20 Beautiful Houseplants That Grow Happily in Water Indoors

Growing plants without soil gives your home a cleaner, more modern vibe, and it’s surprisingly easy to do. If you're someone who wants a splash of green without the mess, water-grown houseplants are the way to go.

All you need is a vase, a jar, or a small bowl, and you can enjoy vibrant leaves, glossy roots, and fresh energy in any room.

These water-loving plants aren't just tidy; they’re also low-maintenance and resistant to pests. Some send out roots with ease, others offer colorful foliage that brightens up corners, windowsills, or kitchen counters.

Just by changing the water twice a week, you help them thrive and prevent unwanted bacteria from building up. If you’re ready to try a different kind of indoor gardening, these beautiful plants might be your new favorites.

#1 Spider Plant

Source: Unknow

Spider plants look graceful in water, especially when their narrow green-and-white leaves spill over the edge of a clear jar. You can root the baby offshoots directly in water and watch them develop quickly.

Once the roots are a few inches long, they can stay there or be moved to soil. Keep the water fresh every few days to encourage healthy growth and prevent stagnation.

This plant doesn’t ask for much but gives a lot in return, air-purifying and full of personality.

#2 Impatiens

Source: Guidesbrit

Impatiens bring color into your space even without a speck of soil. You can snip a few healthy stems and place them in water, where they'll root after a short while.

Their soft blooms and lush leaves will make any sunny windowsill feel more alive. Once roots stretch a few inches, they’re ready for transplanting, but many keep them in water just for the aesthetic charm.

Clean water and indirect sunlight will keep them content.

#3 Ornamental Sweet Potato

Source: Gardeningknowhow

The heart-shaped leaves of ornamental sweet potato vines add a lush, tropical feeling when grown in a glass container. Just a cutting placed in water will start to sprout roots and climb.

Position it near a bright window, and you’ll see vines trail beautifully with minimal care. Changing the water regularly helps the plant avoid rot and maintain its rich green (or even purple) tones. It’s a striking addition to desks and kitchen counters.

#4 Lucky Bamboo

Source: Thespruce

Although not a true bamboo, this plant thrives in water and is often linked to luck and prosperity. It only needs enough water to cover the roots, and adding small pebbles can help anchor it upright.

It prefers filtered or distilled water, so tap might not be the best choice for long-term care. Lucky Bamboo does best in indirect light and grows slowly but steadily. Many people enjoy shaping it into spirals or twists for visual interest.

#5 Coleus

Source: Jenniferrizzo

Coleus is all about bold color reds, pinks, greens, and purples. The leaves look painted, and when placed in a simple glass, their vivid hues pop even more.

A few cuttings can quickly sprout roots and stay vibrant for weeks in water. It appreciates bright, indirect light and clean water every few days. If you ever decide to pot it in soil, the transition is smooth and easy.

#6 Philodendron

Source: Thespruce

Philodendron cuttings root effortlessly in jars of water. Their heart-shaped leaves float gently above the rim, creating a soft, elegant presence. They're not picky about lighting but do best in bright, indirect spots.

After a few weeks, you’ll notice long, healthy roots weaving through the water. You can let it continue growing this way or eventually move it into soil. Either way, it brings an earthy calm to any space.

#7 Prayer Plant

Source: Reddit

With its vivid stripes and leaves that fold at night, the Prayer Plant brings personality to any water garden. Stem cuttings develop roots quickly, and you can watch them stretch down through clear glass like living art.

It loves warmth and medium light and benefits from weekly water changes. It’s a soothing, conversation-starting plant that grows well even in a kitchen or bathroom.

#8 Dracaena

Source: Greenandvibrant

Dracaena stems thrive in water and offer tall, structured greenery without the need for potting mix. Cuttings taken from a mature plant can be placed in a tall glass filled with clean water.

They’ll continue to grow slowly while brightening up entryways or corners. Make sure to rinse the container and replace the water a couple of times a week. This plant is particularly forgiving and low-stress.

#9 Moth Orchid

Source: Pinterest

Moth Orchids look delicate, but they’re surprisingly resilient when grown carefully in water. Their roots should rest just above the waterline or lightly touch it, supported by glass pebbles or marbles.

