12 Houseplants You Can Propagate in Water All Year Round – Easy, Fast & Beginner-Friendly
Propagating houseplants doesn’t need fancy tools, soil mixes, or expert skills. In fact, some of the most popular indoor plants thrive when propagated entirely in water—and you can do it all year round. This method is clean, affordable, and perfect for beginners or anyone who loves watching roots grow in real time.
Below are 12 houseplants you can propagate in water all year round, along with simple tips to help you succeed every time.
Why Water Propagation Works So Well
Water propagation allows plant cuttings to focus all their energy on growing roots. Without soil resistance, roots develop quickly, making it ideal for indoor environments and colder months.
Key benefits include:
- No soil mess
- Faster root visibility
- Ideal for apartments and small spaces
- Perfect for plant sharing and gifting
12 Houseplants You Can Propagate in Water All Year Round
1. Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
One of the easiest plants to propagate in water. Cut below a node and place it in a glass jar. Roots appear within days.
Why it’s great: Hardy, fast-growing, and forgiving.
2. Philodendron
Heartleaf philodendrons root quickly and adapt well to long-term water growth.
Tip: Change water weekly to prevent cloudiness.
3. Spider Plant
Spider plant “babies” (pups) root beautifully in water before transferring to soil.
Bonus: Safe for pets and great for beginners.
4. Lucky Bamboo
This plant is naturally grown in water and thrives year-round indoors.
Care note: Use filtered or distilled water.
5. English Ivy
Fast-rooting and visually striking, ivy propagates well in water jars near bright windows.
Best for: Hanging displays and shelves.
6. Monstera
Monstera cuttings with a node and aerial root thrive in water.
Pro tip: Use a tall container for support.
7. Tradescantia (Wandering Dude)
This colorful plant roots incredibly fast—even in winter.
Why people love it: Vibrant leaves and rapid growth.
8. Coleus
Coleus cuttings root in water within a week and retain vivid color.
Great for: Bright indoor spaces.
9. Begonia
Cane and rex begonias propagate easily in water with proper light.
Tip: Keep leaves above water to avoid rot.
10. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Slow but steady root growth makes this plant ideal for long-term water propagation.
Perfect for: Low-light homes.
11. African Violet
Leaf cuttings grow roots in water before forming new plants.
Note: Patience is key—growth is slow but rewarding.
12. Herbs (Mint, Basil, Rosemary)
Many herbs thrive in water indefinitely with regular trimming.
Extra benefit: Fresh herbs year-round.
Best Practices for Water Propagation
- Use clean glass containers
- Submerge only the nodes, not leaves
- Change water every 5–7 days
- Place in bright, indirect light
- Rinse roots gently when changing water
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can plants live permanently in water?
Yes, many plants adapt well to water-only growth with proper care.
2. Do I need fertilizer for water-grown plants?
Occasionally, yes—use diluted liquid fertilizer after roots form.
3. Why is my water turning cloudy?
Bacteria buildup. Change water more frequently.
4. Can I propagate plants in winter?
Absolutely. Indoor water propagation works year-round.
5. How long until roots appear?
Most plants root within 7–21 days.
6. Should I transfer to soil later?
Optional. Many plants thrive indefinitely in water.
Conclusion: Grow More Plants Without Soil
Water propagation is one of the easiest ways to expand your plant collection without spending money. With these 12 houseplants you can propagate in water all year round, you can enjoy greenery, share cuttings, and experiment confidently—no matter the season.
Once you try it, you may never go back to soil-only propagation.
