The Gardening Gangster

“Helping You Find Plants That Work”

by Ana Morlier

Houseplants that grow in water

Happy July everyone! I hope everyone is taking the proper precautionary measures to stay cool—and not just figuratively. After my last article about shade trees, I decided to find another project that would ensure a refreshing feeling from the summer heat. You can now bring style, elegance, and plant friends together with houseplants (that can be grown in water)!

All of the ones listed below can be kept inside and look fashionable no matter where you put them. You can also look for fun containers—beakers, cups, vases—whatever you want to use. It is generally a good idea to change the water out once a week.

Lucky bamboo: I’m sure we’ve all heard of it at this point, but upon closer inspection, it is actually a type of Dracaena. It doesn’t require a lot of attention; just remember to check on it once in a while. It prefers indirect light. Pebbles can be used to line the bottom of the container to promote growth (and it looks like a little aquarium!). You can even unlock your inner bonsai mater and train the bamboo to grow in spirals, heart shapes, woven together to make a living basket, or however you want to grow them. Copper wire is usually required, and experimenting with the light it receives can encourage different shapes.

Begonia: This is the kind of flower I picture in a garden, but it does well in water, too! Begonias have succulent-like leaves and stems that make them very durable. Wax Begonias are best to use when starting out. They do well in any light condition; grow continuously; and come in white, pink, red, and yellow.

Heartleaf philodendron: I feel posh just reading the name! If you are worried you’ll cause the downfall of even a succulent, let your worries cease with this plant. It is rumored to be harder to get rid of than to grow. The leaves cascade down beautifully, with glossy, green leaves. The heartleaf philodendron is more so a tropical plant, so it is advised to keep it in a room that is at least 70 degrees (or just keep it outside).

Spider plant: Probably one of my favorite plants. This tiny plant grows quickly, beautifully exploding out of the container. Even if I can’t have a dog, I can have a plant pup, as the offspring of spider plants are called “pups.” Isn’t that adorable? They can survive in water for long periods of time, out of direct sunlight. Make sure to change the water once every two weeks or when the water gets cloudy.

Paperwhite: As the name suggests, this plant produces delicate, thin flower petals with a sweet scent. I was able to attain seeds after the flowers shriveled up, so it’s the gift that keeps on giving! Be sure to line the bottom with pebbles or even seashells for a beach theme.

Tradescantia pallida: A tough plant that does well in warmer temperatures. Described as a weed for its hardiness. Towering high with green, purple, and white striped leaves, it makes a perfect addition to any terrarium!

Coleus: With bold stains of vibrant red and dark purple complementing the green leaves, this plant makes a perfect centerpiece for your kitchen table, as it doesn’t require much light. They even survive during the hard winter months.

You can begin to grow the following plants in water, then they have to be sent back to the ground.

Vegetables such as carrots, celery, bok choy, spinach, and cabbage;

A surprising amount of crops such as mangos, pineapple, avocados, sweet potatoes, ginger, peppers, tomatoes, and garlic; and

Herbs such as lavender, lemongrass, mint, basil, marjoram, rosemary, and fennel.

Most of these, such as celery, carrots, peppers, and mint, can be grown from simple kitchen scraps of the crop! It saves you money when you can enjoy the fruits of your efforts and reduces food waste. All you need for growing any of these plants is water, a cute container, and a little patience. Don’t let your plants have all the fun in water—get out and enjoy a nice swim!

Lucky bamboo makes for a wonderful centerpiece at our table!