10 Houseplants You Can Grow in Water
Growing plants in water is not a common practice. Houseplants that grow in water are beautiful and easy to care for. You don’t need any green thumb or special equipment to start growing these plants. All you need is a jar, fill it up halfway with clay pebbles at the bottom, add soil on top of the pebbles. You can then plant your seeds or seedlings and wait until they bloom.
The best part about houseplants that grow in water is that they will last forever without replacing them every year like other types of plants do. These are low maintenance indoor plants which means there’s no need for watering them very often or fertilizing them.
What which ones are those plants? This article outlines 10 houseplants that grow in water and would be perfect for your home.
1. Spider Plant
This is a very decorative and popular houseplant with many small white flowers, perfect for decorating your home. Spider plant also makes one of the best plants for the bedroom, thanks to its beauty and air purification. It’s great because the leaves on the Spider Plant are so big and add contrast if you place them in a group with other smaller plants or flowers around them.
To grow this plant, take a few cuttings from the parent plant and place them in a glass jar or any container filled with water. You can leave them there or move them into a pot with soil after they root. If you plan on moving them to a pot, let the roots grow until they seem strong enough to support the plant.
2. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky bamboo is one of the easiest plants to grow in water without much sunlight or maintenance. It’s a popular type of houseplant because it’s believed to bring good luck and fortune to the owner. The hardy stalks of lucky bamboo can become a living centerpiece, no soil required.
The indoor plants grow in water, and a narrow vase is a perfect fit for them. You can purchase these plants online, and their basic versions are inexpensive. The lucky bamboo tends to become top-heavy and will topple in smaller containers, so look for a container that’s sturdy enough.
Plant them in a wider container and surround them with colorful gravel or pebbles, which will add to the ornamental value and provide some support.
3. The Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese evergreen plant is also known as the claw or peace lily plant. The dark green leaves of this houseplant are shaped like claws, and they can grow to be four feet tall. This lush greenery is the perfect indoor plant for beginners because it’s hardy and doesn’t require too much attention.
Chinese evergreen plants are also carefree indoor plants tolerant of low light conditions and general neglect. These features make it a popular indoor plant for those looking for no-fuss greenery. This plant also makes an excellent office or dorm room plant. To grow it in water, clip six-inch-long stems, placing them in a bright room and indirect sunlight as too much light can cause algae growth.
4. Heartleaf Philodendron
Heart leaf philodendron is an easy-to-grow houseplant that thrives even in low light. To grow heartleaf philodendrons in water, cut off any stems hanging over the edge of a container and place them in indirect light until new leaves appear. These vining plants are harder to kill than to keep alive.
It has glossy, heart-shaped leaves with stems that can cascade down four feet or more. If you want a more compact plant, occasional pinching back leggy stems will help maintain a bushy growth habit. To grow this tropical plant in water, take a four to eight-inch long stem cutting, remove the bottom leaves, and place them in water.
Keep the container in a site with bright light but away from direct sun. Also, avoid keeping the plant in a cold room as it grows best in temperatures above 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Feed philodendron plants occasionally by adding a drop of liquid organic fertilizer to the water.
5. Sweet Potato Vine
Although the sweet potato vine is a tender tropical, it can be grown in water indoors. Cuttings should be made from green stems and allowed to heal for at least 24 hours before planting them in containers filled with peat-based potting mix or a mixture of perlite or gravel and sand. This trailing plant can grow four to five feet long.
It has lime green, heart-shaped leaves, but many cultivars offer unique and eye-catching foliage. Leaf colors range from burgundy to purple to bronze, and foliage is also varied for layers of interest. You can clip pieces of the stems in autumn to grow indoors over winter, then take six to eight-inch long cuttings, clipping just below a leaf node.
6. Coleus
Coleus plants are easy to propagate and grow by rooting stem cuttings in water, allowing you to create a colony of handsome coleus houseplants. They make a lovely counterpiece in a mason jar filled with water.
To grow coleus, take a six-inch cutting and remove the leaves from the bottom four inches, then immerse it in a jar filled with water and watch it grow for several weeks. Adding a bit of compost tea to the water during monthly changes will help your coleus plants thrive. This plant also requires indirect sunlight, making it a great choice to grow indoors all year round.
7. Peace Lily
The peace lily is a lovely tropical plant with showy white flowers, which enjoys the humidity of the bathroom. It will grow in water as long as you provide it with indirect light and room to spread. In order for your peace lily plants to thrive, you should rinse them carefully before putting them into their jar of water.
This will help remove any built-up fertilizer salts. If you buy peace lilies, examine their roots carefully for damage before planting them. Fill a container with distilled water and not chlorinated water, which will damage the plant. Cut a hole on the top of a plastic stopper and use this to keep the plant in place by placing it at the top of the container.
