15 Best Hydroponic Houseplants and How to Grow Them

Growing houseplants hydroponically is a modern way to get beautiful growth without soil, pots, or laborious maintenance. However, some plants grow better than others in these tech-savvy systems. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you the best hydroponic houseplants and how to grow them.

marigold flowers in hydroponic containers

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You may be reading a lot about hydroponic gardening in magazines and social media. It’s an efficient and environmentally friendly way of growing produce. But did you know that you can grow houseplants too? 

Hydroponic gardening uses several systems to provide consistent water and nutrients to your plants without soil. Some systems use wicks to absorb the water into the plant’s growing medium. Other systems, such as Deep Water Culture (DWC), suspend your plant’s roots in a reservoir of nutrient-rich water. 

Growing plants hydroponically has many advantages. Plants can develop quicker and larger compared to soil-cultivated crops. You also won’t have to worry about over and underwatering or harmful pests. 

Besides common leafy greens, herbs, and small fruits, you can successfully grow several houseplants hydroponically. All you need are the right tools to get started. Below are the 15 best hydroponic houseplants and how to make them thrive.

Sweet Pea

Mammoth Blend Sweet Pea Seeds

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Mammoth Blend Sweet Pea Seeds

Marigold

Red Cherry French Marigold

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Red Cherry French Marigold

Nasturtium

Black Velvet Nasturtium Seeds

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Black Velvet Nasturtium Seeds

Peace Lily

White peace lilies with delicate, pristine petals contrast beautifully against a backdrop of green foliage.
They feature glossy leaves and stunning white spathes.
common-name common name Peace lily
botanical-name botanical name Spathiphyllum spp
sun-requirements sun requirements Bright, indirect light
height height 1-3”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 11-12

Peace lilies are magical houseplants with glossy leaves and stunning white spathes. Gardeners in tropical regions can grow them outdoors, but for the rest of us, they’re perfect as indoor houseplants. They’re one of nature’s best air filters and are easy to grow. 

Skip the soil and pots and try growing these majestic houseplants hydroponically. You’ll need a hydroponic system, such as a Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) or Deep Water Culture (DWC). Set up the reservoir and tools such as the pH meter and adjusters. 

Once your peace lily is placed in the system, its roots will absorb nutrients and water from the nutrient solution in the reservoir. You’ll start to see rapid growth and vivid white blooms. If the roots seem to suffer, provide some oxygen via a bubbler.

Heartleaf Philodendron

A close-up showcases the Heartleaf Philodendron's lush, deep green leaves with a glossy finish, gracefully veined and heart-shaped, flourishing within a sleek black pot. Its foliage stands out, vibrant and radiant against the contrasting dark container.
They have big, heart-shaped leaves that will make your indoor space look like a tropical biome.
common-name common name Heartleaf Philodendron
botanical-name botanical name Philodendron bipinnatifidum
sun-requirements sun requirements Bright, indirect light
height height Up to 20’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

Heartleaf philodendrons are some of the most popular houseplants. Of the almost 500 species of philodendrons, heartleafs are the most common. They’re incredibly easy to cultivate, and they thrive indoors. 

They have big, heart-shaped leaves that will make your indoor space look like a tropical biome. They’re also fantastic air purifiers

These tropical evergreens will grow vigorously in a hydroponic system. They’ll absorb the water and nutrients they need and you won’t have to troubleshoot common growing problems as long as all other conditions are met. 

Money Tree Plant

A money tree with lush green leaves, planted in a white ceramic pot, placed elegantly on a round table.
Once your money tree plants take root in their nutrient-rich solution, they’ll put on big and full foliage.
common-name common name Money Tree Plant
botanical-name botanical name Pachira aquatica
sun-requirements sun requirements Bright, indirect light
height height 6-8’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 10-12

Money plant tree plants are adored for their easy-growing nature and braided trunks. Although they’re native to South America, they’ve spread around the world as a common houseplant and bonsai. In Japan, money tree plants are adorned with ribbons for good fortune. 

