How to Grow Indoor Plants using only Water
Amongst the many things we’ve had to give up in Covid Times – is the joy of giving ( and receiving ) fresh flowers. And only very few of us have space for a garden and even fewer have the time and green thumb to grow fresh flowers.
So instead of keeping our pretty collection of vases empty or struggling to learn how to grow indoor plants from DIY videos and the odd well-meaning friend with a green-thumb – let’s try to make the best of the situation and show you how can you bring green joy, pure air and create a charming home setting with indoor plants that can be gathered from anywhere, need no nourishment and are virtually impossible to kill.
We suggest that you grow plants in water using a technique that the pundits call “hydroponic harvesting.” One where you grow plants in water minus any soil. The nutrients needed by the plant are already present in the water which contains trace minerals and nutrients that enable plant growth. This technique for growing indoor plants is ideal for absolute beginners. Zero soil ensures no plant illnesses that would otherwise be triggered by mould and creepy-crawlies. Also making your brand-new indoor garden pet-friendly as well.
Sounds like a dream ? We’ll help you make it a reality. All you need to do is follow our simple how-to ’s below.
Decide which Plants you’d like to Grow
Do some research online. Ask your green-thumbed friends. We can suggest that you choose from any of the following for starters
- Chinese Evergreens
- Wandering Jew
- Golden Pothos ( Money Plant )
- Croton
- Spider Plant
- Peace Lily
- Philodendron
- Jade Plant
- Lucky Bamboo
Find your Plant and Root it
At a nursery or at a park or even at a friend’s home ! All you need is a cutting from an existing plant ( if you’re taking a money plant – you need to “ steal “ it – as the old tale goes ). Take the stem of the existing plant and place it in a clear glass vase, bottle or jar in the same way as if you are going to trim a regular plant that is in soil. You need to cut just below the leaf leaving the stem in place. That stem is considered the “leaf node”, and it is where the rooting hormone inside the plant has already been active and will thus ensure its growth in its new home.
Your Water is most Important
Regular tap water or even filtered water that has been left aside for a day or two – to let the chlorine in it evaporate – is best for your indoor garden. Water from an RO machine is a complete no-no as it is stripped of all nutrients and can even cause your precious plants to die.
Don’t Forget the Vases
A clear glass jar or even a bottle or jar is your plant’s best friend as it will allow light to pass through to the plant. A vase with a neck is most suited – as it will help your plant grow in an upright fashion. You can explore our selection of elegant handmade glass vases for your indoor garden here
Give it a Home
Find a place which gets bright yet indirect light from a natural or artificial source. A shelf, step, windowsill – anything is fine. Try to ensure that the temperature doesn’t fluctuate too much in that area – so no keeping it near heaters or air-conditioners.
Wait and Watch
Patience is key here but also very rewarding. Change water weekly. Watch for the roots to appear – and you can then transplant it into soil or let it grow where you need to change the water every month. In case the water begins to look murky – throw it away and put the plant in fresh water. Trim the roots f they become too long. If your plant is growing fast and the vase is not big enough – take out a few cuttings and put them into another vase. Or give them away as gift !
Creating an indoor garden with plants that grow in water is the easiest thing to do. And it’s the least we can do for ourselves and our homes considering the amount of time we are spending here. Experience the joy of creating new life – of watching it grow and thrive. With just a little bit of effort which will give much happiness now and always.