The 20 Best Houseplants That Propagate Well In Water
Have you ever marveled at the simplicity and beauty of watching plants grow in water? There’s something magical about seeing roots develop right before your eyes, and the best part is, you don’t need soil or fancy equipment to get started.
Whether you’re expanding your collection or simply enjoying the process, propagating houseplants in water is rewarding, easy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Let me take you through 20 amazing houseplants that thrive in water, along with tips to ensure your propagation journey is a success.
#1. Pothos
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to propagate in water and a favorite for many plant enthusiasts. With its heart-shaped, vibrant green leaves and sometimes variegated patterns, it thrives in indirect sunlight.
Simply cut a stem just below a node and submerge the node in water. Roots begin to form in just one to two weeks. This low-maintenance plant purifies air and adds a cascading, elegant touch to your space.
#2. Spider Plant
Known for its arching leaves and tiny “babies” or plantlets, spider plants are a joy to propagate. You can snip a plantlet and place it in water to grow its roots.
This hardy plant is also an air-purifier and thrives in low to medium light, making it perfect for any room in your home. Replace the water weekly for healthy growth.
#3. Philodendron
The classic heartleaf philodendron is a showstopper when grown in water. Its trailing vines and glossy leaves bring tropical vibes indoors.
Take a stem cutting with a few nodes, submerge one in water, and provide bright, indirect light. Regular water changes will ensure vibrant, healthy growth.
#4. Monstera
With its iconic split leaves, Monstera is one of the trendiest plants to grow in water. Take a cutting with a node and an aerial root, place it in water, and give it plenty of light.
While it may grow slower in water than soil, its dramatic foliage makes it worth the effort.
#5. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is almost synonymous with water propagation. It’s believed to bring good luck and positive energy, making it a favorite for homes and offices.
Submerge the roots in water, and keep the stems upright with decorative pebbles. Replace the water every two weeks and avoid direct sunlight to keep this beauty thriving.
#6. English Ivy
English ivy is a fast-growing vine that flourishes in water. Take a cutting with a few nodes and leaves, and place it in a jar of water.
This plant is known for its ability to filter airborne toxins, making it as functional as it is attractive. It thrives in indirect sunlight and prefers regular water changes.
#7. Peace Lily
Peace lilies are known for their graceful white blooms and air-purifying properties. Though they traditionally grow in soil, they adapt well to water propagation.
Divide the plant, keeping a section with roots, and place it in water. Peace lilies prefer low to medium light and are perfect for dimly lit corners.
#8. Wandering Jew
The wandering jew boasts stunning purple-and-green striped leaves that thrive in water. Cut a stem with a node and immerse it.
Within a week, roots will sprout, and its colorful vines will cascade beautifully. It’s an easy-to-care-for plant that loves bright, indirect light.
#9. Begonia
Rex begonias, with their bright, patterned foliage, are a visual delight in water propagation.
Take a leaf cutting and place it in water, ensuring the veins are submerged. Begonias need moderate light and fresh water weekly to stay healthy.
#10. Coleus
Coleus, with its vivid, multicolored leaves, grows quickly in water. Take a cutting just below a node and submerge it.
Its rapid root growth makes it one of the fastest to propagate. Place it in bright, indirect sunlight for the best results.
#11. Fiddle Leaf Fig
The majestic fiddle leaf fig can also be propagated in water. Cut a stem with at least one node and place it in a jar of water.
Although it takes longer to root, the process is deeply rewarding. Provide bright light and replace the water weekly.
#12. Chinese Evergreen
This stunning plant with colorful, patterned leaves grows effortlessly in water. Cut a stem with a few leaves attached and place it in water.
Chinese evergreens thrive in low light and are perfect for beginners looking to propagate their first plant.
#13. Arrowhead Plant
Arrowhead plants are known for their striking, arrow-shaped leaves and fast growth. Take a stem cutting with a node and place it in water.
This adaptable plant thrives in low light, making it ideal for darker corners of your home.
#14. Rubber Plant
Rubber plants may take a little patience to propagate in water, but they adapt well.
Place a healthy stem cutting in water near bright, indirect light, and change the water every week to prevent rot.
#15. ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are incredibly resilient and propagate well in water. Simply take a stem cutting or leaf and submerge it in water. It grows slowly but requires minimal care, thriving even in low-light conditions.
#16. Sweet Potato Vine
The sweet potato vine grows quickly in water and adds a lush, trailing touch to your space.
Place a tuber in water and watch it sprout bright green or purple leaves. It’s perfect for adding greenery to your windowsill or kitchen.
#17. Mint
Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow in water. Take a few cuttings and place them in a glass of water on a sunny windowsill. Fresh mint is always on hand for teas and recipes.
#18. Lavender
Lavender cuttings can root in water, especially the softer stem varieties. Place a cutting in water near bright light, and be patient, it takes time but rewards you with fragrant, calming blooms.
#19. Basil
Basil is ideal for water propagation. Take a cutting and place it in a glass of water near a sunny spot. You’ll have fresh basil leaves for cooking in no time.
#20. Rosemary
Rosemary cuttings can root in water, though it takes a bit of patience. Place softwood cuttings in water and give them plenty of light. Once rooted, you’ll have a fragrant, ready-to-use herb.