Although these plants can be quite large, they’ll thrive in a soil-less environment. Once your money tree plants take root in their nutrient-rich solution, they’ll put on big and full foliage. As they mature, cross the flexible stems and secure them with a rope or twine. After a few months, your plants will get the iconic braided trunks. 

Spider Plant

spider plant sitting by a window and growing new sprouts
They are popular for their long, wavy leaves.
common-name common name Spider Plant
botanical-name botanical name Chlorophytum comosum
sun-requirements sun requirements Bright, indirect light
height height 15”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

Spider plants are popular for their long, wavy leaves. They’re easy to care for and bring a wonderful warm-climate vibe to your home. They’re perfectly suited as indoor houseplants. 

These tropical and subtropical plants are native to southern Africa. They spread globally in the late 19th and 20th centuries, becoming naturalized in many warm-climate regions. 

When you grow spider plants hydroponically, they’ll develop quickly, and within a month or two, you’ll enjoy low-hanging foliage. Try growing them in a high place or along walls. Their leaves will sweep down and cascade along the wall. 

English Ivy

A brown hanging pot with a lush cascade of ivy spilling over its edges, adding a touch of natural elegance to any space. The leaves catch the sunlight, casting a gentle glow and infusing the surroundings with a serene ambiance.
It’s also a popular houseplant, grown for its long foliage and beautiful leaves. 
common-name common name English Ivy
botanical-name botanical name Hedera helix
sun-requirements sun requirements Bright, indirect light
height height Up to 80’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-13

English ivy is native to Western Europe. It’s famously grown as a creeper along walls and facades of old cottages and castles. It’s also a popular houseplant, grown for its long foliage and beautiful leaves. 

It climbs on almost everything, from bookcases to kitchen walls. As an indoor houseplant, it will turn your space into a lush garden in no time. 

Try growing this vigorous houseplant in a hydroponic system. It will mature so quickly that you’ll have to prune leggy growth consistently. 

Lucky Bamboo

A shot of a houseplant showcasing its stalks and leaves, placed in a pot that is called Lucky Bamboo
When grown in a soil-free environment, the stalks will be big, bright green, and full of foliage. 
common-name common name Lucky Bamboo
botanical-name botanical name Dracaena sanderiana
sun-requirements sun requirements Bright, indirect light
height height 5’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 10

Besides being a popular houseplant, gardeners cultivate lucky bamboo as a popular symbol of good luck. It’s also a great gift for birthdays, coworkers, or friends on lucky occasions. 

Although this houseplant is usually grown in stylish containers, it’s one of the best hydroponic houseplants you can add to your collection. When grown in a soil-free environment, the stalks will be big, bright green, and full of foliage. 

Small hydroponic systems work the best with this plant. Fit these compact systems in various parts of your home. Try growing other flowers and houseplants side by side for a stunning indoor bouquet

Pothos

Variegated, heart-shaped leaves with green and creamy white patterns, growing on trailing vines in a white pot on a wooden stand.
The plant has long, vine-like branches that cascade off its main stems.
common-name common name Pothos
botanical-name botanical name Epipremnum aureum
sun-requirements sun requirements Bright, indirect light
height height Up to 66’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 10-11

Pothos is a radiant and almost indestructible houseplant. It can survive in low-light conditions and needs very little maintenance. Its toughness makes it a great houseplant for newbie gardeners. 

The plant has long, vine-like branches that cascade off its main stems. Its long branches can bring a touch of green to any space. 

Cultivate this plant in any soil-less system. Try planting it side by side with other vine-like creepers to create an abundance of warm indoor foliage. Propagate pothos as water cuttings and easily expand your collection. 

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Inchplant

Vibrant green leaves with purple undersides and silver-striped tops, typical of Tradescantia zebrina, forming a bold and colorful cascading effect.
The plant sends out long, vine-like branches with multi-colored leaves of green and purple.
common-name common name Inchplant
botanical-name botanical name Tradescantia zebrina
sun-requirements sun requirements Bright, indirect light
height height 6-14”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

An inchplant is a beautiful creeping houseplant that grows vigorously. In its native habitat of Central and South America, it grows along the floor of subtropical and tropical forests. Indoors, it is easy to maintain no matter what level of green thumb you have. 

