Here are amazing red plants you can grow in water to turn plain glass vases into colorful indoor displays with very little effort!
Green isn’t the only foliage color that looks beautiful in a vase full of water. Many indoor plants with rich red foliage or flowers adapt surprisingly well to water, giving you a colorful spectacle without reaching for a bag of potting mix. Here are the best!
Red plants that you can grow in water
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1. Red Ruby
Botanical name: Aglaonema “Red Ruby”
If you are trying water propagation for the first time, this Chinese evergreen variety is one of the most forgiving Aglaonemma to start with. Its sturdy stems remain stable in water and once the roots begin to develop, the rich red foliage looks even more impressive in a clear glass vase.
In dim corners, fresh growth often appears more green than red. So, an easy rule of thumb? More bright, indirect light results in a deeper red hue in the leaves.
A ribbed glass spread A vase like this beautifully showcases both the colorful stems and growing roots.
2. Aglaonema ‘Red Lipstick’
Botanical name: Aglaonema ‘Siam Aurora’
A glance at the leaves is enough to see where this is Aglaonema variety takes his name. The fine red edges on each leaf look so beautifully painted that they almost look artificial.
And if you’re growing it in water, just keep the stems above the waterline and trim any leaves before they dip into the water. Something many people don’t realize is that Aglaonemas dislike frequent disturbance, so once your calf starts rooting in the water, try not to move the jar around too often.
Pro tip: A long-necked glass jar it holds the stems upright while showing the roots below.
3. Red Anthurium
Botanical name: Anthurium andraeanum
These shiny red swords can last for weeks in water, and what’s more, Anthurium is one of the indoor plants with the longest flowering you will find around. While usually grown in bark, mature plants also adapt well to semi-water culture, where only the roots (not the crown) remain in contact with water.
You can try this lightweight LECA culture medium; is a great companion if you decide to try semi-hydroponic farming.
Attention: Avoid submerging the crown of the plant because constant moisture around the crown can lead to rot, even if the roots are healthy.
4. Polka dot plant
Botanical name: Hypoestes phyllostachya
The polka dot plant is one of those cuttings that rewards impatient gardeners. Fresh cuttings often start rooting within 2-4 weeks.
As it grows, be sure to pinch the tips every now and then. Plus, the extra branching gives you a much fuller splash of color in the vase. Here are some more amazing polka dots plant varieties.
Fun fact: THE colorful spots they become much more vibrant when the plant receives bright, filtered light.
5. Mosaic Factory
Botanical name: Fittonia albivenis
The bright red veins of a Fittonia almost look like they have been carefully painted on each leaf. He enjoys consistently wet conditionswhich is why it adapts surprisingly well to growing in water.
Simply take a 4-inch piece of stem using sharp scissors and make sure there are 2 to 3 leaf nodes for propagation. You can also try growing them self-watering planters!
You will need one wide mouth glass jar to make it easy to monitor the roots and renew the water every now and then.
6. Syngonium Red Arrow
Botanical name: Syngonium erythrophyllum ‘Red Arrow’
The deep burgundy underside of the leaves is easy to miss until the vines begin climbing or pulling. This hidden flash of deep red color is what makes it such a favorite among collectors.
When propagating in water, continue to renew the water every 3 days until the roots are about 2 inches long. After that, once a week is fine. Earlier, if the water becomes cloudy. Look at this care guide for more details.
A narrow neck propagation bottle or even a broadcasting station with individual glass tubes facilitates the uprooting of several cuttings at the same time.
7. Philodendron Red Emerald
Botanical name: Philodendron erubescens ‘Red Emerald’
THE glossy green leaves may catch your eye first, but it’s the rich red stems that make this philodendron stand out best. Additionally, fresh cuttings root easily in water and changing the water once a week keeps the roots healthy and well oxygenated.
If you grow it in water for a long time, diluted liquid hydroponic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks will help with steady new growth.
Look at this detailed care guide to learn and grow an emerald red philodendron successfully indoors.
8. Blood leaf
Botanical name: Iresine herbstii
Bloodleaf is not a plant that blends into the background. THE vivid crimson veins stay extra bold, especially when the plant gets plenty of light, indirect light.
It is easy to propagate if you want more colorful plants in pots around the house and takes root in just 2-3 weeks. Here’s a tip, if the younger leaves start to look more green than red, it’s usually a sign that the plant could use a brighter spot.
Feed it once or twice a month with a balanced pinch liquid indoor plant fertilizer to support healthy new growth if you keep it in water for a long time.
A little color goes a long way, especially when it’s growing right on your windowsill. Just pick your favorite red plant, place it in a clean jar of water, and enjoy the changing roots, fresh leaves, and shades that make these houseplants so rewarding to grow!
