Indoor plants that don’t need drainage are perfect for anyone who tends to overwater or doesn’t want to fuss with soil and messy pots.
Some plants are naturally adapted to growing in water or moisture-retaining environments, making them ideal for beginners or busy plant lovers.
If you’ve struggled with root rot or waterlogged soil, these plants will be a game-changer. You can grow them beautifully in glass vases, decorative bowls, or simple jars without worrying about excess water.
Each one brings life, texture, and a calming presence to your home. Let’s explore 7 indoor plants that grow well without drainage easy-care beauties that stay lush, healthy, and vibrant year-round.
#1 Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo is one of the most forgiving houseplants you can grow. It thrives purely in water, needing no soil or drainage holes.
Just place a few stalks in a tall glass vase filled with filtered water, covering about one-third of the stems. Change the water every 10–14 days to keep it fresh.
Place it in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. You’ll love how its clean, architectural lines add serenity and positive energy to your space.
#2 Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes)
Water Lettuce floats gracefully on the surface of water, making it an elegant addition to indoor bowls or mini water gardens. It doesn’t need soil—its roots hang freely below the surface, absorbing nutrients from the water.
To keep it happy, use soft or moderately hard water and ensure the container gets plenty of indirect light. Trim yellowing leaves and replace water every few weeks.
It’s a natural water purifier and adds a tropical charm to any room.
#3 Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes)
This beautiful plant forms rosettes of shiny leaves that float above the water’s surface. You can grow it in glass vases, wide bowls, or small indoor ponds.
It doesn’t require drainage or soil, just clean water and a spot with bright but gentle sunlight. Replace the water every 10–15 days and remove old roots if they get too long.
Water Hyacinth is known for its lovely lavender flowers that bloom in the right conditions, adding a soft, romantic touch to your home.
#4 Cyperus Umbrella Plant (Cyperus alternifolius)
The Cyperus Umbrella Plant is perfect for those who tend to overwater. Originating from Madagascar’s marshy areas, it actually prefers soggy conditions. Keep the pot sitting in a few inches of water, or grow it directly in a water-filled vase.
It loves bright, indirect sunlight and room temperatures above 60°F (16°C). Its slender stems and umbrella-like leaves create a refreshing, tropical feel indoors.
#5 Rough Horsetail (Equisetum Hyemale)
Rough Horsetail adds striking vertical lines and texture to your indoor decor. It naturally grows in wetlands and streams, thriving in saturated or mucky soil.
You can grow it in a container without drainage, keeping the base submerged in water at all times. Place it near a sunny window for the best growth.
Its reed-like stems give a minimalist, modern look, making it a great accent piece for bathrooms or patios.
#6 Houseplant Cuttings
Many common houseplants can live happily in water without ever needing drainage. Try propagating pothos, philodendron, coleus, or ivy in clear glass jars filled with clean water.
Replace the water every two weeks and watch the roots grow. Once rooted, they can stay in water long-term or be transferred to soil later.
This simple setup adds a lush, living touch to desks, shelves, or kitchen counters with minimal effort.
#7 Water Lily (Nymphaea)
Water Lilies are stunning aquatic plants that bring color and calmness indoors. You can grow them in a deep bowl or small aquarium with still water. Choose a sunny spot where they can get at least 4–6 hours of indirect light daily.
Their floating leaves and delicate blooms in shades of pink, yellow, or purple create a serene focal point. Replace part of the water every few weeks to maintain clarity and freshness.