Keeping plants indoors brings nature right into your space and just makes things feel more alive, doesn’t it? I think water plants are especially fun—they need hardly any space and skip the whole soil mess, so they’re a breeze to care for.
They add natural beauty and a fresh vibe to any room, all with barely any effort.
If you’re like me and want something a bit different from the usual potted plants, water plants are a clever pick. They grow happily in vases or jars filled with just water.
No dirt, no mess—just greenery, even in tiny spaces.
1. Pothos
Pothos has to be one of the easiest water plants to keep indoors. Just snip a healthy vine, pop it in a glass of water, and add a splash of liquid fertilizer now and then.
Watching those roots tangle and grow is surprisingly satisfying. Pothos doesn’t ask for much—low light is fine, and it’s great for beginners who want a little green with zero hassle.
The trailing leaves look good anywhere, honestly.
2. Philodendron
Philodendrons are awesome for water growing. I just take healthy cuttings and stick them in clean water—super simple.
They don’t grow quite like they do in soil, but their roots do get strong. I make sure to swap out the water regularly to keep things fresh.
Philodendrons help clean the air, which is always a plus. I usually keep mine near a window with plenty of indirect light.
3. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo isn’t actually bamboo—it’s a Dracaena, which is kind of funny. It loves water, though.
I put mine in a vase with pebbles to keep it upright. It likes indirect sunlight and fresh water every week.
This one is super chill and gives any room a peaceful feel. Plus, it grows well in water or soil, so you get options.
4. Spider Plant
Spider plants are a breeze in water. I use a clear container so I can see the roots do their thing.
They just need fresh water swapped out every week. Here’s what I usually do:
- Let tap water sit out for a day before using it.
- Keep the plant somewhere with indirect sunlight.
- Add a tiny bit of liquid fertilizer once a month.
They’re great at cleaning the air, too. That’s always a win indoors.
5. Peace Lily
I love having a peace lily around because it grows happily in water. Those shiny green leaves and white flowers really brighten up a space.
It’s easy to care for—just change the water every week. It wants bright, indirect light, but not direct sun.
Peace lilies clean the air and bring a calm vibe. They’re low-maintenance, so even if you’re new to plants, you’ll be fine.
6. Chinese Evergreen
I like Chinese Evergreen for its colorful leaves—green, silver, even creamy shades. It handles low light, so it’s great for spots that don’t get much sun.
You can keep it in water if you want, just remember to change the water and check the roots. I only water it when the soil feels dry, but in water, it’s even easier.
7. Water Hyacinth
Water Hyacinth floats on water and brings a fresh look to any room. The green leaves and purple flowers are eye-catching and don’t need much space.
This plant likes warmth and lots of sunlight. I keep mine right by a sunny window to help it thrive.
It can spread fast, so I trim it back when it gets wild. Gotta keep things under control!
8. English Ivy
English Ivy grows quickly and looks great indoors. It can climb or trail, so you can get creative with where you put it.
I water mine when the top inch of soil dries out—usually once a week in summer, less in winter. It also helps clean the air, which is always welcome.
Don’t forget to prune it now and then to keep it looking tidy.
9. Mint
Mint grows super easily in water. I just put a few cuttings in a vase and keep the water fresh.
Every 10 days, I add a little plant food to keep the leaves green and healthy. Mint grows fast, so I always have some handy for tea or recipes.
It looks nice on the kitchen windowsill, too. Can’t beat that.
10. Herbs like Basil and Parsley
Basil and parsley are perfect for water growing indoors. They’re happy on a sunny windowsill and just need fresh water every few days.
These herbs make meals taste better and there’s less mess than with soil. If you want to try it, here’s what I’d suggest:
- Change the water regularly
- Use a clear container to watch the roots grow
- Keep them close to a light source
11. Cuttings of Monstera
Growing Monstera from cuttings is simple and kind of exciting. I cut a healthy stem just below a node and drop it in water.
Roots usually start popping out in a few weeks if you keep the water clean. Once they’re about 2-3 inches, you can plant them or just leave them in water for that minimalist look.
12. Coleus
Coleus is a favorite of mine because its colorful leaves lift the mood in any room. It grows well in water or soil—super flexible.
It likes moderate light and a little fertilizer every couple of weeks in spring and summer. I keep an eye out for pests like spider mites or aphids and use neem oil if they show up.
13. Geranium Cuttings
Geranium cuttings are a great way to start new plants indoors. I take a healthy stem, put it in water, and watch roots form pretty quickly.
Once I see roots, I usually move it to a pot with fresh soil. I hold off on fertilizer until the plant gets stronger.
Late spring or early fall is the best time for cuttings. That way, they’ll grow well indoors even through winter.
14. Arrowhead Plant
Arrowhead Plant is easy to grow in water and looks lovely. The arrow-shaped leaves add something special to any spot.
I start with a cutting from a healthy stem and put it in water. Roots show up in a few weeks, and you can keep it in water or move it to soil.
This plant does well even in low light. I just swap out the water weekly to keep things fresh.
15. Swiss Cheese Plant
The Swiss Cheese Plant is a showstopper with its holey leaves. It grows well in water, which makes life easier.
I change the water every week or so. It prefers bright, indirect light, but honestly, it’s pretty forgiving.
If I see yellow leaves, I know it’s time for fresh water or a little less sun. This plant brings a cool, tropical vibe to any room—minimal effort, maximum impact.
16. Tradescantia
Tradescantia is honestly one of my favorite water plants for indoors. It’s ridiculously easy to grow, and I love how the leaves burst with green, purple, and silver.
Those colors really wake up a room. The plant grows fast and doesn’t fuss much about light—low to medium works just fine.
I sometimes mix it with pothos or philodendrons for a wild, layered vibe. Just remember to swap out the water every so often, or things get a bit funky.
17. Happy Bean Plant
I get a kick out of growing the Happy Bean Plant indoors. Its thick, green leaves really do look like beans—kind of quirky, honestly.
These chunky leaves stash away water, so you don’t need to hover with a watering can. Bright, indirect light for six to eight hours is its sweet spot.
I usually water mine when the top inch of soil feels dry. It stays small, topping out at around a foot, so it’s a winner for tabletops.
The leaves have this grooved shape that adds a bit of personality to my plant collection. It’s subtle but pretty cool once you notice it.
18. Fittonia
Fittonia, or as some call it, the nerve plant, has these wild leaves with bright veins. I love how it holds onto its color when you grow it in water—no fading out here.
It’s happiest with indirect light. I change the water often, and if you can keep the humidity up, it really thrives.
If you want a small plant that still pops with color, Fittonia’s a solid pick. It won’t take over your space, but it sure catches your eye.
19. Maranta (Prayer Plant)
Maranta, or Prayer Plant, is just plain charming. The leaves do this thing where they fold up at night, almost like they’re praying—kind of magical, if you ask me.
It likes bright, indirect light and craves humidity. I check the soil and water when the top feels dry, but I steer clear of soggy roots.
The leaf patterns are wild—greens, pinks, and whites all swirled together. If you need a colorful, easygoing water plant for indoors, this one’s hard to beat.
20. Spiderwort
Spiderwort might just be one of the easiest plants you’ll ever try growing in water. Those long, sword-like leaves? Pretty dramatic, honestly.
The little purple flowers pop up and surprise you with color, which is always a treat. I love that you hardly need to fuss over it.
Swap out the water once a week, stick it somewhere with bright, indirect light, and you’re set. It seems to thrive in almost any spot indoors—kind of like it doesn’t care where you put it.
Sure, you can grow Spiderwort in soil, but honestly, water keeps it looking so fresh and green with barely any effort. Why make things harder?
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