Not all plants need a pot with soil to thrive. There are species that grow perfectly in water, which makes them an excellent alternative if you’re looking for a different decor or if you want to start gardening with little maintenance.
During the colder months, when we spend more time indoors, adding green corners in transparent containers brings warmth and freshness to any room.
Pothos
The pothos is one of the most hardy and easiest plants to propagate. To grow it in water, simply cut a stem that has at least one node and place it in a container with clean water; in a few days you’ll start to see the first roots appear.
This plant prefers bright environments, always without direct sunlight. It also reaches fast growth if you refresh its water once a week.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) is one of the most popular choices for aquatic cultivation. It can thrive for years in a vase of water with some stones at the bottom to help anchor the stems.
To keep it in optimal condition, it is best to use filtered water or let tap water sit for 24 hours before use.
Philodendron
The philodendron develops roots with ease and adapts very well to home hydroponic cultivation. Simply place a cutting in a transparent container and, within a few weeks, you’ll notice new roots forming.
Like pothos, it requires a lot of indirect natural light and frequent water changes to stay healthy.
Snake Plant
Known popularly as “mother-in-law’s tongue,” the snake plant stands out for its upright, streamlined form. It is an exceptionally hardy plant that adapts perfectly to water, making it ideal to place in cylindrical vases that highlight its silhouette.
To keep it in water without stressing the base, it is recommended to keep only a few centimeters of the stem submerged and place it in a space with good light.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The peace lily (also known as Moses’ cradle) provides lush, dense green foliage that looks wonderful in wide glass jars or containers. Its roots grow strong in an aquatic medium and it adds a very attractive visual touch to the decoration.
It needs to be placed in a corner with filtered natural light and you should rinse its roots very well before placing it in the water to keep it perfect.
How to care for plants that live in water
Although these species require less attention than soil-grown plants, there are some basic care tips that help keep them healthy:
- Change the water every 7 to 10 days.
- Clean the container periodically to prevent algae from forming.
- Remove any leaves or roots that appear damaged.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.
- Add a suitable liquid fertilizer every few weeks during their growing season.
