Keeping plants alive often feels like a full-time job, especially when you have to worry about soil moisture and drainage. Transitioning to an indoor water garden removes the mess of potting soil and the guesswork of watering schedules. Many common houseplants indoor varieties can thrive indefinitely in just a glass of water, making them a great choice for busy people or those living in small apartments.
Watching roots grow through clear glass adds a unique layer to your house plants aesthetic. It turns a simple plant into a living science experiment and a piece of decor all at once. This list covers thirty-one different plants that grow in water, ranging from trailing vines to sturdy stems, so you can start your own soil-free collection today.
Golden Pothos in a Glass Cylinder
Golden Pothos is perhaps the easiest plant to grow without soil. Its heart-shaped leaves and yellow variegation look striking when placed in a tall glass cylinder. To start, cut a vine just below a node and place it in the water. The roots will quickly fill the container, creating a dense network that supports the plant’s growth for years.
Lucky Bamboo Stems in River Rocks
Lucky Bamboo is a staple for any indoor water garden. While it isn’t actually bamboo, it grows very well in a water-filled vase. Use river rocks at the bottom to keep the stalks upright and stable. You only need to keep the roots submerged, but make sure to change the water every couple of weeks to prevent algae buildup.
Monstera Deliciosa Cuttings in Wide Vases
A Monstera plant makes a bold statement with its large, split leaves. You can take a large cutting with an aerial root and place it in a wide glass vase. This setup allows you to enjoy the foliage while the plant develops a massive root system. It is a great way to incorporate indoor plants styling into a modern living room without the weight of a heavy pot.
Spider Plant Babies in Small Glass Jars
Spider plants produce small plantlets on long runners that are ready-made for water growth. Snip these babies off and set them in small glass jars so only the bottom touches the water. They grow roots rapidly and can live this way for a long time. These small jars fit well on narrow windowsills or bathroom counters where space is limited.
English Ivy Trailing from Wall-Mounted Tubes
English Ivy is one of the best hanging plants indoor enthusiasts choose for vertical interest. Placing ivy cuttings in wall-mounted glass tubes allows the vines to spill downward gracefully. This method keeps the leaves away from pets and children while adding a touch of greenery to bare walls. Just ensure the ivy gets enough indirect light to keep its leaves vibrant.
Heartleaf Philodendron in Vintage Milk Bottles
Heartleaf Philodendron is very similar to pothos but has a softer, matte texture. Using vintage milk bottles gives this plant a classic look that fits many home styles. These plants are very hardy and can tolerate lower light levels, making them suitable for office desks or bookshelves far from a window. The vines can be draped over the sides of the bottle to create a full look.
Chinese Evergreen Stems in Opaque Ceramic Crocks
Chinese Evergreens have thick stems that handle water growth quite well. While many people use clear glass, placing them in opaque ceramic crocks helps prevent algae by blocking light from reaching the water. These plants come in various patterns, including silver and pink, which adds a pop of color to your collection without needing flowers.
Peace Lily Crowns in Wide-Neck Glassware
Peace Lilies can be grown hydroponically if you carefully wash all the soil off the roots first. Use a piece of glassware with a wide neck that supports the base of the plant above the water line while the roots reach down. This prevents the crown from rotting. They may even produce their signature white blooms when grown this way if they get enough light.
Money Plant In Water
Growing a money plant in water is a popular choice for those wanting to bring good luck into their home. These plants are incredibly resilient and can grow long vines that can be trained along a wall or shelf. Use a round fishbowl to give the roots plenty of room to expand. Change the water frequently to keep it oxygenated for the best growth.
Coleus Cuttings with Colorful Foliage in Clear Water
Coleus is known for its intense leaf colors, including neon green, deep purple, and bright red. Taking cuttings and placing them in clear water allows you to see the roots develop within days. They are very fast growers and can add immediate color to a sunny kitchen window. If the plant gets too leggy, just snip the top and start a new cutting in the same jar.
Sweet Potato Vines in Tall Glass Pitchers
You can grow a lush, trailing vine just by placing a sweet potato in a tall glass pitcher. Suspend the potato with toothpicks so only the bottom third is submerged. Within weeks, lime green or dark purple vines will sprout and trail down the sides. It is a very affordable way to get a lot of greenery quickly.
Dracaena Sanderiana in Slim Laboratory Beakers
These upright stalks are often sold as ribbon plants and look excellent in slim laboratory beakers. The narrow neck of a beaker holds the straight stems perfectly in place. They are very slow growers, which means they won’t outgrow their container quickly. They prefer filtered water or water that has sat out overnight to let chlorine dissipate.
Wandering Jew Cuttings in Hanging Glass Globes
The Tradescantia zebrina, or Wandering Jew, has striking purple and silver striped leaves. Placing them in hanging glass globes makes them look like floating ornaments. They root almost instantly in water. These are excellent hanging plants indoor options because they grow quickly and create a shimmering effect when the sun hits their metallic leaves.
Swiss Cheese Plant Nodes in Minimalist Vases
The Monstera adansonii, or Swiss Cheese Plant, has smaller leaves with unique holes. You can propagate these by cutting a section of the stem with a node and placing it in a minimalist glass vase. It offers a more compact version of the larger Monstera look. These plants love humidity, so the evaporating water from the vase actually helps the leaves stay healthy.
Begonia Leaves Propagating in Tinted Glass
Many Rex Begonias can be started from just a leaf and its stem. Using tinted glass, like amber or blue, helps protect the developing roots from too much direct light. Begonias have intricate patterns and textures that make them feel like pieces of art. Keep the water level consistent so the leaf stem stays submerged but the leaf itself stays dry.
