Did you know you can grow many beautiful and useful plants without using soil at all? Growing plants in water — also known as hydroponics (in its simplest form) or water propagation — is a clean, space-saving, and cost-free way to enjoy greenery at home.
In this article, you’ll learn how to grow different types of plants using nothing but water, plus how to set up and maintain a thriving soil-free garden using recycled jars, bottles, or containers you already have.
Why Grow Plants in Water?
- No mess — no soil means no spills or pests
- Low maintenance — just top off the water every few days
- Space-efficient — perfect for windowsills, desks, or shelves
- Zero cost — use cuttings, leftovers, or grocery scraps
- Visually appealing — root systems look beautiful in glass
It’s ideal for beginners, small spaces, or anyone looking for an easy plant project.
Best Plants to Grow in Water
These plants thrive in water and are easy to start from cuttings or scraps:
🌿 Indoor Houseplants:
- Pothos
- Philodendron
- Lucky bamboo
- Spider plant (babies)
- English ivy
- Monstera
🌱 Herbs:
- Basil
- Mint
- Oregano
- Green onions
- Lemongrass
- Rosemary (young cuttings)
🥬 Veggie Scraps:
- Lettuce bases
- Celery bases
- Garlic sprouts
- Green onion roots
What You Need to Get Started
- A clear glass container (jar, bottle, cup, vase)
- Fresh water (preferably filtered or dechlorinated)
- Cuttings or scraps from healthy plants
- Optional: decorative stones, mesh, or net pots to support larger plants
That’s it! No soil, no fertilizer (unless needed), and no fancy setup.
How to Propagate Plants in Water – Step-by-Step
1. Take a Healthy Cutting
- Cut a 10–15 cm (4–6 inch) section from a mature plant.
- Remove the lower leaves so none are submerged.
2. Place in Water
- Fill a jar with water and insert the cutting.
- Only submerge the part of the stem that has nodes (where roots will grow).
3. Position in Bright, Indirect Light
- Near a window is perfect.
- Avoid direct sunlight which can heat the water and stress the plant.
4. Change the Water Regularly
- Every 3–5 days, rinse the container and refill with fresh water.
5. Watch Roots Grow
- In 1–3 weeks, roots will start forming.
- Some plants can live permanently in water; others can be transferred to soil if desired.
Caring for Plants Grown in Water
- Keep water level consistent — roots should always be submerged.
- Remove algae if the container gets slimy or green.
- Use dark glass or opaque containers to reduce algae growth (optional).
- Clean containers monthly with water and a bit of vinegar if needed.
- Add a drop of liquid fertilizer once every few weeks (optional for long-term growth).
Growing Herbs in Water – Tips
Herbs are especially suited for water growing, and regrowing them is easy:
- Start with fresh cuttings from grocery store herbs.
- Trim the stems and place in a clean jar of water.
- Basil and mint root quickly — often within a week.
- Snip what you need as they grow, and they’ll keep producing.
You’ll have fresh, organic herbs year-round, right from your windowsill.
Growing Veggies from Scraps in Water
Some vegetables regrow beautifully from their bases:
Examples:
- Lettuce or bok choy: place root base in a shallow dish with water.
- Celery: same as above — regrows from the center.
- Garlic: place a clove in water; it will sprout in days.
- Green onions: regrow in a jar, cutting as needed.
Once rooted, you can continue growing in water or transplant into soil.
Creative Containers to Use (Free and Recycled)
You can grow in almost any container:
- Jam or pickle jars
- Wine bottles or soda bottles
- Mason jars
- Reused candle holders
- Drinking glasses or teacups
Make sure containers are clean and stable, and match the plant’s size.
Advantages Over Traditional Soil Growing
- No risk of overwatering or poor drainage
- Easier to monitor plant health
- Cleaner for indoor use
- Great visual effect — roots become part of the décor
- No need to buy pots, soil, or tools
Perfect for minimalist or low-maintenance plant lovers!
Final Thoughts
Growing plants in water is an easy, low-cost, and rewarding way to bring more greenery into your life. Whether you’re starting cuttings, regrowing herbs, or simply want a clean indoor garden, all you need is water, light, and a little patience.
And remember — the best part is watching those roots grow, knowing you created life from something simple and free.