Herbs You Can Grow in Water:
- Basil
- How to Grow: Place 4-inch cuttings in water and change the water regularly.
- Tips: Basil loves sunlight, so place it in a sunny spot. It will thrive in warm conditions.
- Mint
- How to Grow: Mint is very hardy and can grow easily in water from cuttings. Just place the cuttings in a container and let the roots develop.
- Tips: Change the water often to keep it fresh and free from bacteria.
- Oregano
- How to Grow: Place oregano stems in water and wait for the roots to grow.
- Tips: Oregano needs plenty of sunlight and will grow best in direct light.
- Sage
- How to Grow: Take cuttings in spring, placing them in water to root.
- Tips: Sage enjoys lots of light and air circulation. Make sure to prune it regularly.
- Stevia
- How to Grow: Stevia can be propagated in water. Place cuttings in a jar with water and ensure they receive strong, indirect light.
- Tips: Stevia needs warmth and bright light for healthy growth.
- Thyme
- How to Grow: Start with a cutting from an existing plant and place it in water.
- Tips: Thyme enjoys plenty of sunlight. Be sure to change the water frequently.
- Lemongrass
- How to Grow: Place the root end of the lemongrass in water. It will sprout new shoots.
- Tips: Lemongrass prefers a warm environment with plenty of light.
- Cilantro
- How to Grow: Place cilantro stems in a glass of water. Ensure they are in a bright area and change the water every few days.
- Tips: Cilantro thrives in cooler temperatures, so avoid placing it in direct, intense sunlight.
Vegetables You Can Grow in Water:
- Lettuce
- How to Grow: Place the base of lettuce in a shallow bowl of water. It will regrow leaves that can be harvested.
- Tips: Lettuce grows best in cool temperatures and indirect sunlight.
- Celery
- How to Grow: Keep the base of the celery in water to regrow the stalk.
- Tips: Celery needs a lot of water and light, but it prefers cool temperatures.
- Green Onions
- How to Grow: Place the white base with roots in water. The shoots will regrow continuously.
- Tips: Green onions are very low maintenance and need only a little sunlight.
- Garlic Chives
- How to Grow: Place sprouting garlic cloves in water. You’ll grow garlic chives, which can be harvested for cooking.
- Tips: Garlic chives grow well in bright light but not direct, harsh sunlight.
- Bok Choy
- How to Grow: Place the base of the bok choy in water and it will sprout new leaves.
- Tips: Bok choy needs plenty of light and cool temperatures.
- Carrots
- How to Grow: Place the tops of carrots in water to grow fresh greens. While you won’t get new carrots, the greens are edible.
- Tips: Keep the water fresh, and enjoy the vibrant green leaves as they grow.
- Peppers
- How to Grow: You can start peppers in water. Once roots have sprouted, transfer them to soil or a hydroponic setup for continued growth.
- Tips: Peppers require warm temperatures and a lot of sunlight.
Plants You Can Grow in Water:
- Pothos
- How to Grow: Pothos cuttings are easy to propagate in water. Place the cut below a node and roots will form in about a week.
- Tips: Pothos grows well in indirect sunlight, making it perfect for indoor settings.
- Philodendron
- How to Grow: Cuttings can be placed in water where roots will develop in a few weeks.
- Tips: Philodendrons prefer low to medium light and regular water changes.
- Spider Plant
- How to Grow: Place the baby spider plantlets in water until roots form, then plant them in soil.
- Tips: Spider plants need bright, indirect light and are very easy to grow in water.
- Peace Lily
- How to Grow: Peace lilies can be grown in a vase of water with their roots submerged.
- Tips: Keep the peace lily in bright, indirect light and change the water regularly.
- Lucky Bamboo
- How to Grow: Lucky bamboo thrives in water. Just change the water every two weeks to keep it healthy.
- Tips: Keep lucky bamboo in indirect sunlight and ensure the roots are submerged in water.
- African Violets
- How to Grow: Start African violets from leaf cuttings in water. After roots form, you can plant them in soil.
- Tips: African violets need bright, indirect light and regular water changes.
- English Ivy
- How to Grow: Cut a section off the English ivy and place it in water to propagate.
- Tips: English ivy grows best in indirect light and needs frequent water changes.
- Coleus
- How to Grow: Coleus cuttings will root easily in water. Once rooted, transfer them to soil.
- Tips: Coleus prefers bright light and warm temperatures.
- Begonia
- How to Grow: Begonias can be propagated from a single leaf in water.
- Tips: Place the stem in water and wait for roots to grow. Begonias prefer indirect light.
- Impatiens
- How to Grow: Impatiens can be propagated through cuttings in water.
- Tips: These colorful flowers thrive in indirect sunlight and prefer moderate temperatures.
Tips for Successful Hydroponic Gardening:
- Use Containers That Limit Algae Growth:
Opt for opaque or dark containers to minimize the risk of algae buildup in your water. - Regular Water Changes:
Change the water every 1-2 weeks to ensure the plants have enough oxygen and prevent rot. - Fertilize with Hydroponic Nutrients:
Since plants grow in water, they need essential nutrients. Add a liquid hydroponic fertilizer to provide everything they need to thrive. - Provide Adequate Light:
Make sure your plants get the right amount of light—either from natural sunlight or a grow light. Most herbs and vegetables need 6-8 hours of light a day. - Be Patient:
Some plants, especially those propagated from cuttings, may take longer to root in water. Regularly check for progress, and don’t rush the process.
Hydroponic gardening can be an incredibly satisfying way to grow fresh herbs, vegetables, and plants indoors without needing soil. By following these simple steps and tips, you can enjoy a thriving water garden right in the comfort of your own home!