What better way to get clean air without a lot of work than to go with these air-purifying houseplants that you can only grow in water!
If you love the look of houseplants but would rather skip the mess of potting soil, you’re in luck. Many tropical houseplants naturally grow aerial roots along their stems in nature, which makes them suitable for life in water. Here are some of the best indoor plants that clean the air and can thrive in water with very little effort.
Air-purifying indoor plants that you can only grow in water
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Before you begin, make sure you have a clear propagation jar or container that grows water. Being able to see the roots makes it much easier to monitor plant health and know when it’s time to refresh the water. Look at these stylish propagator jars here.
1. Pothos
Botanical name: Epipremnum aureum
Pothos grow especially well in water because each stem contains nodes, which are small growth points capable of producing roots. Simply cut a healthy vine just below a node and place the cutting in water. New roots usually begin to grow within a few weeks.
It has been shown to absorb small amounts of pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene through its leaves and root system, making it a popular indoor choice. Cool, right?
Pro tip: Make sure at least one node remains below the water line. That’s where your new roots will emerge. Here it is ideas from which you can be inspired!
To have faster and healthier growth, this balanced indoor plant fertilizer is your best buy.
2. Heartleaf Philodendron
Botanical name: Philodendron ivy
Like pothos, this plant naturally produces roots from its nodes. A simple stem cutting placed in water will usually root quickly and continue to grow for years with minimal care.
One of its greatest strengths is its ability to tolerate lower light levels than many other houseplants. This making it suitable for bedroomsoffices and other areas where sunlight may be limited. Its dense foliage can also help capture dust particles from the surrounding air.
Gardener’s Note: If you let the plant climb a moss pole or supportyou will often notice larger leaves developing over time.
3. Lily of Peace
Botanical name: Spathiphyllum wallisii
Although peace lilies are usually grown in the ground, established plants can adapt to growth in water when handled properly. The key is to keep only the roots submerged. The crown of the plant, where the leaves emerge, should remain above the water line to prevent rot.
They are often associated with indoor air quality because they absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through their foliage and root system. Their broad leaves also contribute to a fuller, greener look indoors.
Using decorative river rocks it will help stabilize the roots while keeping the crown of the plant safely above the water line.
Fun fact: The white structure that most people think is a flower is actually a modified leaf called a spathe. True flowers grow on the central spike.
4. Arrowhead plant
Botanical name: Syngonium podophyllum
The Arrowhead plant gets its name from its distinctive arrow-shaped leaves. And like many tropical vines, it grows natural roots along its stems. This makes spreading water simple and reliable.
Just Place a cut with at least one node in the waterand wait a few weeks. Its broad foliage helps to naturally filter the air, removing benzene, xylene and toluene and creates a lush look indoors. As the plant matures, you may notice that the leaf shape becomes more complex and deeply divided.
Great: Syngonium contains calcium oxalate crystals and should be kept away from pets and small children.
5. Spider plant
Botanical name: Chlorophytum comosum
The spider plant has earned its reputation as one of the most beginner friendly indoor plants you can grow These plants already contain tiny root structures, which makes water propagation incredibly easy.
In addition, they are excellent for improving indoor air quality as they absorb traces of pollutants (formaldehyde and carbon monoxide). Their fast growth and abundant foliage also make them effective quickly adding greenery to a room.
Pro tip: If you notice brown tips on the leaves, minerals and salts in the tap water may be the cause. Using filtered water often helps solve the problem.
We suggest you buy one water filter jug which will help reduce metals and chlorine.
If you plan to grow many plants in water, a multi-tube propagation station can turn a windowsill into an attractive indoor garden. You can see popular broadcasting stations here.
6. Prayer plant
Botanical name: Maranta leuconeura
This plant is admired for its beautifully shaped leaves, often characterized by shades of green, red and cream. Although usually grown in soil, stem cuttings root easily in water and can remain there for long periods with proper care. Just keep it in one of these spots!
Its broad foliage helps capture dust particles in the air and release moisture into the air, helping to combat dry air problems.
Fun fact: Prayer plant leaves move throughout the day in response to changing light levels, a natural behavior known as nocturnal.
7. Swedish ivy
Botanical name: Plectranthus verticillatus
If you are looking for a fast growing plant, Swedish Ivy is a great choice. It roots extremely quickly in water because its stems naturally produce roots at the nodes.
With regular water changes and occasional feeding, it can continue to grow vigorously without soil. The rich, waxy foliage helps trap airborne particles and adds a rich, green presence to indoor spaces. It also helps reduce VOCs, as do spider plants.
8. English Ivy
Botanical name: Ivy helix
You could also go with an English Ivy. Simply cut a healthy vine just below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a clear jar. Roots will begin to form within a few weeks. We have detailed guide for that here.
It is known to help reduce air pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, xylene and toluene, making it a favorite for improving indoor air quality. In addition, his arbors also look beautiful on shelves, windowsills or hanging showcases.
A few glass jars, fresh water and the right plant are all you need to bring more greenery into your home. Pick your favorite from this list and enjoy a thriving indoor garden that cleans the air without ever dealing with a bag of potting soil.
What you need next is this”Indoor plants that clean the air” book to clean the air in your home. It’s a great buy for all the plant lovers out there.
