Growing plants in water is a great way for novice gardeners with limited space to enjoy year-round greenery in their homes. This method means no messy soil, no repotting, and no worries about forgetting to water plants. It is also much less prone to pests or diseases, and allergy friendly.
Hydroponic gardening is a common method of propagation, where plants originate from cuttings and are later transferred to soil. However, plants can remain in the water and continue to grow!
Below are some of the most important things to consider when growing plants in water.
🌿 Choosing a container
Almost any container can be used for indoor plants, with many opting for bottles or vases. My Devil's Ivy sits in a steel watering can.
When choosing a container:
· Avoid containers made of copper, brass or lead, as metals can begin to erode when in contact with fertilizer.
· Something with a narrow opening will help keep the plant upright.
· A clear container will be more prone to algae, which means you may need to clean it more regularly. A darker or opaque container will help prevent it.
🌿 Choosing your plants
Most plants will be able to survive and grow in water, however some are especially suited for it. Some plants that work well in water indoors include:
· Devil’s Ivy
· Aloe Vera
· Herbs, such as mint, parsley, coriander, and basil
🌿 How to prepare a plant for water
Using a cutting
Take a cutting of a plant just below a node, to ensure the natural growing hormone is still present and active. Wash the plant clipping with water, to remove any soil. Clip away any decaying or dead leaves. Place in the container with fresh water.
A good trick for this to be successful is to ensure there are healthy leaves on the clipping!
Transferring from soil
Wash all the soil completely off the roots of the plant, and cut off any dead or decayed leaves or stems. Place in container with fresh water.
🌿 Caring for the new plant
Growing roots
Roots may take up to a month to appear from a clipping. This depends on the plant and the cutting itself, but it pays off to be patient. Don’t be disheartened if the first cutting you try doesn’t work!
Where it should be kept
Generally, a good rule of thumb is to keep it in a warm environment with filtered light.
Fertilising
Regardless of method, plants need food to grow. You can buy specific, water-soluble indoor plant fertilisers from most hardware stores or nurseries, or if you aren’t using a clear container, any kind of slow-release fertiliser can be used. Follow the instructions on the packaging to know how often it should be applied.
Replacing the water
If growing the plant from a cutting, replace the water weekly for the first couple of months. This is to ensure there is enough oxygen in the water for it to grow. Once the plant is established, change the water at least monthly, or whenever adding fertiliser.
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