Insert your lilies in the container and ensure the roots are completely submerged. You can add a few drops of liquid fertilizers or a small quantity of water soluble fertilizer. However, be careful with a peace lily in the house as it’s among the plants that are toxic to pets.
8. Wandering Jew
Wandering Jew is one of the easiest houseplants to grow using this method. The plant should be well watered before you place it in its container. You don’t have to worry about fertilizer because it has no nutritional needs.
To grow a wandering Jew in water, submerge the cuttings from the mature wandering Jew plant in a jar of water, submerging only the stem and not the leaves as the latter submerged in water will rot the cutting. Leave in an area with plenty of sunlight and watch it root in just a few weeks.
9. Impatiens
The key to successfully growing impatiens in water is to select the right kind of stem cuttings. Take young, soft shoots that are just pink in color with no flowers or buds. Cut off about 1 inch of these shoots under running water.
Impatiens can also grow as marginal pond plants, and that’s how much they adore water. Snip off a few stems at the end of the growing season and overwinter them in a vase where they’ll root and grow as clones of the parent plant.
10. Pothos Plant
Pothos plants are some of the easiest houseplants to grow in water. Cut off a stem or two from an existing pothos plant and place them in a vase or jar of water. Plant the stems in the soil as soon as they root (usually within 2-3 weeks). Make sure the potting soil is damp but not wet.
FAQs on Houseplants You Can Grow in Water
What are growing plants in water called?
The technique of growing plants in water without soil is called hydroponics.
What are the benefits of houseplants grown in water?
Houseplants grown in water generally have more vigorous growth and lush foliage than those grown in soil. They’re also easier to care for because you don’t have to worry about watering them regularly or fertilizing them.
Final Thought on Houseplants that You Can Grow in Water
Are you looking to add some green cover but lack space and time in your home? Well, with these house plants that need only water to grow, it’s easy to have some plants around that don’t require much attention. In addition, these indoor plants add life to an otherwise dull dorm or living room. So, what are you waiting for? Plant these house plants and enjoy the beauty they bring.
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Vinyl House Siding: Pros and Cons
Vinyl siding is a great material for anyone looking to improve the look of their home. This type of siding can be very durable and resistant to damage, making it a good choice if you have kids or pets who tend to destroy your property.
However, vinyl siding has some disadvantages that you should consider before installing this product in your home. For example, vinyl is not as energy efficient as other siding materials such as wood siding or fiber cement panels. Also, vinyl siding tends to fade over time due to exposure to sunlight and other weather conditions than fiber cement siding and wood siding.
In this article, we’re going to look at some of the pros and cons of vinyl house siding to help you make an informed choice. Read on.
What is Vinyl House Siding?
Vinyl siding is a durable form of plastic commonly used in residential and commercial buildings. Vinyl siding comes in a variety of styles, colors, and textures, even imitating the look of wood siding and other siding materials to suit your needs. You should know which one to choose when building your own house so you don’t end up with what you don’t like.
Vinyl siding is also very easy to install, which is why it has become one of the most popular types of exterior siding in the United States.
Pros of Vinyl Siding
Easy Installation
Vinyl siding is made to be easy to install, which means that you can get the job done in less than half a day. That’s why most homeowners choose to install it themselves. However, it’s always recommended to seek professional help and advice before tackling this project.
The installation process requires the help of a contractor for their expertise. Proper installation means less likelihood that the siding will expand or crack over time, leading to bigger and more expensive maintenance issues. Construction warranties may also be voided by faulty or improper installation, so make sure you do your research and seek professional help if needed.
Material Durability
The material used in vinyl siding is also very durable, meaning it will last for many years. Vinyl doesn’t warp, rot, crack, or peel with time, so you don’t have to worry about costly replacements down the road as a homeowner.
When installed properly, vinyl also won’t shrink, expand or contract over time. This is beneficial to the homeowner who wants a trouble-free product that requires minimal upkeep and maintenance. In case a rock flies from your lawnmower and pierces the siding, you can replace the plank fairly easily and cheaply.
Most manufacturers also boast a lifespan for the vinyl siding of up to 30 years. A properly installed and well-maintained vinyl siding does a good job of protecting a building’s exterior surfaces while keeping its interior well insulated.
Relatively Inexpensive Compared to Other Siding Materials
Like stone or brick, vinyl is an investment. For around $1 per square foot installed (the average cost for new home construction), you get long-lasting siding that will protect your home in many climates. It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to other popular materials such as wood clapboard siding, wood pulp, fiber cement siding, and aluminum.
Though the prices will vary depending on the manufacturer and the installation process, you can expect vinyl siding to cost between $3.50 and $7 per square foot. Fiber cement siding is double that price. So, if you want the most bang for your buck, you can never go wrong with vinyl flooring.