Arrowhead Vine in Recycled Wine Bottles
Arrowhead vines have a distinct shape that changes as the plant matures. They are very adaptable and grow well in recycled wine bottles. The dark glass of some wine bottles helps keep the roots cool and dark, which mimics their natural environment. As the vines grow, you can let them climb a small stake or trail down the side of the bottle.
Fiddle Leaf Fig Branches in Heavy Floor Vases
If you have a large Fiddle Leaf Fig that needs a trim, don’t throw away the branches. You can place large branch cuttings in heavy floor vases filled with water. It can take several months for roots to appear, but the branch will stay green and beautiful in the meantime. The heavy vase is necessary to prevent the top-heavy leaves from tipping the container over.
Snake Plant Leaves Rooting in Shallow Water
Snake plants are famous for being nearly impossible to kill. You can take a single leaf, cut it into sections, and place the bottom ends in shallow water. Make sure to keep the orientation the same as it was on the plant. Eventually, small pups will grow from the base of the leaf. This is a slow process, but it is a fun way to multiply your plants for free.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia Stems in Modern Glass Tubes
The ZZ plant has waxy, deep green leaves that look very modern. While they are usually grown in soil, a stem cutting can survive in water for a long time. They grow very slowly, so they won’t require much maintenance. The clean lines of the ZZ plant look best in sleek, modern glass tubes or test-tube style stations.
Impatiens Cuttings Blooming in Water Vases
Impatiens are usually thought of as outdoor bedding plants, but they can actually bloom indoors when kept in water. Take a cutting from a healthy plant and remove the lower leaves. Place it in a vase on a bright windowsill. Not only will it grow roots, but it will often continue to produce small flowers throughout the season.
African Violet Leaves in Specialized Starter Jars
African Violets can be grown from a single leaf placed in water. There are specialized jars with a narrow opening that holds the leaf up while the stem sits in the water. This prevents the fuzzy leaf from getting wet, which can cause it to rot. Once a small cluster of leaves forms at the base of the stem, you have a brand new plant.
Aluminum Plant Cuttings in Small Mason Jars
The Aluminum plant has stunning silver patterns on its green leaves. Cuttings root very easily in small mason jars. These plants stay relatively small, making them good terrarium plants or accents for a crowded shelf. They like bright, indirect light and will stay bushy if you pinch back the tops occasionally.
Prayer Plant Nodes in Hanging Water Propagation Stations
Prayer plants are known for their leaves that fold up at night. They have distinct nodes along their stems that sprout roots quickly in water. Using a hanging propagation station allows you to see the unique underside of the leaves. These plants prefer warm water and should be kept away from cold drafts to keep their foliage healthy.
Rubber Tree Cuttings in Large Clear Jugs
Rubber trees have thick, leathery leaves that look great in a minimalist home. You can take a tip cutting and place it in a large clear jug. It takes some time for the roots to break through the woody stem, but once they do, the plant is very stable. The large leaves collect dust easily, so wipe them down with a damp cloth occasionally.
Inch Plant Stems in Colorful Apothecary Bottles
The inch plant is another variety of Tradescantia that thrives in water. Its rapid growth means you will see new leaves almost every week. Using colorful apothecary bottles adds a vintage charm to your windowsill. You can mix and match different bottle shapes and colors to create a diverse display of these easy-going vines.
Creeping Charlie in Suspended Glass Teardrops
Creeping Charlie has small, scalloped leaves that create a delicate look. When placed in suspended glass teardrops, the fine stems can hang down several feet. This plant is very lightweight, making it safe for smaller adhesive hooks on the ceiling or window frame. It grows best in bright light but can handle some shade.
Purple Heart Plant in Simple Drinking Glasses
The Purple Heart plant is a standout because of its deep violet stems and leaves. It is a very tough plant that roots readily in a simple drinking glass. The contrast between the purple foliage and the clear water is striking. If it gets plenty of light, it may even produce tiny pink flowers at the tips of the stems.
Wax Plant Cuttings in Small Glass Buds
Hoya, or Wax Plant, has thick leaves that store water, which makes them very hardy. While they take longer to root than pothos, they can live in water for quite a while. Small glass bud vases are perfect for holding a single Hoya cutting. The waxy texture of the leaves makes them look almost artificial, adding a clean look to your decor.
Polka Dot Plant in Miniature Glass Vials
Polka Dot plants have spotted leaves in shades of pink, white, or red. They are often used as terrarium plants but work just as well in miniature glass vials. Because they can get a bit leggy, keeping them in water allows you to prune them back and keep them compact. They add a splash of pattern that most other green plants lack.
Geranium Stems Rooting in Sunny Windowsill Jars
Geraniums are easy to propagate from stem cuttings in water. Choose a stem that doesn’t have a flower bud for the best results. Place them in jars on a sunny windowsill where they can get several hours of light. You will see thick white roots emerge from the stem, and the plant can stay in the water for several months before needing any nutrients.
Basil Cuttings Growing in Kitchen Water Vases
You can keep a fresh supply of herbs by growing basil cuttings in water vases right on your kitchen counter. Snip a few inches off a bunch of store-bought basil and strip the bottom leaves. They will grow roots and continue to produce new leaves for your cooking. It is a practical and beautiful way to use plants in water vase arrangements.
Starting an indoor water garden is a simple way to bring nature into your home without the mess of soil. Whether you choose a large Monstera plant or a small jar of basil, these plants are easy to care for and visually stunning. Just remember to change the water occasionally and provide enough light, and your water-grown collection will flourish for a long time.