How you can easily plant in water at home

Water planting! You’ve probably seen it going on in your favourite houseplant shops or on Instagram, but have you tried it? It’s not as difficult as you might think.

 

 

I went on ITV’s This Morning to talk to the nation about just how easy it is – the quickest method requires only a plant, some fertiliser solution and a vessel full of water! You can watch my segment here.

 

Indoor water planting

Water planting isn’t new, but it’s soooo trendy on the houseplant scene!

Unlike planting in the garden, indoor water gardening is very low maintenance, and your plants are also at less risk of catching diseases or becoming pest-ridden.

Who is indoor water gardening for?

Everyone! From kids and beginner gardeners, to advanced houseplant keepers, everyone can enjoy the benefits of water gardening. It’s also ideal for those with limited space for potted plants or without a garden, and it’s a great way to keep your home free from messy soil.

What plants can you use?

Most plants will work with this method. However, it is best to avoid cacti and succulents, due to the fact that they rot easily at the base. You can also root houseplant cuttings easily in water – this is called propagation, which I talk more about here.

 

Indoor water planting tips:

1. Wash all soil from roots and cut off any decaying leaves and stems.
2. Plant into water with fertiliser solution. You may need to top up every so often.
3. Replace water every 5/6 weeks
4. Place away from sunlight, to avoid excess algae formation.

 

 

What is aquascaping?

Aquascaping is the practice of creating an underwater garden with a range of plants. You can use decorative pebbles, and even add fish. It’s super creative, and has become quite the art form!

Aquascaping tips:

1. Wash gravel and substrate before planting to avoid cloudy water.
2. Use filtered or distilled water.
3. Consider the weight of your container too!
4. Change the water daily for the first month whilst planfs establish.
5. Feed every week with a suitable liquid nutrient solution.

Other types of water planting

 

Although greenery is the most popular type of plant to grow in water, there’s so much more that you can experiment with!

• Bulbs: They sit above water and the roots reach down and grow! Buy special hyacinth glasses for that very purpose!
• Herbs: Buying a growing kit such as the reservoir planter at Boskke. This helps water shop-bought herbs more efficiently, and makes them longer lasting.
• Marimo moss balls: These look very cool in water. Shake them once a week to help keep them fresh.
• Cut flowers: These are simple to prepare, but you can keep them even fresher when you mix up a potion of water, sugar, vinegar and a little bit of bleach. Anti-bacterial and nutrient rich.