No garden? No soil? No problem! These 14 plants grow beautifully in just a jar of water, and they make your home feel alive without the mess of dirt.
Whether you’re short on time, space, or gardening experience, this water-growing method is simple and satisfying. You’ll cut back on pests, forget about weeding, and never deal with overwatering again.
Plus, propagating plants in water helps you multiply your green collection without spending a dime. Scroll down to find your next low-effort, high-reward indoor greenery!
#1 Lucky Bamboo
Source: Housedigest
This popular plant thrives in just a glass of clean water and bright, indirect light. It adds a peaceful vibe to your space and is often seen as a good luck charm. Just keep the roots submerged and refresh the water every 7–10 days.
You can even shape its stalks as it grows! It’s perfect for desks, bathrooms, or kitchen windows. If you’re a first-time plant parent, this one is almost impossible to mess up.
#2 Impatiens
Source: Unknow
Impatiens are colorful flowering plants that root quickly in water from just a stem cutting. Place the cut end in a jar, and within a few days, you’ll see roots forming. They’re perfect for brightening up indoor corners with their cheerful blooms.
Change the water once a week and keep them out of direct sun. Once rooted, you can keep them in water or move them to a pot. They’re one of the easiest flowering plants to multiply indoors.
#3 Philodendron
Source: Reddit
Known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, philodendron is a classic houseplant that grows beautifully in water. Just snip below a node and pop it into a clear glass with water.
It thrives in indirect light and grows quickly with minimal effort. You can let it trail or climb, depending on where you place it. This is a great way to green up shelves or let it cascade from a hanging pot. It’s also a top pick for beginners.
#4 English Ivy
Source: Smartgardenguide
English Ivy cuttings root easily in water and grow long, elegant vines. They love cooler indoor spots with soft light, like a north-facing window. Keep the jar filled so that the nodes stay submerged.
You’ll notice new growth in just a few weeks. As the vines grow, you can train them around shelves or let them spill over a hanging jar. It’s a graceful and classic indoor addition.
#5 Chinese Evergreen
Source: Gardenbeast
With its patterned leaves and forgiving nature, Chinese Evergreen is a reliable choice for growing in water. Take a cutting with at least one node and place it in a jar filled halfway with water.
It prefers medium to low light, making it great for offices or shaded rooms. Roots usually appear in 2–3 weeks. Swap the water regularly and wipe the leaves to keep them shiny. It’s a quiet beauty that thrives with little attention.
#6 Begonia
Source: Thespruce
Many types of begonias grow well in water, especially rex and cane begonias. Cut a healthy leaf or stem, pop it in water, and set it in a bright room without direct sunlight. Their colorful, textured leaves are real eye-catchers.
It can take a couple of weeks for roots to form, but once they do, you’ll have a lovely plant for your windowsill. Just be sure to replace the water weekly. It’s a fun way to multiply your collection of fancy-leaved plants.
#7 Spiderwort
Source: Reddit
Spiderwort has long, narrow leaves and vivid purple or green tones that look beautiful trailing from a water jar. Simply cut just below a node and place the stem in clean water.
You’ll notice roots growing fast, usually within a week. It prefers indirect sunlight and regular water changes. It’s great for hanging containers or on high shelves. This fast-grower adds instant life to any corner.
#8 Papyrus
Source: Pinterest
Looking for something different? Papyrus is a tall, reed-like plant that adds dramatic texture to any indoor space. Cut the stem and place it upside-down in water so the top growth is submerged, yes, upside down!
After a few weeks, roots will form at the submerged end. It needs lots of light and water, so don’t let it dry out. It’s a striking pick for water gardening enthusiasts.
Read More: 13 Easy Herbs You Can Grow From Just a Cutting
#9 Dumb Cane
Source: Reddit
Dumb Cane cuttings root well in water and are ideal for medium-light spaces. Take a thick stem cutting, place it upright in a tall jar, and wait for the roots to appear. The large, variegated leaves add a tropical touch to your room.
Just keep it away from pets and small children, as it can be toxic if chewed. Refresh the water every week for healthy growth. It’s a bold, easy-care addition to your plant lineup.
#10 Baby’s Tears
Source: Gardenbeast
This delicate plant with tiny leaves can form a beautiful mound in a water container. Take a dense piece of growth, submerge the stem ends, and place it in a bright spot. It loves humidity, so a bathroom window sill works well.
You’ll need to change the water every few days and trim it regularly to keep it lush. The cascading growth creates a soft, mossy effect. It’s a lovely plant for glass bowls or terrariums.
#11 Rubber Plant
Source: Bybrittanygoldwyn
Rubber plants can grow new roots in water if you start with a healthy stem cutting. Choose a stem with a few leaves and place the bottom part in a jar of water. Keep it in bright, indirect light and be patient, rooting takes a few weeks.
Once rooted, you can keep it in water for a while or move it to soil. This plant adds a modern, clean look to indoor spaces. Be sure to keep the leaves dust-free to help it thrive.
#12 Coleus
Source: Jenniferrizzo
Coleus is loved for its bright, colorful leaves and ease of propagation. Snip a piece of stem below a leaf node, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water. New roots appear quickly, sometimes within just 3–5 days.
It’s perfect for adding color to your indoor setup, especially in mason jars or glass vases. You can keep trimming and rooting new cuttings to grow more plants. With its bold colors, it’s a great pick for decorative water displays.
#13 African Violet
Source: Apartmenttherapy
This classic houseplant can be propagated in water from just a single leaf! Choose a healthy leaf, insert the stem into a small jar, and place it in indirect light. After a few weeks, you’ll see small plantlets forming at the base.
African violets don’t like splashed leaves, so keep the jar narrow to support the leaves. They’re compact and great for small spaces. It’s a fun way to grow more violets without buying new ones.
#14 Geranium
Source: Gardenerspath
Geraniums grow fast and easy from water cuttings and give you fragrant foliage and bright flowers. Snip a healthy stem, remove the lower leaves, and set it in a sunny window. Within a week or two, roots will start to form.
Keep the water fresh and the jar clean to prevent rotting. Once established, you can grow them in water or move them to a pot. They’re cheerful additions for any room with good light.
