Growing lush indoor plants helps bring nature inside your home. There are many ways to grow indoor plants and that includes growing them in water. This method is a sustainable, natural, and low-maintenance way to decorate your office or home. Growing plants in water has been gaining in popularity and becoming more and more common. In addition, plants in the water will not require any soil which makes them easier to grow.
Growing plants in water is also known as hydroponics. Hydroponics is a method of growing plants by providing them with nutrient-rich water instead of soil. In hydroponics, the plant roots are immersed in the water and grow upwards through the solution, which can be filtered and aerated more easily than soil. With this method, it’s also easier to provide the plants with specific nutrients that might otherwise be unavailable in natural soil: they can either be added to the water or delivered directly to the root zone.
How To Grow Plants In Water
You can grow plants in water by propagating a cutting in a water-only container. There are also grow kits that come with cuttings and seeds plus the container to get you started. By using a clear glass container you get to see the plant develop. This is a fun and interesting method to use if you have children. Glass can be prone to algae, so if you are into low maintenance use an opaque container. Check the plant’s requirements to make sure it can be grown in water and get the light exposure it needs. Once the plant starts to get roots, change the water every two to four weeks and make sure it is chlorine-free. I usually boil water and let it sit for a day before use. You can also fertilize the plant with a water-soluble fertilizer at a lower strength.
It is important to know what kind of plant you want before you start growing one! While spider and philodendron plants are easy to grow in water, here are four other popular plants to try:
Arrowhead Vine – Growing these plants in water is easier than growing them in soil. Propagate a stem from a mature plant. Make sure it is a healthy stem below a node, which appears like a bump on the stem. Put the cut end in water and roots will appear in a few weeks. The plant grows best in bright, indirect light and in a warm room (60 – 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Change the water once a week. Since your arrowhead is already growing in water, you can occasionally mist it to provide humidity. Consider using distilled or rainwater instead of regular tap water which contains harmful minerals.
Chinese Evergreen – Chinese evergreen plants have floppy green leaves. Since these plants grow actively in the spring, this is the best time to start. Select and cut a healthy 6-inch stem with sterilized pruners. Try to use a younger plant shoot as they will root faster. The bottom half of the plant goes into the water. Remove the leaves that fall under the water line. Roots will appear in 3-4 weeks. Place the plant in indirect sunlight and change the water every three to 5 days or sooner if the water looks dirty or cloudy. Do not place the plant in direct sunlight. Liquid fertilizer monthly will encourage growth.
Lucky Bamboo – To keep the stems of the plant in place stabilize it by using a layer of pebbles. Water is then added to keep the roots submerged. To maintain the water above the roots as the plants grow, you’ll need to continually boost the water level. As the plant grows taller you might also need to do more to stabilize the plant as it might become top-heavy. The plant does not really need fertilizer, but you can give it a tiny drop of houseplant fertilizer each month. Keep the plant away from direct sunlight as it naturally thrives in shade. It needs bright indirect light. If the plant color starts to fade more light is required.
Monsteras – Monsteras’ showy leaves can be easily propagated and make a great centerpiece. The plant prefers bright indirect light for several hours a day, but do not expose the leaves to direct sunlight or they can burn, and it will also encourage the growth of algae in the water. The water needs to be changed every 3-5 days and more often if it is discolored. Let the water sit and become room temperature before putting the plant in it. Cold water will shock the plant and hot water will not work either. Clean the plant roots once a month and cut away any brown or rotting roots. Purified or bottled water works best for this plant or let the water sit to get rid of chlorine. Fertilize the plant once or twice a month.
Let us know if you have tried to grow indoor plants in water.
