28 Stunning Plants That You Can Grow in Water Indoors

Growing plants in water is a low-maintenance, soil-free way to enjoy greenery indoors. Many plants can root and grow hydroponically, providing vibrant foliage with minimal care. Whether you’re looking for air-purifying plants, trailing vines, or compact species, this guide covers 28 beautiful plants that thrive in water and how to care for them.

Plants that Grow in Water Indoors

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

A symbol of prosperity and good fortune, lucky bamboo is one of the easiest plants to grow in water. It develops lush, upright stalks that can be trained into spirals or braids for decorative appeal.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid direct sunlight
• Water: Use filtered or distilled water; change every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Fertilizer: Monthly with diluted liquid fertilizer
• Container: Tall glass vases or decorative bowls with pebbles

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a fast-growing, trailing vine that thrives in water, making it an excellent choice for hydroponic growth. Its heart-shaped leaves come in shades of green, gold, or variegated patterns.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light
• Water: Change water every 1-2 weeks to prevent stagnation
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly with liquid houseplant fertilizer
• Container: Clear jars or vases to showcase trailing roots

Philodendron (Philodendron species)

A classic indoor plant, philodendrons grow beautifully in water with minimal effort. Varieties such as Heartleaf Philodendron and Brasil Philodendron feature shiny, cascading leaves that brighten up shelves and hanging displays.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Refresh every 1-2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly with liquid nutrients
• Container: Tall vases for trailing growth

Dracaena (Dracaena species)

Several dracaena species—including Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans) and Song of India (Dracaena reflexa)—thrive in water, adding a tropical, upright presence to indoor spaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Use distilled or filtered water; change every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Light feeding every month
• Container: Tall glass vases

Scindapsus (Scindapsus species)

Also known as Silver Satin Pothos, Scindapsus varieties feature velvety, silver-speckled leaves that look stunning in water-filled vases.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Refresh weekly
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Light feeding every 4-6 weeks
• Container: Decorative glass jars

Syngonium (Syngonium species)

The Arrowhead plant thrives in water, creating a lush, vining effect with its unique arrow-shaped leaves. It comes in colors like green, pink, white, and variegated forms.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Change every 1-2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly with diluted nutrients
• Container: Glass jars or water-filled bowls

Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)

With purple and green striped leaves, Wandering Jew is a vibrant indoor plant that grows effortlessly in water.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Refresh every 1-2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Fertilizer: Monthly with diluted liquid fertilizer
• Container: Hanging jars or decorative bowls

Monstera Deliciosa

This tropical beauty develops large, split leaves, adding a statement look to water-filled containers.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Change every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: High
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with liquid nutrients
• Container: Large glass vases

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema species)

Chinese Evergreen is durable and easy to grow in water, featuring colorful variegation.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Refresh every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly with diluted liquid feed
• Container: Stylish glass containers

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

This elegant flowering plant thrives hydroponically, producing white blooms in water.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Change every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: High
• Fertilizer: Monthly with liquid nutrients
• Container: Tall decorative vases

False Shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)

False Shamrock is an eye-catching plant known for its deep purple, triangular leaves that resemble clover. It also produces small pink or white flowers that open and close depending on the light.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; avoid harsh sun
• Water: Refresh every 1-2 weeks
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Light feeding every month
• Container: Clear vases to highlight its bold foliage

Anthurium (Anthurium species)

Anthuriums are beautiful, long-lasting flowering plants that can grow in water, producing vibrant red, pink, or white waxy blooms. Their heart-shaped leaves and bold flowers make them an eye-catching addition to hydroponic indoor setups.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Change water every 1-2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: High
• Fertilizer: Monthly with diluted nutrients
• Container: Transparent glass vases for showcasing roots

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Croton is famous for its brilliantly colored foliage, featuring hues of red, orange, yellow, and green.

• Light: Bright, direct or indirect light
• Water: Refresh weekly
• Temperature: 70-85°F (21-29°C)
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Fertilizer: Monthly with balanced nutrients
• Container: Tall, clear glass jars

Peperomia (Peperomia species)

Peperomia includes a variety of compact, decorative plants with textured leaves ranging from smooth to deeply ridged.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Change water every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly light feeding
• Container: Small glass pots or terrarium-style vases

You’re absolutely right! Let’s complete the list with the remaining 15 plants.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber Plants can be grown in water temporarily for propagation or long-term hydroponic display. Their thick, glossy leaves make them a striking addition to indoor spaces, thriving with warm temperatures and bright light.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Change water every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with liquid nutrients
• Container: Tall, clear glass vases

Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The Parlor Palm is a slow-growing, elegant palm that thrives in water-filled containers, adding a tropical feel to indoor spaces. It requires consistent humidity and bright light to flourish.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Refresh every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Moderate to high
• Fertilizer: Monthly with balanced liquid nutrients
• Container: Tall glass vases for structured growth

Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Snake Plants are incredibly hardy and can grow hydroponically for extended periods. Their upright, sword-like leaves create an architectural statement in indoor spaces while requiring minimal maintenance.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates low light
• Water: Change water every 2-3 weeks
• Temperature: 60-80°F (15-27°C)
• Humidity: Low to moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly light feeding
• Container: Stylish glass jars for sleek presentation

Monstera Adansonii

Monstera Adansonii, also known as Swiss Cheese Vine, is a trailing plant with fenestrated leaves that grows beautifully in water. Its distinctive hole-filled foliage adds an exotic touch to indoor hydroponic setups.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Refresh every 1-2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: High
• Fertilizer: Monthly with diluted nutrients
• Container: Hanging glass jars or decorative bowls

Coleus (Plectranthus scutellarioides)

Coleus is a colorful foliage plant, available in striking shades of red, pink, green, and yellow. It can be grown indefinitely in water, making it a beautiful and hassle-free addition to indoor spaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Change water weekly
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with diluted nutrients
• Container: Small glass jars for vibrant display

Ivy (Hedera helix)

Ivy is a classic trailing plant that thrives in water. Its cascading vines bring natural elegance to hanging containers, making it perfect for living walls or suspended hydroponic setups.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Refresh every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly with liquid nutrients
• Container: Hanging glass terrariums

Succulents (Various species)

Some succulents, such as Jade Plant and Haworthia, can grow in water, though they require frequent monitoring to prevent rot. Their thick, fleshy leaves make them visually unique in hydroponic settings.

• Light: Bright, direct light
• Water: Change water every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Low
• Fertilizer: Light feeding every 6 weeks
• Container: Clear glass jars for root visibility

Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe species)

Kalanchoe is a compact flowering plant, known for its bright, long-lasting blooms that thrive in hydroponic conditions.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Refresh weekly
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding with diluted nutrients
• Container: Small decorative vases

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

Fiddle Leaf Fig features large, glossy leaves that can grow in water during propagation or as a short-term decorative display.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Change water every 1-2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: High
• Fertilizer: Monthly with diluted nutrients
• Container: Tall glass jars

Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia species)

Dumb Cane is a tropical, broad-leafed plant with striking variegation, thriving in warm temperatures and humid indoor spaces.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Refresh every 2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: High
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding
• Container: Transparent glass vases

Lemon-Scented Geranium (Pelargonium crispum)

Lemon-Scented Geranium emits a fresh citrus aroma, making it an excellent choice for indoor hydroponic gardening.

• Light: Bright, direct or indirect light
• Water: Change water weekly
• Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly feeding
• Container: Clear vases for root display

Cyclamen

Cyclamen is a delicate flowering plant known for its vibrant pink, red, or white blooms and uniquely curled petals. While traditionally grown in soil, Cyclamen can be propagated and maintained in water for short periods, making it a beautiful addition to hydroponic displays.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Change water every 1-2 weeks
• Temperature: 50-65°F (10-18°C); prefers cooler environments
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly with diluted liquid nutrients
• Container: Small decorative glass vases

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider Plants are excellent air-purifying plants with arching green-and-white leaves that thrive in water, especially when propagating their baby shoots, known as “pups.” Their trailing foliage makes them perfect for hanging displays.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Change water weekly to keep roots fresh
• Temperature: 60-75°F (15-24°C)
• Humidity: Moderate
• Fertilizer: Monthly with diluted liquid nutrients
• Container: Hanging glass vases or shallow jars

Calathea (Calathea species)

Calatheas are ornamental foliage plants prized for their bold, patterned leaves that come in striking variegated shades of green, purple, and silver. While Calatheas prefer soil, they can grow in water under the right conditions.

• Light: Bright, indirect light
• Water: Refresh water every 1-2 weeks
• Temperature: 65-80°F (18-27°C)
• Humidity: High
• Fertilizer: Monthly with diluted liquid nutrients
• Container: Transparent glass vases to highlight their roots

Final Thoughts on Growing Plants in Water

These 28 plants thrive in water, making them easy to maintain while adding natural beauty to your home. From lush tropical plants to trailing vines and compact varieties, hydroponic gardening eliminates the need for soil while keeping plants healthy and vibrant.

Would you love to grow any of these water-loving plants indoors?