Have you ever wondered if you could grow new plants without all the mess of soil? Well, here’s the good news: you absolutely can, and it’s easier than you think.
Imagine turning a simple cutting into a thriving plant with just a cup of water. That’s right – no pots, no complicated techniques, just a little water and patience! Plus, propagating plants in water is an incredibly satisfying and low-maintenance way to grow new greenery.
If you’re ready to plant the seeds for a greener home, these twelve houseplants are your ticket to effortless growth!
#1 Monstera
This iconic plant, with its glossy leaves full of dramatic holes, is perfect for those looking to add a touch of the tropics to their living space! Monstera’s unique look makes it a favorite for home decor enthusiasts, and its low-maintenance nature makes it even more appealing.
To propagate your monstera, simply snip a cutting that includes at least one node and place it in a cup or jar of water. Keep it in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight, and within a few weeks, you’ll start to see new roots.
This method is incredibly satisfying, as you can watch the roots grow over time, and before you know it, you’ll have a new plant ready to pot or share.
#2 Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Benjamina is a plant that’s truly worth growing indoors! Its graceful, slender branches and vibrant, deep green leaves bring zen wherever it’s placed. This plant doesn’t just add beauty but also purifies the air, making it a functional and stylish addition to your home.
Whether you’re trying to brighten a dull corner or bring some greenery to your office space, the weeping fig effortlessly adds that perfect pop of color.
What’s even better is that propagating Ficus Benjamina in water is super easy! All you need to do is snip a healthy stem with at least one node (the small bump where roots will sprout). Place the cutting in a jar of water, and within a couple of weeks, you’ll see roots begin to form.
It’s a rewarding process to watch the cutting grow and root in front of your eyes. Just remember to change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent mold.
#3 Pothos
Pothos is the ideal plant for anyone who loves a bit of greenery without a lot of fuss. Its lush, heart-shaped leaves and cascading vines instantly add energy to any room, creating a cozy, vibrant atmosphere.
Propagating pothos in water is incredibly simple and fast. Just take a cutting right below a node and place it in a jar filled with water. Keep it in a bright spot but out of direct sunlight, and in no time, you’ll notice roots beginning to form.
Change the water every few days to keep it clean, and soon enough, you’ll have a brand-new plant to enjoy.
#4 Heartleaf Philodendron
If you’re looking for a plant that brings life and charm to any room, look no further than the heartleaf philodendron. This plant is the perfect combination of grace and resilience.
But is the heartleaf philodendron easy to propagate? Of course, it is! All you have to do is snip a healthy stem just below the node, where the magic happens, and place it in a jar of water.
In a few weeks, you’ll see roots growing like clockwork, ready for the next step in your plant-growing adventure!
#5 Philodendrons
Philodendrons are the ideal plant for brightening up any room. Known for their lush, green foliage and adaptability, they thrive in most indoor conditions. Their graceful leaves add a sense of tranquility and freshness to your space.
Propagating Philodendrons is super easy – simply cut a healthy stem with at least one node, place it in a jar of water, and watch it take root. Before long, you’ll have a new plant ready to go!
#6 Spider Plant
The spider plant is one of those plants that never goes out of style. With its striking, arching leaves and eye-catching white stripes, it’s a plant that commands attention without being overbearing.
Whether hanging high or placed in a decorative pot, spider plants can instantly refresh your space with their vibrant greenery.
What makes the spider plant even more special is its ability to create “pups” – small baby plants that grow along the stems. These pups are easy to snip off and root in water, allowing you to grow a whole new plant from just one cutting!
#7 English Ivy
English Ivy is the evergreen beauty that always steals the show. With its glossy, deeply lobed leaves and flowing vines, it brings a touch of elegance to any space, making your room feel instantly more inviting.
Easily propagated, this vine is perfect for those who love expanding their plant collection. Simply cut a few healthy stems, place them in water, and soon enough, you’ll have new plants to share or add to your home.
Watching the roots grow is a satisfying experience that adds even more joy to owning this lovely plant.
#8 African Violets
For anyone who’s drawn to shades of purple, African violets offer an irresistible pop of color. These charming plants produce delicate, velvety flowers in a range of purples, from deep lavender to soft lilac.
To multiply your African violets, just snip a healthy leaf, making sure to leave a bit of stem behind. Place it in a shallow bowl of water, ensuring only the stem is submerged.
Soon enough, you’ll see roots sprouting, and before long, new baby plants will emerge, ready to brighten your space!
#9 Geraniums
Geraniums are the ultimate pick-me-up for any space, boasting striking blooms that range from fiery reds to gentle pinks!
If you’re eager to grow more geraniums, the process couldn’t be simpler. Just take a healthy stem, place it in water, and watch as it takes root. In a matter of weeks, you’ll be able to pot a brand-new geranium, all without spending a cent!
