Plants That Can Grow in Water Inside With No Sunlight

Lucky Bamboo

• Lucky bamboo is plaant that is sometimes sold in kiosks in malls, in discount stores. or even supermarkets. Known by the botanical name Dracena sanderiana, lucky bamboo is grown and marketed as a hydroponic plant, meaning it grows in water. These plants are sometimes sold in decorative containers that are filled with polished stones or rocks to hold the plant upright. Harvested canes from Dracena sanderiana are cut into smaller lengths. Tops are treated with wax to prevent fungus growth or rotting. Canes grow easily in glass vases filled with water.

Heart-leaf Philodendron

• Heart-leaf philodendron belongs to a genus that contains roughly 200 species, but only a few species are grown as houseplants. This is one of the easiest plants for beginners to grow. Climbing philodendrons are typically grown in baskets or given supports to climb. As vines grow, they produce external roots that appear along the stems. The roots cling to supports and take in water. P. scandens is characterized by dark green, heart-shaped leaves. Plants need indirect light because bright light burns or scorches the leaves.

Scindapsus Aureus

• Scindapsus aureus is the botanical name for pothos, which is more commonly known as devil's ivy. These plants are often confused with philodendron because their growth habit and shape of the leaves are similar. Pothos has larger, heart-shaped leaves that are characterized by shiny, bright green leaves that are mottled with cream-color or white markings. They grow well in very low light. Avoid bright light with pothos, as it can burn or scorch the leaves.

Propagation Methods

• Older lucky bamboo canes may develop new plantlets or "pups" that grow off the main cane. They grow in water and develop roots just like the older canes do. Plants grow best in places where there is indirect light. Heart-leaf philodendron is easy to propagate by cutting. Remove the lower leaves and place the cutting in a clear glass of water. Cuttings root quickly, but rooted cuttings can grow in water in indirect light indefinitely. Pothos is a fast-growing vine that also roots easily by cutting. The method for rooting cuttings is the same as that for heart-leaf philodendron, however, stems on pothos are stronger and thicker.