23 Stylish Houseplants You Can Easily Grow in Vases
Love the calm beauty of plants but hate dealing with messy soil? Growing houseplants in vases might just be your new favorite thing.
A clear vase filled with water and lush greenery not only looks stunning but also makes plant care simple and stress-free. You can watch roots form, enjoy the clean lines of the vase, and even use pebbles or glass beads to give it a decorative twist.
It s perfect if you’re working with limited space or just want a fuss-free way to bring nature indoors.
Here are 23 beautiful houseplants that thrive in water and look amazing in a vase. Get ready to turn your shelf or windowsill into a stylish plant gallery.
#1 Pothos
Source: Dengarden
Pothos is one of those plants that just makes growing in water look easy. Its heart-shaped leaves drape over the edge of a vase, adding a soft, flowing touch to any space.
You ll see roots start forming within days if you place the cuttings in clean water. Keep the vase near bright, indirect light and change the water every week to keep things fresh. If you re short on time but love greenery, this one is a dream.
#2 Watermelon Peperomia
Source: Leafandpaw
This plant has thick, round leaves with stripes that look like watermelon rinds, hence the name. In a glass vase, those patterned leaves really stand out, especially if you keep the water clear.
Snip a healthy stem with at least one node and let it sit in water until roots appear. It prefers moderate light and doesn t like soggy stems, so avoid overfilling your vase. A handful of pebbles at the bottom can add charm and stability.
#3 Purple Heart Plant
Source: Creativejewishmom
With deep purple stems and soft, velvety leaves, this plant instantly adds bold color to your space. It s also easy to root in water and grows quickly with just a bit of sunlight.
Trim a few pieces and let them float with their nodes submerged. Keep the vase in a spot that gets some morning sun and watch those pink blooms surprise you. Its vivid tones look especially striking in clear glass.
#4 Chinese Money Plant
Source: Unknow
The round, coin-like leaves of the Chinese Money Plant create a clean, sculptural look in a vase. Place a healthy cutting in water and you’ll start to see roots form in a couple of weeks.
It prefers a bright spot, but avoid direct sun to keep the leaves happy. A short, wide vase helps balance its upright stems. It brings a calm, modern feel to desks and small corners.
#5 Begonia
Source: Balconygardenweb
You can grow some types of Begonia from just a leaf, and their textured foliage looks magical in water. Bright colors and interesting leaf shapes make them eye-catching even without blooms.
Choose a thick, healthy leaf or stem and make sure at least one node is under water. Begonias enjoy warmth and dappled light, so place the vase near a sunny window with a sheer curtain. Replace the water every few days to keep it clear.
#6 Lucky Bamboo
Source: Thespruce
Despite its name, Lucky Bamboo isn t a true bamboo, but it s a fantastic plant for vases. Its upright, green stalks look elegant and are often seen in decorative arrangements.
Use a tall, narrow vase and add pebbles to anchor the stems. Keep the water level just above the roots, not the entire stalk. It thrives in low light, making it perfect for offices or darker rooms.
#7 Chinese Evergreen
Source: Marthastewart
With glossy, patterned leaves, Chinese Evergreen adds a soft pop of color in water. You can root a cutting in a vase and enjoy its beauty while waiting for roots to grow.
Just make sure at least one node is under the waterline. It tolerates low light but grows faster in brighter conditions. Use a medium-sized vase to balance its wide foliage.
#8 Monstera
Source: Mygift
Monstera leaves, with their unique natural holes and slits, bring a tropical touch even when placed in just water. A single leaf or small cutting can look incredibly stylish in a clear vase.
Submerge the stem end and place it somewhere with bright, indirect light. Keep the water fresh and enjoy watching the roots grow. Monstera in water feels like art and nature rolled into one.
#9 Coleus
Source: Jenniferrizzo
Coleus comes in vibrant shades of green, red, and purple, and looks surprisingly beautiful in a glass jar or vase. Its serrated leaves grow well from stem cuttings if the water stays clean.
Choose a well-lit space but avoid harsh afternoon sun. Refresh the water every few days and clip any yellowing leaves. Over time, it ll root nicely and add a burst of color to your tabletop.
#10 Peace Lily
Source: Michaels
Peace Lilies bring a gentle, elegant feel with their smooth green leaves and occasional white blooms. A cutting will do well in water, especially if kept in a tall glass vase with a bit of filtered light.
Rinse the roots before placing them in water and keep the water fresh. It s best to avoid cold drafts and dry spots. With minimal effort, you get a plant that feels calming and clean.
#11 Cordyline
Source: Gardentags
Cordyline stands out with its colorful, spiky leaves that bring bold energy to any vase arrangement. The long, upright stems look especially dramatic when placed in a tall, narrow glass container.
If you re working with a cutting, make sure at least one node is underwater so roots can begin to form. Try placing it near a sunny window to bring out the reddish or pink tones in the leaves.
