to keep the roots healthy and prevent the growth of algae, bacteria and unpleasant odors. But if the water turns cloudy sooner, replace it immediately and rinse the container before refilling.
1. Pothos
Botanical name: Epipremnum aureum
Pothos is often considered the easiest plant to grow in water. A simple stem cut quickly develops water roots and continues to produce new leaves for years. The plant naturally adapts well here because its vines are used to growing in humid tropical environments where moisture is always available.
Just place your pothos in bright, indirect light and renew the water every week or two. It will continue to survive for years!
Before you start, you’ll need a container that will let light reach the roots and make it easy to change the water. These clear glass propagation jars they are ideal for growing most of the plants on this list.
2. Lucky Bamboo
Botanical name: Dracaena Santeriana
Lucky bamboo is one of the few commonly sold houseplants that already grows in water. Its stems store water efficiently, allowing the plant to adapt well to indoor water conditions.
Metals and chlorine can build up over time, as well filtered or distilled water often produces better results. If filtered water is not available, let tap water sit overnight before using it. This helps diffuse the chlorine and can be gentler on the plant.
Did you know that? Lucky bamboo is actually not bamboo at all. It belongs to the Dracaena family.
3. Lily of Peace
Botanical name: Spathiphyllum wallisii
Peace lilies can transition from soil to water surprisingly well. Their roots adapt easily and continue to absorb moisture and nutrients directly from the water.
If you want yours to survive for years in water, rinse the roots thoroughly before transferring the plant to a container. And keep only the roots under water, not the crown of the plant. We have one detailed guide for it here.
4. Spider plant
Botanical name: Chlorophytum comosum
Baby spider plants take root so easily that they seem almost eager to live in the water. Once established, these plants can continue to grow for years in a glass container.
Of course, it will grow a little slower than soil-grown specimens, but it remains healthy with occasional feeding. Just keep doing these 4 thingsand it will stay healthy!
Pro tip: You should start with young cobwebs instead of mature plants for easier adaptation.
5. Arrowhead plant
Botanical name: Syngonium podophyllum
Arrowhead plants develop strong water roots and often grow surprisingly quickly once established. Their attractive foliage also changes shape as the plant matures. Because this plant is actively growing, it benefits from occasional liquid fertilizers. Here is one very nice selection you can buy!
And here is a complete one guide to growing these plants in water with ease.
6. Heartleaf Philodendron
Botanical name: Philodendron ivy
This philodendron is one of the most reliable plants for long-term water cultivation. Its trailing stems root quickly and continue to produce fresh growth throughout the year.
Heartleaf philodendron does not require constant attention. Just give it bright, indirect light and change the water as mentioned above. Simple, right?
Pro tip: Don’t forget to trim the longer vines occasionally. Doing this will promote branching and give you a fuller plant.
7. Chinese Evergreen
Botanical name: Aglaonema spp.
Chinese Evergreen is known for its hardiness. Although it grows more slowly than the pothos or philodendron, it is well adapted to life in water and remains attractive with minimal care.
Its colorful foliage stays healthiest in moderate to bright indirect light. And of course, since it’s slower growing, its nutrient needs are lower than many other houseplants, so you don’t need to supplement it much.
8. Wandering Jew
Botanical name: Tradescantia zebrina
The Wandering Jew is famous for taking root almost immediately in water. Its purple striped foliage continues to grow rapidly once the roots are formed, making it one of the fastest growing plants on our list.
Cuttings grown in water often become rich cascading displays in a surprisingly short time. See how you can spread and grow a tradescantia in water.
9. Sweet potato vines
Botanical name: Ipomea batata
Sweet potato vines are one of those plants that can live their entire lives in water from a single stem cut or even with the tuber (root structure) half-hanging. There is only one thing to keep in mind.
The tuber should be placed with its pointed end down, with a stand or vase to support the upper half of the tuber above the water.
Pro tip: Want a cleaner screen? Glass Propagation Station makes it easier to grow plants in water and monitor root development. They are perfect for putting up a beautiful green screen!
10. Moth orchid
Botanical name: Phalaenopsis spp.
The key to growing orchids in water is that only the root part stays in the water. Grab an orchid, gently tease the tangled roots and remove any diseased or damaged roots.
Next, add enough water to cover almost half of the orchid’s roots. Just make sure the leaves are kept dry.
Pro tip: Orchids may need supports and ties to keep their stems upright. Additionally, provide a very weak dose of fertilizer with each water change. Here is one good liquid fertilizer for orchids growing in water.
Growing indoor plants in water proves that you don’t always need pots and soil to enjoy a thriving indoor garden. With a little light, fresh water and occasional feeding, these easy-care plants can stay healthy and beautiful for years.
