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17 Plants You Can Keep in Pots Filled with Water: A Guide to Water-Based Gardening
Water plants have a unique beauty and offer an easy way to bring a touch of nature into your home or garden. Keeping plants in pots filled with water can be a fun and low-maintenance way to grow beautiful greenery indoors or outdoors. These plants thrive in water, creating a stunning aquatic environment that can brighten up any space.
If you’re looking for a way to grow plants without soil, here’s a list of 17 plants you can keep in pots filled with water—some are perfect for home decor, while others can serve as part of a creative water garden. Let’s dive into these beautiful, water-loving plants that are easy to care for and will add life and freshness to your surroundings.
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is one of the most popular and low-maintenance indoor plants. It’s perfect for growing in water as it’s a hydrophilic plant. Pothos can be easily propagated from cuttings and will thrive in a pot of water. Its cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves bring beauty to any space, and you don’t need soil to grow it!
- Care tip: Change the water every week and trim any dead or yellowing leaves.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are resilient, and their long, arching leaves look great in a water-filled pot. They can grow easily in water, especially if you start with plantlets (the small offshoots that grow at the tips of the mother plant’s leaves). Just place the plantlets in a container of water, and you’ll soon see roots develop.
- Care tip: Keep the water level consistent and change it regularly to avoid stagnation.
3. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo is often associated with bringing good luck and fortune, making it a favorite in many households. It can be grown entirely in water, thriving without soil. Its sleek, green stalks create an elegant and calming vibe in any room.
- Care tip: Use filtered or distilled water for best results. Change the water every 1-2 weeks.
4. Water Lily (Nymphaea spp.)
Water lilies are stunning aquatic plants that are perfect for water gardens or larger containers. Their vibrant, colorful flowers are sure to be a focal point in any garden or patio area. Water lilies thrive when their roots are submerged in water, and they need plenty of sunlight to bloom.
- Care tip: Keep the pot submerged in a pond or use a large, shallow container with plenty of water.
5. Arrowhead Plant (Syngonium podophyllum)
The arrowhead plant, also known as gooseneck, is a beautiful, vining plant that’s ideal for water-based growing. The leaves are shaped like arrows, and the plant can grow rapidly in water. Its trailing vines can make it a stunning addition to your home.
- Care tip: Keep the water clean and change it weekly to promote healthy growth.
6. Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Philodendrons are another popular choice for water-growing. Their heart-shaped leaves and fast-growing vines thrive in water, making them perfect for hanging pots or small water containers. The plant can be propagated easily in water as well.
- Care tip: Trim dead or dying leaves, and change the water regularly to prevent algae buildup.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen is a stunning indoor plant with variegated, glossy leaves. It thrives in water and requires very little maintenance. It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for a low-light, low-maintenance plant to grow in a water-filled pot.
- Care tip: Ensure that the water level covers the roots and change the water regularly.
8. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is an adaptable plant that can grow in both soil and water. It’s well-suited for water containers, and its lush, trailing vines can create a striking, cascading effect. English Ivy is also great for air purification, making it both functional and beautiful.
- Care tip: Keep the water level consistent and change it regularly to keep the ivy happy.
9. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies are known for their elegant white flowers and lush green leaves. While they are traditionally grown in soil, peace lilies can thrive in a water-based environment too. Keep them in a water-filled pot and enjoy their beauty and air-purifying qualities.
- Care tip: Change the water weekly and ensure the plant gets indirect sunlight.
10. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale)
Watercress is a fast-growing aquatic plant that thrives in water. It’s commonly found in ponds, but you can also grow it in a pot filled with water. It’s not only an attractive plant but also a great edible herb that can be added to salads, sandwiches, and soups.
- Care tip: Keep the water level high and ensure the water is fresh and nutrient-rich.
11. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
While aloe vera is traditionally a soil plant, it can also thrive in water if you are careful with the roots. It’s an ideal plant for those who need an easy-care, low-maintenance succulent. Aloe vera is perfect for growing in a container with enough water to keep the roots hydrated.
