If you love lush tropical plants but don’t enjoy complicated care routines, water-loving tropicals might be exactly what you need. These beautiful plants thrive in water or very moist conditions, making them ideal for busy plant lovers, beginners, and anyone who wants greenery without the stress of soil care. They bring a fresh, spa-like feel to homes, balconies, and even office spaces while requiring surprisingly little effort.
Growing plants in water—also known as hydroponic or semi-aquatic growing—is not only simple, but it also reduces common problems like overwatering, pests, and soil mess. Many tropical plants naturally grow near rivers, ponds, or rain-soaked forest floors, so they are perfectly adapted to living in water.
Let’s explore the best low-maintenance tropical plants that thrive in water and how you can enjoy them in your own space.
Why Grow Tropical Plants in Water?
Water-grown tropical plants offer several benefits over traditional soil-grown houseplants:
- No messy soil to deal with
- Less chance of pests and fungus
- Easy watering—just top up the container
- Beautiful roots that become part of the décor
- Healthier growth for moisture-loving plants
Because tropical plants love humidity and consistent moisture, growing them in water closely matches their natural environment.
1. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is one of the most popular water-grown plants in the world. Despite its name, it is not actually bamboo but a type of dracaena. It grows happily in nothing but water and a few decorative stones to support its stems.
It thrives in bright, indirect light and only needs the water changed every one to two weeks. Lucky bamboo is believed to bring good luck, peace, and positive energy, making it a favorite in homes and offices.
2. Peace Lily
Peace lilies can grow in water surprisingly well. Their elegant white blooms and glossy green leaves look stunning when grown in a clear vase where the roots are visible.
They prefer indirect light and will let you know when they need more water by gently drooping their leaves. Peace lilies also help purify indoor air, making them both beautiful and practical.
3. Pothos
Pothos is one of the easiest tropical plants to grow in water. Simply place a cutting in a glass jar or vase, and it will quickly grow long white roots and new leaves.
Pothos thrives in low to medium light and creates a cascading effect, making it perfect for shelves, desks, and hanging containers.
4. Philodendron
Philodendrons are close relatives of pothos and grow just as easily in water. Their heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines create a lush tropical look.
They grow quickly and can live in water for months or even years with minimal care.
5. Spider Plant
Spider plants are extremely adaptable and can thrive in water just as well as in soil. Their arching leaves and dangling baby plants add charm to any space.
They also help clean indoor air and require only occasional water changes.
6. Monstera
Monstera, also called the Swiss cheese plant, can be grown in water when young. Its dramatic split leaves make it a stunning centerpiece in clear containers.
It enjoys bright, indirect light and consistent moisture, which water growing provides perfectly.
7. Chinese Evergreen
Chinese evergreen is a hardy tropical plant that adapts well to water culture. Its patterned leaves bring color and texture to low-light rooms.
It requires very little care and grows slowly, making it perfect for beginners.
8. Arrowhead Plant
Also known as Syngonium, this plant has beautiful arrow-shaped leaves that grow well in water. It stays compact and thrives in indirect light.
Arrowhead plants add a fresh, modern look to desks and countertops.
9. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia)
This fast-growing tropical plant loves moisture and thrives in water. Its purple and green trailing stems look stunning in glass containers.
It grows quickly and can be easily trimmed to create new plants.
How to Grow Tropical Plants in Water
Growing tropical plants in water is easy:
- Take a healthy cutting or gently remove soil from a rooted plant
- Place it in a clean glass container filled with fresh water
- Make sure the roots or stem base are submerged
- Keep the container in bright, indirect light
- Change the water every 1 to 2 weeks
You can also add a few drops of liquid fertilizer once a month to keep the plants healthy.
Tips for Success
- Use clean, room-temperature water
- Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause algae
- Rinse roots occasionally
- Use clear containers to monitor root health
- Don’t overcrowd plants
With these simple steps, your water-grown plants will thrive beautifully.
A Fresh, Effortless Way to Grow Greenery
Low-maintenance tropical plants that thrive in water offer a stylish and stress-free way to enjoy nature indoors. They bring lush greenery, cleaner air, and modern elegance to any space without the hassle of soil or daily care.
Whether you’re a busy plant lover or a complete beginner, these water-loving tropicals make it easy to create a vibrant indoor jungle with almost no effort. Just add water—and watch them grow.