Did you know that several houseplants can grow hydroponically – meaning they can survive in just a vase full of water? Here's a list of green friends that will thrive without any potting soil.
1. English Ivy
Trim the leaves off the bottom half of a mature English Ivy plant.
Fill a clear glass with lukewarm unchlorinated water. The best choice is bottled water, or water from a stream if you can find one.
Submerge your cutting in the glass of water and place it in a warm sunny position, then wait.
Soon, you will see it rooting.
2. Philodendron
Philodendron is not only easy to care as a potted plant, but also a great introduction to growing plants in water.
Cut a stem from a mature plant and place it in a glass container: it will look gorgeous.
Philodendron can survive in all light situations, but if you notice more stem than leaf growth, move it close to a brighter light source.
3. Pothos
Pothos plants are hardy and can survive in many different conditions.
Place your Pothos cutting in some water, and add a bit of liquid fertilizer.
You don't have to worry about watering – your plant will survive without being watered, as long as you also provide it with an adequate amount of sunlight!
4. Tradescantia
Submerge a stem cutting in a glass of water, making sure the leaves don't touch the water.
Place it where it can receive a lot of sunlight, and it will root in a few weeks.
Your Tradescantia will fill your home with colors like no other plant!
5. Jade
Put a few leaves by a water source – not even inside – and they will start rooting.
At that point, you can decide to plant them in some soil or leave them in the water.
6. Basil
Put a few stems in a container full of water, and place them in a warm corner of your home – the kitchen is a great choice.
Once you see some mature leaves, you can start sprinkling your fresh basil on your pizza, salads, and pasta!
7. Spinach
Yes, you can basically grow your own salad in the water!
Spinach will do great hydroponically, without the need for extra care.
8. Aluminum Plant
Cut the stem of your Pilea Cadierei just below a node – the place where a leaf is attached.
In about one or two weeks, you will see roots beginning to form!
9. Begonia
The thick stems of Begonia plants will grow easily in water, and only a single leaf is necessary to start a whole new plant.
It may take a couple of months for roots to form. Make sure to change the water weekly to prevent rot.
10. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo is one of the most famous popular to grow in water and a great living centerpiece.
It's a great idea to add some colorful gravel or rocks at the bottom of the plant – they will add ornamental value as well as providing some support.
How To Do It
Choose a glass container and fill it three-quarters full with floral foam, gravel, pearl chips, pebbles, sand, marbles, beads or any similar material.
Add a pinch of powdered charcoal – it will keep the water clear and eliminate odors.
Finally, dilute some water-soluble fertilizer in the water (one-quarter the manufacturer's recommendation will work fine). This is an essential step because it is the only way for your plant to get all the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Keep in mind that most plants don't like overly chlorinated water, and most tap water is well-chlorinated. If you can't find any filtered water near to you, you will need to let the water sit for a few days in an open container before submerging your plant – it will make the chlorine evaporate, and the water will be safe to use.
Now place your plant in the glass container, and watch it grow!
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