No Painting Required
One of the biggest benefits of vinyl siding is that it does not require painting. This is because the material, made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC), has a color built into it that makes it resistant to sun damage and ultraviolet rays. With no need for paint or maintenance, you will save yourself time and money.
Vinyl siding colors cannot be mechanically abraded, scratched off, or stripped. So, if you wish to restore or change the color of your vinyl siding via residential exterior painting, this siding material is highly receptive to paint. With vinyl siding, you can easily outfit your home or business with any color scheme of your choice as long as you know how to choose paint colors.
Vinyl Siding is Low Maintenance
Although vinyl house siding does not require paint, it will wear down over time and need to be replaced. The occasional cobwebs, bugs, mud, and other debris can easily be sprayed down using a garden hose. Never use a power washer on your vinyl siding, as this could cause serious havoc if the water enters your home through cracks around the siding or exacerbate minor tears in the crevices.
Cons of Vinyl Siding
Despite all its benefits, vinyl siding has its setbacks. Here are the cons of vinyl siding:
Moisture Problems
Vinyl houses siding does not absorb moisture; rather, it creates a waterproof barrier between your home and the outside elements. Vinyl siding is installed over a styrene insulation board which can cause water vapor to become trapped in the wall cavity without an escape route.
Thus, if water seeps into small cracks and holes in the vinyl, this can cause major damage to the wood foundation or create conditions that attract mold, mildew, rot, and termite infestation.
Vinyl Siding is Less Eco-Friendly
Vinyl siding is plastic and is made of polyvinyl chloride, which isn’t eco-friendly. The manufacturing process produces greenhouse gasses such as nitrogen oxide and carcinogens, including dioxin. Another by-product of vinyl siding manufacture is sulfur dioxide which causes acid rain and smog.
This process also requires a vast amount of electricity. These gasses and chemicals can contribute to climate change and pollute the air. That’s why most recycling plants do not accept PVC products because they’re both challenging and expensive to recycle.
Vinyl Siding May Lower Your Home’s Value
Although it is cost-effective, vinyl siding still requires a large initial investment. If you’re looking to sell your home soon, this may be a deterrent for potential buyers who might not want the inconvenience of dealing with maintenance and replacement costs on their own.
Vinyl siding may decrease your home’s value since many homebuyers tend to view it as inferior to real wood, masonry, or other materials. It could potentially result in lower offers if and when you decide to move to your home later.
Maintenance Issues
Even though vinyl siding can withstand harsh conditions such as strong winds and heavy rainfall, it can have some maintenance issues. Vinyl siding is sensitive to extreme heat and cold. If you live in an area with harsh winters or summers, your vinyl siding may warp because of the temperature changes.
Besides irregular coloring, warping can also affect how tightly your panels lock together, leading to water damage if it’s not fixed immediately. Siding planks often split or break due to the expansion and contraction caused by temperature changes. If a lawnmower sends a rock flying at your house, it may pierce the siding. Vinyl siding cannot be patched, so the entire plank must be replaced.
Installation is Simple But Not Full Proof
Although vinyl siding is easy to install, it can be expensive to have a professional do the job for you. Vinyl will not bend around corners, so if your house has rounded corners, you’ll need someone with experience installing vinyl siding to do this part of the job. And if your siding is nailed too tightly, it will expand, crack, bulge or warp.
Construction warranties often last only one year, and the product warranty may be voided by faulty installation. Not every contractor has invested in proper training and certification, which is loosely regulated and expensive. Whether you’re investing in a brand new vinyl siding or seeking a siding replacement, you must do your homework well while hiring contractors for this project.
Color Fading
Many vinyl siding brands have been tested to resist color fading when exposed to UV light from the sun. Inferior materials may fade in just a few months, causing homeowners lots of headaches and expenses. In fact, some contractors refuse to use certain products because they don’t hold up well over time.
While there are many vinyl siding manufacturers, not all of them are equal in quality. Indeed, some vinyl house siding brands require homeowners to use specific cleaners and paints. Using the wrong products can destroy your beautiful new siding over time.
FAQS on Vinyl House Siding
What happens if water gets behind vinyl siding?
Rainwater leaking from your gutter ends up behind the siding and causes a wall to rot. However, vinyl is a rare siding product that remains completely unaffected by the water behind it.
What do you put under vinyl siding?
You can install vinyl siding over common wood sheathings such as plywood, oriented strand board, or other materials.
Final Thought on Vinyl House Siding
Whether the pros of vinyl siding outweigh the cons or vice versa, there are many reasons to select vinyl as your siding material or consider other options. But whatever the case, make sure you hire a siding specialist that can install, repair, and replace your property’s siding.