Adding a few pebbles at the base can help keep the stem upright and make the whole display pop.
#12 Hosta
Source: Balconygardenweb
Hosta’s lush, textured leaves offer a peaceful, earthy charm when displayed in a vase. The variety of colors and patterns from blue-green to creamy white gives you so many options to play with.
Just snip a section with a healthy node, submerge it in water, and watch it settle in. This plant prefers bright, indirect light and cooler indoor temps. Keep the water fresh to maintain those crisp-looking leaves.
#13 Alocasia
Source: Pinterest
Alocasia leaves are like living sculptures with their striking arrow shapes and bold veins. In a vase, their architectural beauty takes center stage, especially when paired with clear glass.
Choose a cutting with a firm, healthy stem and change the water every few days to avoid cloudiness. They thrive in bright, filtered light and high humidity. For a cleaner look, gently wipe down the leaves now and then.
#14 Dracaena
Source: Houseplantcentral
Dracaena s sleek, sword-like foliage gives off a modern, clean vibe, especially in tall vases. The stems are naturally slender, so they don t need much help standing upright.
When rooting, make sure the base is trimmed neatly and only one or two leaves are submerged to prevent rot. Keep it in a spot with soft, filtered sunlight. You ll often see new roots forming in a couple of weeks.
#15 Spider Plant
Source: Gardeningknowhow
Spider Plants send out adorable âbabiesâ or plantlets that make perfect vase companions. Just snip a few offshoots and place them in water where the tiny roots can develop easily.
Their arching, striped leaves look lovely cascading from a vase on a shelf or windowsill. They re low-maintenance and quick to adapt, even in lower light. Refresh the water weekly to keep them looking fresh.
#16 Dumb Cane
Source: Butterfliesandbaubles
Dumb Cane brings dramatic flair with its large, patterned leaves that practically glow in good lighting. A clear vase lets you see both the roots forming and the eye-catching leaf patterns up close.
When placing a cutting in water, remove the lower leaves so only the stem sits below the surface. Keep it in a well-lit area, away from direct sun to avoid leaf burn.
Just be careful, this plant is toxic if ingested, so it’s best kept out of reach of pets and kids.
#17 Arrowhead Plant
Source: Carousell
Arrowhead Plant starts with arrow-shaped leaves but often transforms into more complex forms as it matures. Its trailing vines look especially elegant in water, making it a great pick for a vase on a desk or windowsill.
Use a healthy stem with at least one node underwater and give it medium, indirect light. Rotate the vase occasionally to keep the growth balanced. You can even mix different varieties for a colorful effect.
#18 Wandering Jew
Source: Plantsbank
Wandering Jew features shimmering purple and silver leaves that practically glow in glass vases. The trailing stems create a soft, graceful shape that works beautifully on a high shelf or as a centerpiece.
You only need to submerge the bottom inch of the stem, and roots will appear quickly. A sunny spot will help bring out the bold colors. Swap the water every few days to keep the display vibrant.
#19 Geranium
Source: Gardenerspath
Geraniums are known for their cheerful blooms, but even their cuttings bring a lively feel to a vase. If you snip a healthy stem just below a node, you can enjoy its bright green leaves and sometimes even blossoms as it roots.
Keep the vase in a sunny window and be patient, roots take a little longer to form. Once they do, you can decide whether to leave them in water or plant them in soil. Their subtle scent adds a nice touch indoors.
#20 Anthurium
Source: Anthuriuminfo
Anthuriums bring a tropical vibe with their waxy, heart-shaped blooms and glossy green leaves. A single stem in a vase can look like a piece of living art.
Use clean, chlorine-free water and avoid letting any leaves dip below the surface. These plants do best with bright, indirect light and steady temperatures. If the leaves start looking dusty, gently wipe them with a damp cloth.
#21 Philodendron
Source: Instructables
Philodendrons are classics for a reason, especially the heart-leaf types that look lovely trailing from a glass vase. They root easily in water and grow steadily with very little effort.
Just cut a stem below a node and make sure that part stays submerged. Indirect light will help the leaves stay lush and green. If the roots get too long, trim them to keep things tidy.
#22 Snake Plant
Source: Decoist
Snake Plant s stiff, upright leaves make a striking display when grouped in a tall, clear vase. Although it s more common to grow them in soil, these leaves can root in water if cut properly and given time.
Allow the cut end to dry for a day before placing it in the vase to prevent rot. Choose a warm, bright spot, but avoid direct sun. Refresh the water weekly to avoid cloud buildup.
#23 English Ivy
Source: Pasteldwelling
English Ivy sends out delicate vines that trail beautifully in a vase, making it ideal for mantels or hanging shelves. The flexible stems root quickly in water and continue growing as long as the conditions are right.
Use cuttings with at least two leaves and keep just one node underwater. A brightly lit room (but not harsh sunlight) works best. Change the water every few days to keep the roots healthy and strong.