- By Ridam Sharma
- Wed, 05 Aug 2026 02:55 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Grow Plants Without Soil: Some people lack the availability of time, space, and patience to undertake conventional gardening, and for such cases, there are soilless plants. From water-growing popular plants to easily grown indoor ones, these types of plants are easy to grow, clean, and are great additions to add some greenery to your living space without hassle.
10 Plants You Can Grow Without Soil
From money plant to kitchen herb, here is a list of 10 plants that can grow without soil:
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos, also known as Money Plant in many parts of the world, are one of the easiest plants to grow in water. All you need to do is place a cutting of this plant with a node in a jar full of water, keep it in indirect light, and change the water every 1–2 weeks. You will see that roots start to appear within 2 to 3 weeks.
Grow Pathos Without Soil (Image Credit: Canva)
2. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo is one of the most popular pieces of home decor. However, not true bamboo but a classic soil-free plant. Lucky bamboo can easily grow without soil. You need to keep roots submerged in 1 to 2 inches of water, use filtered or distilled water because the plant is sensitive to chlorine and fluoride, and place it in bright, indirect light.
Grow Lucky Bamboo Without Soil (Image Credit: Canva)
3. Philodendron (Heartleaf variety)
Philodendron plants are similar to pothos. Put this plant’s cuttings in water, and they'll grow happily long-term. Place the vase in bright, indirect light and a light rinse/water change every couple of weeks keeps it thriving, without soil.
Grow Philodendron Without Soil (Image Credit: Canva)
4. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy roots grow easily in water and tolerate lower light better than most plants. This popular indoor plant is good for hanging jars or bottles. Change water regularly to prevent algae buildup.
5. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are often referred to as the little ‘babies’ (plantlets). They produce roots very easily in water. Once roots are 1–2 inches long, you can keep them in water permanently or move to soil later.
Grow Spider Plant Without Soil (Image Credit: Canva)
6. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen is a hardy, low-light-tolerant plant that adapts well to water culture. Keep this plant in offices or dim rooms, and it will still thrive. Just top off water weekly and clean the container monthly.
Grow Chinese Evergreen Without Soil (Image Credit: Canva)
7. Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina)
Wandering Jew is a fast-growing trailing plant that roots quickly in water and keeps growing without ever needing soil. All it needs is bright, indirect light that brings out its best purple colour. This plant is also a stunning addition to your home interior.
Grow Wandering Jew Without Soil (Image Credit: Canva)
8. Coleus
Coleus is a colourful option to keep at home. Its roots grow in water. Additionally, a coleus plant can live in water long-term; all it needs is bright light. However, it eventually appreciates being potted for fuller growth.
Grow Coleus Without Soil (Image Credit: Canva)
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9. Basil (and other herbs like mint)
Basil is a popular and great kitchen herb. Take a 4- to 6-inch cutting below a node, place it in water in bright light, and change water every few days. You can even keep harvesting leaves while it lives in water for dishes.
Grow Basil Without Soil (Image Credit: Canva)
10. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Another no-soil, no-water-container plant is an air plant. They absorb moisture and nutrients through their leaves. Just mist 2 to 3 times a week or soak in water for 20 to 30 minutes once a week, then let them dry fully, and give them bright, indirect light.
Grow Air Plants Without Soil (Image Credit: Canva)
Easy Care Tips for Plants Grown Without Soil
Care Factor | Tip | Why? |
Water Quality | Filtered/distilled water | Avoids chlorine damage |
Water Change | Every 1–2 weeks | Prevents algae, rot |
Container | Clear or dark glass | Limits algae growth |
Light | Bright, indirect | No soil = more light needed |
Fertiliser | ¼ strength, every 4–6 weeks | Adds missing nutrients |
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Common Mistakes To Avoid While Growing Plants Without Soil:
- Not changing water
- Using tap water directly
- Low light placement
- Overfeeding fertiliser that burns roots, algae growth
- Ignoring root rot signs
- Wrong plant choice
- Dirty container
- Too much direct sun
Lastly, growing plants without soil is one of the hassle way plants to become a plant parent. All you need is the right information, patience and care for your plant, especially when you are a beginner. You just need the correct plant and some easy-to-follow steps. Happy planting.