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Collaboration Transforms Kitchen
Rowayton, CT — Karen Berkemeyer and Leslie Dunn often work together to create their clients’ dream kitchens and baths, with the former focusing on kitchen/bath design skills and the latter incorporating interior design touches for their respective companies of Karen Berkemeyer Home in Westport, CT, and Dunn Designs in Norwalk, CT. This kitchen, along with the master bath and a guest bath, was no exception…however, this time the resultant collaboration was showcased in Dunn’s personal residence.
“We work really well together,” says Berkemeyer, noting a mutual respect for each other’s talents, which makes for great collaborations. “As a kitchen and bath designer, I focus on making sure these spaces technically and functionally work correctly. Partnering with another professional, such as an interior designer, gives clients the best of two worlds since multiple people are working on the same project. I love working with Leslie because she is so creative and has great taste. She is especially talented and creative with paint.”
Contrasting color
Paint, at opposite ends of the color spectrum, is a focus of Dunn’s kitchen, where the bright white island is contrasted with dark black perimeter cabinets.
“The use of color – combined with very simple cabinet door styles, which are a great choice for today’s kitchens – makes this design stand out,” says Berkemeyer.
Black perimeter cabinets served as the starting point for color. “She really wanted to do black cabinets,” Berkemeyer indicates.
As a contrast, the island was designed to look like a table that Dunn found, notes the designer. “Island and perimeter cabinets don’t necessarily have to match in cabinet style or color,” she says. “In fact, when done well, like in this kitchen, having them not match shows a lot of creativity and makes for an interesting design.”
Keeping cabinet styles simple is the key to making a ‘mismatch’ work, says the designer in reference to the flat-panel, flush-inset Wood-Mode perimeter cabinets and full-overlay, shallow-cut, Shaker-style Signature Custom Cabinetry cabinets on the island. Both are sheathed with custom colors selected by Dunn.
“You would never do this perimeter with oak raised-panel doors on the island,” she says. “This perimeter features a very simple door style, as does the island. They play off of each other well. This entire kitchen has created so much interest from people. They see things they would have never thought of doing…and they like the result.”
The designers also kept the cabinet hardware unpretentious. Pulls on the perimeter cabinets bring to mind cleats used to anchor boats to a dock, giving the space a bit of a nautical vibe that pays homage to the water just beyond the kitchen windows. For the island, they incorporated drawer pulls that resemble those found on a filing cabinet. Berkemeyer also designed the island with seating for four, positioning stools at a right angle to facilitate conversation between guests. The designer also added custom brushed steel accents at each leg base.
“They add another texture to the space and make the island more interesting,” she says.
To continue the contrast between light and dark, Berkemeyer topped the island with white marble, which she built up with a 2″ mitered edge. The perimeter features median-black, charcoal-colored quartz with a leathered finish for added texture.
White 3″x6″ subway tile covers the walls, extending from the countertop to the windows and beyond. Its undulated surface offers a rippled appearance while its stark light color juxtaposes against the blackness of the shallow-depth soffit on the ceiling.
“I thought the kitchen stopped too abruptly in the corner,” notes Berkemeyer in reference to the soffit. “I suggested that we add the soffit, extending it to the refrigerator on one wall and across the length of the windows on the other. It really helps pull the whole kitchen together.”
Additional dark-hued accents include the deep blue paint that adorns the window trim. “She really likes to include the unexpected!” she says.
Overcoming storage challenges
To make better use of the kitchen’s footprint and gain a few extra feet of space, the designers removed walls between the living room and kitchen, eliminating a hallway in the process. To provide visual differentiation between the two spaces without adding a physical barrier, they added reclaimed antique beams in the ceiling, extending them into the living room.
“Previously, her home had an enclosed little kitchen with separate living room,” says Berkemeyer. “Now, the kitchen is more open and looks so much larger. Taking down the wall also made it possible to include the island.”
Even with the additional space gained by removing the hall, storage was a challenge for the relatively petite kitchen. “When spaces are smaller, like in this kitchen, the biggest design challenge is usually storage,” she says. “It’s important to make the most of whatever space you have, and to make everything accessible, especially focusing on corners. Taking cabinets up to the ceiling maximizes the space. It’s important, too, to pay attention to clearances, ensuring that walkways are technically correct and easy to maneuver.”
To overcome storage concerns in Dunn’s kitchen, Berkemeyer included specialized corner organization accessories, recycling bins, pull-out drawers and several large drawers to make contents easy to access.
Glass panels in the wall cabinets provide a brief glimpse of their contents and keep the space visually ‘light.’ “Like the rest of the kitchen, the glass is kept clean, without any mullions, to maintain the desired look for the space,” she concludes. 
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