5 days ago
Growing plants in water: Which ones work best, how to care for them
You can grow many houseplants in water rather than soil. – Photo: Zacharie Scheurer/dpa
Plants that grow in water don't require soil and alongside being attractive, they also improve the indoor climate.
They live in glass containers of water, with the fluid providing additional moisture that is beneficial for humans, counteracting the dry air found in many heated homes. How to select the plant for you, plus tips on where to keep them and how best to care for them.
Which plants can you grow in water? You don't need a special aquatic plant, you can grow many classic houseplants this way too, says Germany's agrarian industry association (IVA). The plants just need to be able to tolerate a lot of moisture and no tbe sensitive to waterlogging.
You also need plants with a high root density for maximum nutrient absorption.
The following are recommended as plants to grow in water : Monstera
Schefflera
Anthurium
Ficus Benjamini
Philodendron
From house plant to aquatic plants or hydrophyte: A classic is the lucky bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana). You can find rootless specimens in specialist shops. However, you can also transform a houseplant with a root ball into an aquatic plant if you follow this step-by-step guide:
Proper preparation: Do not water the plant for a few days before you repot it.
Remove soil: Next, carefully take the plant out of its pot, thoroughly shake the soil off the roots, and rinse with lukewarm water.
Choose a container: Place your plant in a clean glass container filled with water. Make sure its leaves do not dip into the water. A curved container is ideal. Semi-shaded location and minimal care
Aquatic plants feel most comfortable in a semi-shaded location with indirect light. Too much sunlight harms their roots. To keep the plants algae-free, it is better to avoid direct light and heat.
Aquatic plants grow very slowly and require little care. However, change the water every one to two weeks. It is best to use fresh tap water for this. If the tap water is too hard, mineral water is a good alternative.
For optimal nutrient supply, the water should be enriched with just a few drops of a suitable liquid fertiliser, such as for green or houseplants, according to the association.
Tip for longevity: The IVA recommends cultivating young cuttings or offshoots of houseplants in water. That allows the plants to develop roots in the water from the start which helps them adapt better to the conditions.
