Growing Plants in Water – Yep, It’s a Thing
This week, we’re talking about growing plants in water! Yep, you read that right—water. It’s totally possible, and honestly? It’s easier than you’d think.
Why Grow Plants in Water?
Plant cuttings, including Monstera adansonii, rooting in clear glasses of water on a bright windowsill. With fresh water and nutrients, plants can thrive without soil—learn how in this week’s blog!
For me, it’s about character… and let’s be real, convenience.
Character – It’s a vibe. Water-grown plants give off this clean, minimalist aesthetic that just feels effortless. Plus, if you’re like me and struggle with clutter, growing plants in water eliminates the need for extra pots, bags of soil, and all the mess that comes with it. I have plants thriving in all sorts of little finds—old seasoning jars, repurposed candle containers, you name it.
Convenience – No soil means no overwatering issues, no fungus gnats creeping around, and less overall maintenance. Just switch out the water, fertilize occasionally, place it in a bright spot, and boom—you’re good to go. It’s almost a set-it-and-forget-it system, and who doesn’t love that?
Roots! – This might be my favorite part. Watching roots develop in real-time is so satisfying. The way they grow and branch out is honestly just as beautiful as the foliage. If you’ve never rooted a plant in water before, you’re in for a treat. I’m rooting for youuu (I had to).
What You Need
To grow plants in water, you’ll need:
A vessel (doesn’t have to be clear—clear ones attract algae, but it's harmless).
Sharp, disinfected shears for clean cuts.
Water - chemical and mineral free water.
A water-soluble fertilizer – No soil means no nutrients, and without nutrients, you’ll end up with weak growth and smaller leaves.
Pebbles, LECA, or marbles – Helps anchor the plant and encourage stronger roots.
(Optional) An air pump – Speeds up root growth, prevents rot, and oxygenates the water.
Where to Cut?
Not all plants can be plopped in water and expected to grow. First, know your plant.
Some plants, like pothos, philodendrons, and monstera, need a node to root. Nodes are small bumps or rings on the stem where new leaves, branches, or roots form. Make your cut just below a node to ensure successful rooting.
Plants like Alocasias don’t grow from stem cuttings but instead propagate through corms, rhizomes, or offsets. These can be placed in water, but they often do better in a different medium (like sphagnum moss).
If you want to transfer a soil-grown plant to water, remove it from the pot, rinse all the dirt off the roots completely, and place it in clean water.
Pro tip: If your plant only grows from a single central root system (like a palm or ZZ plant), water propagation may not be suitable work for long-term growth.
For water transplant:
Using a rooting hormone like Garden Safe TakeRoot can help speed up root growth for water-propagated plants. While not always necessary, it gives cuttings a boost for stronger, healthier roots.
If taking a cutting, snip just below a node and add a rooting hormone for faster root development. Totally optional, but It can speed up the rooting process. (Available online!)
If dividing a plant from soil, remove it from its pot and rinse the roots completely clean before placing it in water.
Water Maintenance
Water is the plant’s whole world now, so keeping it fresh is key.
Change the water weekly—or just top it off if you’re like me.
Use chlorine-free water – Let tap water sit out for a day or two before using, or boil and cool it if you're extra cautious.
Clear and odor-free water is a must – If it smells funky, swap it out.
Light Requirements
Even though your plants are growing in water, they still need good light.
Bright, indirect light is best – Just like soil-grown plants, most water-rooted plants thrive with filtered sunlight or a grow light.
Avoid too much direct sun – Sunlight + stagnant water = algae explosion. It won’t necessarily harm the plant, but you might find yourself constantly cleaning the container.
Final Thoughts
Watching plants thrive in water is so rewarding. Just remember, not every plant can grow this way—but for the ones that can, it’s a low-maintenance, beautiful way to grow greenery in your space.
Now go give it a try!
At The ZEN Succulent, we love a good soil-free setup. Growing plants in water isn’t just an aesthetic choice—it’s low-maintenance, mess-free, and a great way to watch roots do their thing. But don’t be fooled—just because there’s no soil doesn’t mean your plants can thrive on water alone.
This week, we’re diving into how to grow plants in water the right way—from choosing the best cuttings to keeping them healthy with fresh water and nutrients. Let’s make sure your water-grown plants don’t just survive—but thrive.
Words By The ZEN Succulent
Inspiring everyone to embrace the world of plants, our collection features articles penned by The Sill's team of seasoned plant experts. Covering a range of plant care topics, because we truly believe Plants Bring Life, Joy and Inspirations™