These elegant flowers add a touch of romance to your windowsill. Keeping the container in a spot with bright but filtered light helps prevent root rot and keeps blooms healthy.

Once they adjust, they reward you with graceful petals and rich green leaves.

#10 Pothos

Source: Instructables

Pothos is a true favorite among houseplant lovers and for good reason. Its trailing vines look gorgeous when trained along a shelf or allowed to dangle from a hanging jar.

It adapts beautifully to water, rooting in just a few days from cuttings. Bright, indirect light brings out the best leaf color. With regular water changes, it can live happily in water for months or even years.

#11 Mint

Source: Smallgreenthings

Mint brings a fresh scent into your space and grows surprisingly well in just water. You can snip a few sprigs and place them in a small glass to enjoy both greenery and fragrance.

If you gently rub the leaves, the aroma fills the room. It grows best near a sunny window, and you'll want to switch the water every few days. You’ll also have a ready stash for teas, cooking, or even garnishing desserts.

#12 Chinese Money Plant

Source: Ohiotropics

This quirky little plant stands out with its flat, round leaves that look like floating coins. In a glass vase, the stems form long roots that swirl beneath the water.

It enjoys moderate sunlight and thrives in a cozy corner with bright, indirect light. As it grows, new pups will appear, and you can propagate those too. It brings charm and a bit of good fortune to your tabletop or desk.

#13 Chinese Evergreen and Dumbcane

Source: Jabaribellamy

These two make strong visual companions with their large, patterned leaves. You can grow them in water by taking healthy cuttings and placing them in a tall vase or glass.

Within days, roots begin to form, and the foliage stays fresh and vibrant. Keep them in a space with diffused light to maintain color. They're beautiful choices for beginners and thrive in indoor humidity.

#14 Paperwhite

Source: Midwestliving

Paperwhites bloom even without soil, offering crisp white flowers in just a few weeks. Tuck the bulbs into a shallow bowl with pebbles to help them stay upright.

Add water just below the bulb line, and the roots will do the rest. After 4 to 5 weeks, tall stems and delicate blossoms will fill your space with a light fragrance. It’s a lovely pick for winter windows or guest rooms.

#15 Herbs

Source: Gardeningchannel

Some kitchen scraps grow back fast in water and look beautiful while doing it. Green onions and celery sprout fresh leaves in just days when set in a clear cup with a bit of water.

Bright windows keep growth steady, and you’ll have ingredients right at hand. The visual of curling roots and bright tops is satisfying, too. Rotate them into your meals and refresh water often for best results.

#16 Wandering Jew

Source: Plantsbank

The purple streaks on this plant’s leaves create a striking contrast in clear water. It adapts well to terrariums and glass jars, and you’ll notice new roots forming quickly.

With enough light, the colors become deeper and more dramatic. Even just a few stems can fill a jar and spill over the sides beautifully. It’s an expressive, low-maintenance plant that thrives in small spaces.

#17 Monstera

Source: Pottedpixie

Few houseplants make a statement like Monstera. You can root a stem cutting in water, and its big, split leaves will keep things bold and tropical.

It prefers a roomy vase so the roots can spread. Gentle light and fresh water help it stay healthy and green. Watching it unfurl a new leaf is always exciting.

#18 Arrowhead Plant

Source: Thespruce

This plant’s arrow-shaped leaves bring fun energy and do surprisingly well in just water. You can grow a few stems in a tall glass and place them in your bathroom or kitchen.

They like warmth and humidity, and their roots grow quickly. With frequent water changes, the foliage stays glossy and happy. Its soft pinks or greens bring variety without demanding too much attention.

#19 English Ivy

Source: Permanentprocrastination

This classic vine adapts easily to water and grows new roots from cuttings with ease. In a small vase, the trailing vines create a romantic, slightly wild look.

Place it on a shelf where the tendrils can drape naturally. Indirect light is enough to keep it thriving. Refresh the water weekly to keep things clean and prevent buildup.

#20 Alocasia

Source: Unknow

Alocasia’s bold leaves and sculptural shape are eye-catching, even without soil. You can root a cutting or bulb in a tall glass and enjoy its elegant lines as the roots grow below.

It enjoys light and warmth, and doesn’t mind a little humidity. The plant feels both exotic and minimal when grown in water. It’s a stylish addition for modern interiors.