Gardening doesn’t always require soil. Hydroponics—the practice of growing plants in water—offers a space-efficient and innovative way to cultivate greenery at home. This guide introduces 25 herbs, vegetables, and plants you can grow in water, transforming your space into a lush and productive oasis.
Herbs to Grow in Water
Hydroponics is perfect for herbs, allowing them to thrive indoors with minimal care.
- Basil
- Take 4-inch cuttings and place them in water. Change the water regularly to promote root growth.
- Mint
- This resilient herb grows easily from cuttings. Use a water-filled container, and it will flourish.
- Oregano
- Similar to basil, oregano roots well in water. Keep stems submerged, and roots will form in no time.
- Sage
- Harvest spring cuttings and keep them in water. Ensure proper light and air circulation.
- Stevia
- Known for its natural sweetness, stevia thrives in water with strong indirect light.
- Thyme
- Use cuttings from a mature plant. Thyme requires abundant light for optimal root development.
- Lemongrass
- Place the root base in water, and it will sprout new shoots. Keep it in a warm environment.
- Cilantro
- Submerge stems in water and place them in a bright spot. Refresh the water every few days.
Vegetables to Regrow in Water
Enjoy a continuous harvest of these kitchen staples.
- Lettuce
- Use the base of a head of lettuce and submerge it in shallow water. New leaves will sprout quickly.
- Celery
- Similar to lettuce, celery bases grow new stalks when kept in water.
- Green Onions
- Keep the white base with roots in water. Green shoots will continuously regenerate.
- Garlic Chives
- If garlic cloves sprout, place them in water to grow flavorful garlic chives.
- Bok Choy
- Place the root base in water to regrow fresh leaves.
- Carrots
- Submerge carrot tops in water to produce edible greens.
- Peppers
- Start peppers in water; once sprouted, they can be transplanted to pots.
Decorative Plants to Grow in Water
Add elegance and greenery to your home with these easy-to-grow houseplants.
- Pothos
- Take a cutting below a node and place it in water. Roots will appear in about a week.
- Philodendron
- Like pothos, philodendron cuttings root well in water.
- Spider Plant
- Propagate spider plantlets in water until roots form, then transfer them to soil if desired.
- Peace Lily
- Grow peace lilies in a vase with roots submerged for a sleek and modern look.
- Lucky Bamboo
- Thrives in water with biweekly changes. Perfect for low-maintenance greenery.
- African Violets
- Start these vibrant plants from leaf cuttings in water. Once rooted, plant them in soil.
- English Ivy
- Propagate from cuttings by submerging the cut ends in water.
- Coleus
- Colorful and easy to grow, coleus roots quickly in water and can later be planted in soil.
- Begonia
- Propagate from a single leaf cutting in water.
- Impatiens
- These cheerful flowers root easily from cuttings in water.
Tips for Successful Hydroponic Gardening
- Use Dark Containers: Limit light exposure to reduce algae growth.
- Change Water Regularly: Replace water every few days to provide oxygen and prevent rot.
- Add Liquid Fertilizer: Supply essential nutrients for healthy growth.
- Ensure Adequate Light: Use natural sunlight or grow lights to sustain plants.
- Be Patient: Some plants take longer to root than others, but the results are worth it!
Hydroponic gardening is an accessible, eco-friendly way to cultivate plants. With these 25 options, you can create a thriving indoor garden that not only adds beauty but also provides fresh herbs, vegetables, and greenery year-round. Happy gardening!