Growing new plants in water is a simple and satisfying way to add greenery to your home. Popular houseplants like Pothos and Philodendron root easily this way, and fragrant herbs such as Mint and Basil do too.
Here are 20 plants that root and grow well when started in a jar of water.
Pothos
A Pothos plant makes a low-fuss way to bring greenery indoors. It suits beginners and busy plant owners alike.
Its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines can stretch several feet long, adding movement to a shelf or windowsill.
Snip a vine just below a node, drop the cutting into a jar of water, and roots will start forming within a week or two. Watching those first white roots appear is one of the more satisfying parts of growing houseplants.
Pothos also filters common indoor air pollutants, so a few cuttings around the house can help freshen the air.
Keep the jar in bright, indirect light and change the water occasionally, and the cutting will root without much trouble.
Philodendron
Philodendron brings a tropical look to a room and roots readily in water, which makes it a solid pick for new plant owners.
Cut a healthy stem just below a node and set it in a glass of water. Roots typically appear within a few weeks, and once they’re established, the cutting is ready to move into soil.
This plant tolerates a range of light levels and doesn’t demand constant attention.
It handles a missed watering or two without complaint. Just swap in fresh water every so often so it doesn’t grow stagnant or cloudy.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are prized for how little care they need and how quickly they fill out a space with green.
Their long, arching leaves curve outward like tousled hair, giving the plant a loose, playful shape on a shelf or in a hanging basket.
The small plantlets, often called babies, form along the plant’s runners and separate easily for propagation in water.
Drop a plantlet into a jar of water and roots will develop within a couple of weeks. Spider plants are also known for filtering indoor air, so a few around the house double as natural air cleaners.
A single mother plant can produce dozens of these plantlets over time, giving you plenty to share or repot.
Snake Plant
Snake plants root well in water and add a bold, upright shape to a room with their stiff, sword-like leaves.
They tolerate low light and irregular watering, which makes them forgiving if you forget about them for a stretch.
That toughness makes snake plants a smart choice for beginners or anyone with a packed schedule.
To propagate, cut a leaf into sections and set each piece in a container of water. Rooting can be slow, sometimes taking a month or more, but the wait pays off with a sturdy new plant.
Despite the name, this plant poses no danger to handle.
Bamboo
Bamboo grows well in water and adds a calm, tall presence to a room with its slender, upright stalks.
Cut a healthy piece of stalk and place it in a jar of water. New roots typically show up within a couple of weeks, with no special equipment needed.
Bamboo is known for rapid growth, sometimes gaining several feet in a single season. Beyond looks, it’s a durable material used in furniture and as an eco-friendly building resource.
Its fast growth tends to catch visitors’ attention, and many people are surprised to learn how easily it roots in plain water.
Mint
Mint is a popular herb known for its cool taste and strong, refreshing scent, and it’s a staple in many home gardens.
Rooting mint in water is simple, making it an easy hands-on project for new gardeners.
Choose a healthy sprig, submerge the stem in a glass of water, and roots will appear within a week or so, ready to use fresh in drinks or cooking.
A growing mint plant also gives off a strong, pleasant scent that can freshen the room it sits in.
One thing to know: mint spreads fast once it takes hold, so keep an eye on it if you plan to move it into a garden bed later.
Basil
Did you know that basil is not just for cooking, but also for growing in water? It’s super easy! Just cut a few inches off the stems, put them in a glass of water, and watch them grow roots.
Find a sunny spot for your basil pals, and before you know it, you’ll have fresh leaves for your pasta or salads. So cool, right?
Although they won’t serenade you like in those romantic films, plants have a way of livening up your room and enhancing the flavors of your meals.
You know, with those extra plants, you might end up starting your own little basil business. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be the go-to basil supplier in town, right?
Coleus
Oh, have you ever tried propagating Coleus plants in water? They’re such a fun choice! Their colorful leaves and unique patterns can really bring some tropical vibes into your home. It’s like having a mini paradise right in your living room!
These plants don’t mess around when it comes to growing roots – they do it fast and effortlessly. So you won’t find yourself twiddling your thumbs waiting forever for them to take hold.
Simply cut a healthy stem, place it in water, and watch as those roots pop out like they’re saying, “Hey, we’re ready to party!”
Just remember to change the water regularly, or you might end up with the plant world’s version of a dirty sock situation! Happy propagating!
Tradescantia
Have you heard about Tradescantia, or Spiderwort as some call it? It’s a lovely plant with vibrant leaves that really pops in any room, kind of like a happy buddy.
The best part is it’s super easy to grow in water, so even if you’re not the best with plants, you can still enjoy the beauty of this little green gem.
All you gotta do is grab some fresh stems, pop ’em in a jar of water, and before you know it, you’ll see little roots starting to sprout! It’s so cool to watch.
It’s like a plant magic show right in your kitchen! Plus, the vibrant stripes of purple, green, and silver can make anyone forget they just left their laundry out for too long. Enjoy nurturing this delightful plant and adding life to your home!
Monstera
Monstera is such a fun plant to have around.
With its big, unique leaves that often look like they’ve been playfully nibbled on, it adds a touch of the jungle to any space.
They love water, so propagating them is as easy as cutting a stem with a few leaves and placing it in a jar of water.
Just make sure the nodes are submerged; those little bumps will sprout roots before you know it! Your Monstera will be thriving in no time, and you might even find yourself talking to it—because, let’s be honest, it listens better than some friends!
Aloe Vera
This delightful succulent is not only famous for its soothing gel but also thrives wonderfully in water.
