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If you want to start growing your own edible plants, all you need is a container and water. This is an excellent way of providing delicious, fresh meals to your family, even if you do not have a backyard. Let’s check out the following sections that cover 40 plants, vegetables, and even fruits that grow in water. All they need is a container and enough sunlight!
1. Rosemary
Rosemary is a staple ingredient in many households. The good news is that you can easily grow it from cuttings, although it may take a while to grow the roots. It has a woody structure, so you can easily keep it upright in any container. Make sure you leave the rosemary container in a sunny place.
2. Lavender
Lavender is not only a herb with numerous culinary applications but can also brighten up your home. You can easily grow it in water if you have a cutting with a minimum of three sets of leaves to ensure its survival. The cutting must be covered in at least two inches of water all the time, so make sure you keep an eye on it and add more water as necessary.
3. Green Onion
The delicious green onion can be grown all year round in the comfort of your home. Place the spring onion in a container with sufficient water to cover the root. Green onion thrives in a sunny spot, and do not forget to change the water every other day.
4. Garlic
If you have some gardening experience, you probably know that garlic is not really beginner-friendly. However, it can be easily grown in a container with water, even a glass. The main aspect is that the water should be at the same level as the clove, just like in the picture above.
5. Lemongrass
Lemongrass stalks are also easy to grow in a glass with water. You should place the container near a window or another well-lit area in your home. As long as you change the water every day, the lemongrass stalks will grow quickly. After approximately seven days, you will notice roots; then, the stalk grows offshoot stalks. These can be used straight away, or you can also plant them in soil.
6. Beet Greens
You can grow beetroot after you use the root if you slice the top part, maximum one third, and place the sliced part in water. Similar to other plants that grow in water, you must ensure its access to sufficient sunlight. Beetroot is a rich source of vitamin A and iron, making for a great addition to your diet.
7. Avocado
Many people have started growing avocado trees. If you also want to make your own crop of avocados, you need a pit from the fruit. After you clean it, pierce it with toothpicks and use them to partially suspend it in your container, as you can see in the picture above. Change the water as frequently as possible and, when the plant reaches about 6-7 inches, you can plant it into the soil and grow your own avocado tree.
8. Sweet Potatoes
Similar to the beetroot example above, you must cut the sweet potato approximately in half. Then, use toothpicks to partially suspend it in water. About half of the potato should be in the water. With enough sunlight, the potato will start growing roots. If you have approximately five inches of roots, you can place them into a pot with soil.
9. Fennel
If you love dill, you can perhaps notice the resemblance. Fennel is a delicious ingredient, and you can also grow it in water. Place the bulb in a container with enough water to reach the level of the bulb – so you do not need to submerge it in water. Make sure you keep the fennel in sunlight and do not forget to change the water every day or every other day.
10. Basil
Basil is a delicious addition to any meal, whether it is dry or fresh. You can now easily grow your own basil if you put the cuttings in the water and leave it in a sunny spot. One important aspect is that these cuttings should be taken from the plant before blooming.
11. Lettuce
Lettuce is an amazing plant to grow in water because you will have an endless supply of fresh leaves for your salads. This kitchen staple enjoys full sunlight and frequent water changes. Cut your lettuce as shown in the picture above and place it in about half an inch of water.
12. Pineapple
If you love pineapple, you will eventually have to transplant it to the soil, but you can start with leftovers and a glass of water. Remove the leafy part of your fruit and place it in a container with water. Pineapple grows at a warm temperature with plenty of sunlight and freshwater. Once you see the roots developing, you can place them in a pot or in your garden.
13. Mangoes
Do you want to know how to grow mango in water? It’s extremely straightforward! Open up the husk and remove the seed. Place it in a container with water and wait for it to sprout. This process can take nearly a month, but after this, you can plant it in a soil medium.
14. Celery
Celery has a distinct flavor profile and has been used for centuries for its health benefits. Among others, celery consumption is associated with anti-inflammatory properties and improved digestive health. Recycle the base of the celery by putting it in a small water container. It starts growing very quickly – within three days! You can eat the new leaves or plant the celery in the soil.
15. Cabbage
Similar to lettuce, you can have your own source of fresh cabbage leaves. Cut a slice of your cabbage and place it in a small, flat container with only a bit of water. Do not forget to change the water every couple of days.
16. Stevia
Stevia is used as a base in many natural sweeteners, so it may be a great addition to your plant collection. Due to the sweet taste, many people add stevia to their beverages, including tea. Stevia grows in a warm environment with plenty of sunlight.
17. Bok Choi
Chinese cabbage is a staple in the Asian kitchen – it is consumed cooked or raw in salads. Bok choi is full of vitamins and can be easily regrown. Simply cut the base and place it in a shallow bowl of water. New leaves will start growing immediately. Within two days, you will have your own source of fresh Bok choi leaves!
18. Carrot Greens
Although you cannot grow the carrot in water per se, you can use the green leaves to diversify your meals. These leaves are extremely fragrant and can be a delicious addition to pesto, salads, or even chutneys. Cut the end of the carrot and put it into a shallow container with water. It will only take a few days for the leaves to grow.
19. Leeks
Similar to green onion, leeks can be grown in water. Cut about three inches from a leek stalk (the part with the roots), and put the cutting into a container with water. It is important to fill the container with water for it to grow and change it regularly while enjoying full sunlight.
