If you thought philodendrons could only grow in soil, I’ve got some exciting news for you.
You can grow these beautiful plants in water—and it’s actually much simpler than you might think.
Sure, we all know philodendrons can be propagated in water. But what many people don’t realize is that you can grow a healthy, mature philodendron entirely in water—without ever using soil.
In fact, when you grow them in water, they can grow faster and with fewer problems (as long as you know the right steps).
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to grow philodendrons in water and keep them thriving for months, even years.
Let’s get started!
Steps to grow philodendrons in water
Choose the Right Glass or Jar
The first thing you’ll need is a good container.
A dark-colored glass or a shaded jar works best. If you use a clear glass, light can reach the water and roots—which encourages algae to grow.
Algae will clog the roots and can eventually kill the plant.
If you only have clear glass at home, don’t worry.
Just wrap some colored paper or cloth around the lower half of the glass to block the light.
The key is simple:
Keep light away from the roots, and you’ll prevent algae from taking over.
Use Clean, Soft Water
Philodendrons growing in water depend completely on the quality of the water—just like soil-grown plants depend on the soil.
Always use clean, soft water that doesn’t contain chlorine, fluoride, or heavy minerals.
Tap water in many areas contains chlorine, so I recommend using filtered or bottled water.
That’s what I use for my own water-grown philodendrons, and they stay healthy and happy.
If you have access to rainwater, that’s even better!
Keep the Leaves Out of the Water
When you set up your plant, make sure only the roots and leaf nodes are in the water.
The leaves themselves should stay dry and above the water line.
If leaves sit in water, they can rot quickly—and that can spread disease to the rest of the plant.
I always check carefully and remove any leaves that are too low and could dip into the water.
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Change the Water Regularly
Even if your plant looks healthy, you’ll still need to change the water often.
I recommend changing it every 5 to 7 days, or sooner if the water looks cloudy or starts to smell bad.
Fresh water helps prevent bacterial buildup and keeps your plant strong.
When I notice the water looking a bit unclear, I take the plant out, rinse the roots, and fill the jar with clean water again.
Give It Bright, Indirect Light
Just like soil-grown philodendrons, water-grown plants need bright but indirect light.
Place your jar in a room that gets plenty of natural light—but keep it away from direct sunlight.
Direct sun can heat up the water and encourage algae growth, or even burn the roots.
A bright windowsill with a sheer curtain or a spot a few feet away from a sunny window works perfectly.
Clean the glass or jar
Algae and debris can build up on the sides and bottom of the glass.
Whenever you change the water, check the jar and give it a quick clean.
I use a little dish soap and warm water, then rinse it thoroughly.
Don’t leave the roots out in the air for too long while cleaning. I usually cover them with a damp paper towel so they don’t dry out.
Fertilizers for Philodendrons Growing in Water
Water alone doesn’t have all the nutrients your plant needs, so you’ll need to add fertilizer every now and then.
Use a liquid fertilizer made for hydroponic systems (plants grown in water).
These fertilizers dissolve easily and give your plant the nutrients it needs to grow strong roots and lush leaves.
I usually add a diluted dose of fertilizer once every 2 weeks.
Be careful not to over-fertilize—too much can damage the roots. Always follow the instructions on the bottle.
Do Philodendrons Grow Faster in Water?
Yes—they often do!
In my experience, philodendrons root faster in water than in soil.
In soil, it can take about 4 weeks to see roots. But in water, you might see strong roots in just 2 weeks.
However, when it comes to overall leaf size, plant health, and appearance—they grow about the same in both water and soil.
Light, temperature, and humidity matter just as much as the growing medium.
Conclusion
Growing philodendrons in water is a fun, easy way to enjoy these stunning plants—without the mess of soil.
As long as you give them clean water, bright light, and occasional fertilizer, they’ll thrive beautifully.
Just remember to change the water regularly and keep the leaves dry, and you’ll have healthy plants that can live happily in water for years.
If you ever have questions or run into problems, feel free to reach out—I’m happy to help!