Growing Aloe Vera in water is like having your very own green superhero, ready to rescue you from minor burns and skin irritations with its magical properties.
Just take a leaf, place it in a jar of water, and watch it grow roots like a champion.
It’s almost as if it knows it’s destined for greatness! Plus, with proper care and a sunny spot, your Aloe can be a gorgeous addition to your home. Who wouldn’t want a plant that’s good for your skin and looks so stylish on your windowsill?
Scindapsus
Scindapsus, with its shiny heart-shaped leaves, is like the cool friend who always knows how to brighten your day.
This delightful plant thrives in water, making propagation a breeze.
All you gotta do is cut a nice stem, pop it in a jar, and before you know it, you’ll see roots start to peek out. It’s pretty cool, almost like a fun little science project happening right in your home!
It’s fun to see how quickly it grows, turning your space into a little jungle of joy! Plus, it’s quite forgiving, so even if your care skills are a little rusty, it’s likely to forgive you.
Give it a try, and you might just find your new favorite green companion!
Geranium
Geraniums are such delightful plants to propagate in water! They thrive with a little love and attention, making them perfect for anyone wanting a touch of nature in their home.
Let’s kick things off by cutting a nice, healthy stem right below a leaf node and popping it into a glass of clean water.
In a couple of weeks, you’ll see roots beginning to sprout, like a tiny miracle in your kitchen.
Plus, they’re colorful and fragrant, bringing cheer to any space! Just make sure to change the water regularly, or you might end up with a science project instead of a lovely new plant.
Just keep going, and before you know it, you’ll have a whole bunch of items to add to your collection!
English Ivy
Oh, have you met English Ivy? It’s such a lovely plant that just loves to climb and spread its greenery all over the place! It’s so tough and can be happy both inside and outside, making it a great choice for any spot.
Plus, if you want more of it, just cut a stem with a couple of leaves, put it in some water, and before you know it, it’ll start growing roots like it’s trying out for a nature show! Cool, huh?
It’s not just pretty; it can even help purify the air, so it’s like having a little green roommate that’s great for your health! Plus, with its ability to trail beautifully from pots or shelves, it adds a lovely touch of elegance without needing much fuss.
Rosemary
Rosemary is not just a delightful herb; it’s like the hard-working friend of your garden! With its aromatic, needle-like leaves, it brings a burst of flavor to dishes and a lovely scent to your kitchen.
This sturdy plant loves the sun and can thrive in water propagation with a little patience.
When you take a cutting and place it in water, those tiny roots will start making their grand entrance in just a couple of weeks.
Just remember, the longer you wait, the more likely you’ll be tempted to name your new plant—maybe something like “Rosemary, the Root Whisperer!” A little care goes a long way, making it a fantastic companion for any indoor herb garden.
Lavender
You know, lavender is more than just a pretty plant – it’s got this amazing scent that can really lift your mood! This lovely purple plant thrives in the sunlight, so make sure to find a nice sunny spot for it to soak up those rays.
And hey, if you’re interested in growing more of it, you can take cuttings during the growing season and watch new roots pop up like a fun surprise for your garden!
Just keep in mind, lavender likes well-drained soil, so don’t let it sit in water or it might start to wilt on you.
With its calming scent, lavender is not only great for your garden, but it can also help keep stress at bay, making gardening feel like a spa day without the hefty price tag!
Sweet Potato Vine
Sweet potato vine is not only a beautiful addition to your garden, with its vibrant green and purple leaves, but it’s also super easy to propagate in water.
Sure thing! To propagate a new plant from a vine, all you need to do is snip off a piece and put it in a glass of water. Make sure to leave a few leaves exposed above the water. It’s as simple as that!
In no time, you’ll see roots sprouting, as if the plant is trying to give you a high-five! It’s a great way to add not just greenery, but also a splash of color to your space.
Plus, who doesn’t love a plant that grows so eagerly?
Hey, just a heads up – even though it grows fast, that casserole won’t magically cook itself!
Fiddle Leaf Fig
Have you ever heard of the Fiddle Leaf Fig plant? It’s a super trendy houseplant with big, shiny leaves that can really make a room pop.
They’re all about soaking up that sunlight, but when it comes to watering them, they can be a bit particular.
A little tip: if you want to propagate this beauty, start with a healthy cutting and place it in water with the cut end submerged.
Just keep an eye on it, as it can have a dramatic flair—sudden leaf drops can happen! With a bit of care, those roots will show off their magic, and you may soon have a small forest of Fiddle Leaf Figs sprouting up around your home.
Peperomia
Have you ever tried propagating a Peperomia in water? It’s such a wonderful houseplant that seems to really love it!
With its striking leaves and diverse shapes, it brings a touch of joy to any indoor space.
Propagation is a breeze; just snip healthy stems from the parent plant, place them in water, and watch as new roots begin to form.
It’s like a little magic show right in your kitchen! Plus, these little green wonders don’t take up much space, making them perfect for shelves or windowsills.
Make sure you remember to switch out the water every now and then for your plant. They need a drink of fresh, clean water just like we do!
African Violet
African Violets are charming little plants that can brighten up any space with their lovely flowers and fuzzy leaves.
They’re perfect for beginners since they thrive in water propagation, making it super easy to grow new plants from existing ones.
Simply snip a healthy leaf with a bit of stem and place it in water, waiting for roots to emerge.
Just remember, while these beauties love moisture, they aren’t fans of being soggy! So, give them a cozy spot with indirect light and watch them flourish.
With a little patience, you can create a delightful collection of African Violets that could almost become a colorful family reunion—minus the awkward small talk!