20. Spinach
If you love this superfood, you must know that you can put the seeds in an inch of water and grow it. However, you still must transfer the spinach in a container, ideally a bucket or a large and deep pot. Most people add rock wool cubes when placing the seeds in water, too. Make sure there’s plenty of sunlight to allow it to grow.
21. Mint
Mint is a must in any well-stocked kitchen or pantry. You can easily make mint tea or add it to different recipes, such as roast lamb, for a kick of freshness. To grow this refreshing herb, you must have a few cuttings to place in a container with water. Change the water every few days and place the cuttings in the sunlight.
22. Marjoram
Marjoram has plenty of culinary uses. On top of everything, it is also easy to grow in water, although it is a bit of a slow grower. Equip yourself with some patience and fresh marjoram cuttings. Put them into a container so that the water covers the bottom part at all times and leave the marjoram on your windowsill to enjoy full sunlight.
23. Peppers
Whether you love spicy food or not, there are numerous pepper varieties to suit your needs. They are also very easy to grow – place a cutting in a glass or another small container. Unlike other plants on this list, you must cover the cutting and the container in plastic wrap to ensure the humidity and warmth required for growing. The peppers thrive in indirect sunlight.
24. Ginger
Ginger has an exotic flavor that adds depth to our favorite dishes. Despite this, it is quite straightforward to grow in water. Place the root in water and allow it to grow a few leaves and stems. However, you must plant it in a special container using a hydroponic system as soon as the new stems start forming.
25. Parsnips
Similar to its relative, the carrot, the parsnip can also be grown in water using exactly the same methods. You can cut the end and place it in a shallow container. If you want to grow the tubers, too, you must transfer them into the soil. Otherwise, you can enjoy the green leaves that add plenty of flavor to any dish.
26. Philodendrons
Philodendrons make for excellent indoor plants because they thrive throughout the entire year when provided with sufficient sunlight and water. It is an excellent addition for inexperienced houseplant owners. To grow it in water, place a heavy object in the container, so the cutting will not tip over as it grows. The cutting should be a maximum of eight inches.
27. Tomatoes
Even tomatoes can be easily grown in water! However, they require a warm environment with plenty of sunlight. If you want to enjoy juicy tomatoes, you must transplant them into soil as soon as you notice the roots.
28. Cucumbers
There’s nothing better to accompany your tomatoes than cucumbers. You can take cuttings and place them in a large bucket or a similar container. Once you notice the roots, you can transplant your cucumbers into the soil.
29. Oregano
Oregano is largely used for a wide variety of dishes, thanks to its potent flavor. When grown indoors, you will enjoy an endless source of fresh, fragrant leaves to accompany all of your meals. All you need is a container with water and a few fresh cuttings. You must pinch the tips as the plant keeps growing.
30. Coleus
Coleus is a plant with a unique look, and it is very easy to grow in water. All you need is to break a stem from the plant and put it in a glass of water. It only takes a couple of days to see the roots growing, and it does not require any further maintenance. Once you can see the roots, transplant them into fertile soil and put them in partially shaded areas.
31. Pothos
Pothos are often confused with rhododendrons because of similar leaves. However, pothos looks exquisitely in a hanging basket, and they need more sun and warmth compared to rhododendrons. Pothos does not mind growing in water for quite some time – all you need is a fresh cutting and a glass of water! Once you notice the roots, you can place the pothos in soil.
32. Tarragon
Tarragon is a common herb used for both culinary and medicinal purposes. If you take cuttings from a mature plant in spring, you can easily nurture it and help it grow, so you can have your own fresh tarragon whenever you need it. The herb thrives in a warm, well-lit environment after you place it in your container with water.
33. Peace Lily
Lilies are very popular and beautiful houseplants. Even better, if you want to grow a full plant indoors without requiring dirt and soil, the peace lily is a must. All you need to do is place the clean cutting in a water container – you can even have the entire plant in a water bowl.
34. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm must be cut during the fall or spring if you want to grow it in water. Similar to other plants, it loves sunlight and warmth, so choose its location carefully. Place the fresh cuttings in the container with water and be patient – it may take up to one month to root.
35. Begonia
Begonia is a succulent with thick stems, and it is a great option if you want plants that grow in water. There are different varieties that you can choose from, including hardy wax begonias, rex begonias, and others. Make sure you change the water at least once per week to avoid bacteria growth.
36. Aluminum Plant
The aluminum plant is a beautiful addition to any home. You need to use cuttings you collect from the mother in the spring. Place them in a container with water, as shown above, and make sure it receives lots of light, but indirectly.
37. Sage
Sage can also be grown in any water container. In a similar fashion, collect the cuttings in springs and put them in a container with water. Make sure you change it often to avoid bacteria growth.
38. Dracena
Dracena can grow only in water and is an excellent low-maintenance houseplant. This plant wonderfully grows and lives in a container with water, so you do not need to transplant it to a soil medium. Make sure you change the water every week.
39. Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen has an interesting look, so it is a common indoor plant. You can propagate it by planting cuttings in a glass and leaving it in indirect sunlight. Make sure you plant it when the roots develop to half an inch.
40. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo has hard stalks that need nothing else apart from water to grow. Some owners may train the stalks to grow in different shapes, as seen in the picture above. This practice may make the plant quite heavy, so you can also place a few stones or rocks on the bottom of the container for extra stability.