The plant sends out long, vine-like branches with multi-colored leaves of green and purple. The vines stretch out and can reach the floor if you don’t prune them. 

This creeping houseplant will do well in any soil-less system. Give it the right nutrient solution and watch it flourish. Try growing it near walls or as a hanging houseplant for a verdant canopy in your home. 

Nasturtium

Rounded, shield-like leaves and vibrant, funnel-shaped flowers in red, orange, or yellow hues with trailing stems.
They have colorful blooms of red, orange, and yellow.
common-name common name Nasturtium
botanical-name botanical name Tropaeolum majus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height Up to 10’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-11

It’s hard to beat nasturtiums as houseplants. Every part of these climbers is edible. Plus, they have colorful blooms of red, orange, and yellow.

There are over 50 species of edible nasturtiums. They’re one of the easiest plants to cultivate both indoors and outdoors. 

In a soil-free system, your plants will grow incredibly fast. You’ll enjoy colorful and tasty flowers year-round. They also grow well as companion plants to other houseplants and edibles.

Marigold

A close up of a cluster of breath taking marigolds in vibrant colors of yellow and orange.
They have bright, colorful blooms and soft, delicate foliage. 
common-name common name Marigold
botanical-name botanical name Tagetes erecta
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 8”-4’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

Marigolds are colorful flowers grown outdoors or even indoors. Although most gardeners plant them outside in garden beds and yards, you can try them as indoor houseplants. They have bright, colorful blooms and soft, delicate foliage. 

Although they’re annuals, they produce tons of seeds you can use to propagate. As a hydroponic houseplant, you can grow them throughout the year. They’ll transform your system into a colorful bouquet. 

These flowers are easy to maintain. Give them the right nutrients and tons of light and they’ll thrive in a soil-free environment. 

Moss Rose

Portulaca grandiflora with vibrant pink and yellow petals and succulent, needle-like green leaves, basking in the sunlight in a garden setting.
It has colorful blooms and spike-like needle leaves that are soft to the touch. 
common-name common name Moss Rose
botanical-name botanical name Portulaca grandiflora
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 8”
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-11

If you’re looking for a hardy succulent to try growing, it’s hard to beat the moss rose. This small flower grows in a variety of climates and growing conditions. It has colorful blooms and spike-like needle leaves that are soft to the touch. 

They’re from dry regions and don’t need much water or fertilizer. This makes them incredibly easy to grow as hydroponic houseplants. The most basic systems work wonderfully. 

Unlike some other houseplants, these succulents need a ton of bright sun. Grow them near a bright, south-facing window or in a greenhouse. 

Chinese Evergreen

Aglaonema ‘Maria Christina’ with light green leaves speckled with dark green patches, arranged in a compact shape.
They have colorful foliage with reds and greens and delicate flowers. 
common-name common name Chinese Evergreen
botanical-name botanical name Aglaonema spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Bright, indirect light
height height 10”-3’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 10-11

Chinese evergreen plants are a diverse group of houseplants that can either grow vertically or crawl. They have colorful foliage with reds and greens and delicate flowers. 

These houseplants are native to tropical and subtropical Asia. They’re grown as a lucky houseplant in China and some other regions in Asia. 

As a hydroponic houseplant, they thrive in almost any growing system. They need a basic amount of nutrients and light, making them perfect for beginning gardeners. 

Sweet Pea

A close-up of Lathyrus odoratus in bloom shows delicate, ruffled petals in vibrant shades of pink, purple, and white, with slender stems and soft green foliage.
They have stunning, multi-colored flowers that brighten up any indoor space.
common-name common name Sweet Pea
botanical-name botanical name Lathyrus odoratus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 3-10’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-10

Sweet peas may not be known for their edible pea pods but you can grow them as lovely houseplants. They have stunning, multi-colored flowers that brighten up any indoor space.

There are several varieties to choose from. Their blooms cover the entire spectrum of the rainbow. As hydroponic houseplants, they grow easily in every growing system. 

They grow as vines, with vigorous growth reaching the far corners of your garden. Let them grow or prune the back. Don’t be afraid to harvest them throughout the year.

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