Growing Plants in Water Alone

August 7, 2005 4:05 PM

I need suggestions for decorative plants I can grow in a small, clear vase with just water, no soil (and that can withstand my black thumb).

I received a wonderful hanging planter made from four inverted lightbulbs. I’ve grown Pothos cuttings in two of them but have had no luck with what I’ve tried in the other two (such as spider plants and mint). What else grows well hydroponically (if that is the term) and is easily available? I know there are web sites on the subject, but I’m interested in hearing specific success stories. For the record, I’m in a very dry climate, and the planter gets southern exposure.

posted by bibliowench to Home & Garden (11 answers total)

I grow ivy in just water and it does just fine. I live in Texas so it does better indooors than out but I have some outside right now that is growing in just water.
posted by nimsey lou at 4:56 PM on August 7, 2005

We grow bamboo in just water.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 5:25 PM on August 7, 2005

I've had jade cuttings growing in just water before. Although it makes almost no sense to me that a succulent should be able to grow in nothing but water, I have had dozens of jade cuttings thrive in just water. They needed no care whatsoever.
posted by istewart at 5:35 PM on August 7, 2005

Lucky bamboo is the easiest thing in the world to grow; all you have to do is remember to water it. It's not really a true bamboo, it's a dracaena. You can find it in asian markets or online. Very decorative.
posted by theperfectcrime at 6:19 PM on August 7, 2005

The plants they usually grow in water with the fish in the vase are peace lillies. They'll do fine forever in plain water.
posted by deep_cover at 6:40 PM on August 7, 2005

Spider plants usually do great in just water. I have one that has been sitting in water for a year and a half. I vote you try that one out again.
posted by emyd at 8:04 PM on August 7, 2005

Philodendrons do great in just water.
posted by rhapsodie at 8:40 PM on August 7, 2005

Spider plants are wonderful and do fine in just water as mentioned, but don't even think about it if you have cats. Bad combination.
posted by fvw at 8:52 PM on August 7, 2005

Another vote for bamboo. It's bright, interesting looking, and can be bought (or shaped to be) curled or straight.
posted by dreamsign at 12:14 AM on August 8, 2005

I've currently got 3 ivy cuttings and some sort of cactus plant growing happily together in a vase of water, no care whatsoever, roots mixing together like hippies. Good luck!
posted by onlyconnect at 6:46 AM on August 8, 2005

hoyacanosa
posted by kc0dxh at 10:03 AM on August 9, 2005