Outside view of VIDA Building

Five Hydroponic Houseplants

Houseplants in water

June 2023

 

If you want to have houseplants in your VIDA apartment or townhome, but struggle to keep up with a watering schedule, hydroponic gardening may be the perfect solution for you. Instead of using soil, you can grow many popular houseplants, such as monstera and philodendron, in containers of water. Simply place the plant’s roots in the water, making sure the foliage stays above the waterline, and watch them thrive. While not every houseplant can be grown hydroponically, there are some beautiful options that can.

  1. Spider plant: known for its elegant arching leaves and white stripes. Growing spider plants in water is easy. They even produce baby spider plantlets that can hang from long stems or be shared with friends. They can tolerate lower light conditions, but they flourish and develop vibrant foliage in brighter light. Just be careful not to let the leaves fall into the water.
  2. Lucky bamboo: contrary to its name, lucky bamboo actually belongs to the dracaena genus, not bamboo. It makes a bold statement in home décor and prefers bright, indirect light. To ensure stability, make sure it is securely placed in its container.
  3. Pothos: this fast-growing vining plant can grow up to a foot in just one month. Since it requires frequent watering, it’s ideal for growing directly in water. The heart-shaped leaves cascade along long stems and come in various shades of green.
  4. Coleus: if you’re a beginner looking for an easy plant to grow in water, coleus is a great option. Many gardeners prefer saving cuttings of coleus to start new plants before the next growing season. Simply take a stem cutting, remove the lower leaves, and place it in water. In just a few weeks, you’ll have a fully rooted plant. You can continue growing coleus in water or transfer it to a pot with soil. It does well in both full sun and shade, making it versatile for containers or garden beds.
  5. Rosemary: have you always wanted an herb garden? You can grow fragrant rosemary hydroponically. Rosemary plants thrive with ample sunlight. Find a spot that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day for your water-grown rosemary. These upright growers can reach heights of 2 to 4 feet and develop woody stems with branching foliage.

With these hydroponic options, you can enjoy the beauty and benefits of indoor gardening without the hassle of a traditional watering routine. Happy growing!