#10 Snake Plant
If your schedule’s always packed, the snake plant is a match made in heaven. Its sleek, upright leaves add a touch of class to your home, and best of all, it thrives on minimal attention – just what you need to keep life in balance.
Dreaming of more snake plants? Just cut a healthy leaf, place it in a jar of water, and watch the magic happen! In a few weeks, you’ll see roots forming and your new plants taking shape. It’s a no-brainer way to grow more of these hardy beauties!
#11 Chinese Money Plant
If you’re looking for a plant with personality, the Chinese money plant is a winner. Its coin-shaped leaves add a dash of playfulness to any space, while its simple care requirements make it a perfect fit for your windowsill or desk.
To grow more of this charming plant, just snip a baby pup from the base and pop it into a glass of water. Within a few weeks, you’ll start to see roots taking hold. Once those roots are nice and strong, pot it up and – voilà! – you’ve got a new plant to beautify your space or share with friends!
#12 Peace Lily
If elegance had a plant, it would be the peace lily. With its glossy green leaves and show-stopping white flowers, it adds instant refinement to any room. Plus, it doesn’t just sit pretty – it helps purify the air, making your living space both beautiful and breathable!
When it comes to growing more peace lilies, it’s incredibly easy. Simply cut off a healthy leaf with a bit of the root attached and place it in a jar of water.
Over time, roots will begin to form, and once they’re well-established, you can pot the cutting and watch it grow into a beautiful new plant. In just a few simple steps, you’ll have another elegant addition to your space.
#13 Coleus
This fast-growing plant is a favorite for its easy care and ability to thrive in almost any space. It’s also one of the simplest plants to propagate in water, making it a great option if you want to expand your collection without much effort.
To start, take a cutting just below a node and remove the lower leaves so they don’t sit in the water. Place the stem in a glass or jar, ensuring the remaining leaves stay above the surface. Keep it in indirect light and change the water every few days to keep it fresh. Within a week, you’ll start to see tiny roots forming.
Once the roots reach a couple of inches long, transfer the cutting into soil, where it will quickly establish itself and start growing. Since this plant thrives when pruned, regular trimming not only keeps it looking healthy but also gives you endless opportunities to propagate more cuttings.
#14 Begonia
This plant is loved for its patterned leaves and delicate flowers, but what makes it even better is how easy it is to propagate in water. You can grow a whole new plant from either a stem or a single leaf cutting, making it a fun and rewarding process.
For stem propagation, snip a cutting just below a node and place it in water, making sure the node is submerged. If you’re using a leaf, cut along the veins and let the edges sit in the water. Keep the container in a warm spot with indirect light and change the water every few days.
It might take a little patience, but once roots appear, you’ll start to see tiny new leaves forming. Once the roots are about an inch or two long, transfer the cutting into soil. With regular watering and good lighting, it will grow into a thriving plant in no time.
#15 Tradescantia
This plant is perfect for anyone who loves fast-growing greenery. With its trailing vines and striking purple or green-striped leaves, it’s a great addition to any hanging planter or shelf. The best part? It roots in water almost instantly.
To propagate, take a stem cutting with at least one node, remove any leaves near the base, and place it in a cup of water. Make sure the node is fully submerged, as that’s where the roots will grow from. Keep it in bright, indirect light and refresh the water every few days.
Within just a few days, you’ll start to see tiny roots forming. Tradescantia grows quickly, so you won’t have to wait long before you can transfer the cutting to soil. For an even fuller plant, you can propagate multiple cuttings and plant them together in the same pot.
#16 Lucky Bamboo
A beautiful plant that thrives in water, so it’s no surprise that propagation is incredibly easy. You’ve probably seen it growing in decorative vases with pebbles, but did you know you can grow a new one from a single stalk?
To propagate, cut a healthy stalk just below a node and place it in a glass of fresh water. Keep the water clean by changing it every week, and make sure the plant gets indirect light. Over time, roots will begin to appear at the cut end.
Since lucky bamboo doesn’t need soil to survive, you can keep it growing in water indefinitely, or transfer it to a pot with soil for stronger growth. Either way, it’s a low-maintenance plant that’s almost impossible to mess up.
#17 Swedish Ivy
A fast-growing vine with trailing foliage, this plant is an excellent choice for water propagation. Its cascading growth makes it a great fit for hanging baskets or shelves, adding greenery with minimal effort.
To propagate, take a stem cutting with at least one node and remove the lower leaves. Place the cutting in a cup of water, ensuring the node is submerged. Keep it in bright, indirect light and refresh the water every few days to keep it clean.
Within a week or two, small roots will start to appear. Once they reach about an inch in length, the cutting can be transferred to soil. With proper care, it will quickly establish itself and start trailing beautifully over its pot.
Now that you know how simple it is to propagate these beauties, your indoor garden is about to flourish like never before!