Hydroculture: Growing Plants in Water Without Soil

Growing plants in water—without potting mix—is easy. Learn to transfer plants from soil to water gel crystals or clay aggregate, choose containers, supply nutrients, and more.

Supplies Needed

• Water-tight container
• Clay aggregate, pebbles, or water gel beads
• Plants, cuttings, or bulbs
• Water-soluble fertilizer

Some plants grow directly in water with pebbles (try Lucky Bamboo). Most rot in standing water but thrive in clay aggregate or gel beads—which absorb and slowly release water.

Soak gel beads several hours until swollen; drain excess before potting. Hydroculture plants need watering less often.

Transferring from Soil to Hydroculture

1. Gently remove plant from pot.
2. Hold near root ball top; carefully pull roots apart to remove most soil. Soak dry root ball in water to loosen soil.
3. Wash roots under room-temp water to remove remaining soil.
4. Plant in pre-soaked clay aggregate or gel beads: layer on bottom, position roots, surround with more medium.

Fertilizing Hydroculture Plants

Add water-soluble fertilizer to water before refilling. Plants depend entirely on added nutrients (no soil). If pale between waterings, apply foliar spray fertilizer up to weekly.

Not all plants adapt well—check list of water-suitable houseplants.