Even while the soil is a crucial component of plants maintenance, it may occasionally be annoying.
There are undoubtedly many issues that would be resolved without soil, from ruining your floors to luring bugs and various bacteria indoors.
It is very interesting to explore how plants can live and survive without soil.
In this article below, we will introduce the plants that can be grown without the soil.
What Are The Plants That Grow Without Soil?
Some plants can grow without soil if you’ve ever attempted to propagate them or looked into hydroponic systems.
Species of greenery enjoy being alone in the water. When cultivated with this method, specific plants may only survive a few seasons, while others, when properly cared for, can live for several years.
You may produce new, long-lasting plants for free by taking a clipping from your current one and placing it in a glass with just water and a small amount of fertilizer.
So, the first method of owning the plant without placing it in the soil is to have them in the water.
There is a third way of growing plants without soil. Some plants have the ability to grow and survive without water and without soil. Such aerial plants only get their nutrients from the air. So, now, let’s explore what are the plants that grow without soil.
1. Hydroponics
Plants that grow hydroponically don’t require soil for growth. Such plants are grown in nutrient-rich water solutions.
Unlike conventional gardening, hydroponically produced plants often require less area, consume less water, and produce more.
The hydroponic system is best suited for city people and apartment residents who lack outside planting areas.
2. Orchids
Orchids are a popular option for big festivities like weddings because of their alluring aroma. Furthermore, they make excellent houseplants.
Since most orchids are epiphytes, they tend to grow on other plants. However, they do not have parasitic behavior.
Additionally, the roots of these plants have a spongy membrane covering them that draws water from the surroundings.
Most of the time, orchids work best as indoor plants. They also come in various types of planting media like moss or stones, although they do best when planted on lava rocks.
Once established, the roots are even able to grow and develop on a piece of bark.
3. Pothos
The Pothos, also known as Epiperemnun aureum is one of the most well-liked houseplants and is an excellent choice for water growth.
Anyone who has attempted to grow these leafy vines from seed will understand why. The stems feature a variety of nodes that, when exposed to moisture, can generate roots.
With many leaves on a vine, the roots can support the plant for a long time and grow swiftly in water.
The fact that they grow well in water is not their sole advantage. These beautiful stems make them fantastic décor accents.
Additionally, they don’t care too much about the lighting and may function effectively in low or moderate light.
It is very easy to have your pothos plant grown in the water especially when you have a healthy mother plant.
The only thing you need is to get the long stem cut. Remove bottom leaves to avoid rot and put the stem in the glass of water. If you place several cuttings, the jar will look fuller. Make sure to change the water frequently.
4. Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo is a plant scientifically known as Dracaena sanderiana. The strange fact is that this plant is not bamboo at all. Instead, it is a houseplant that is attractive and well known for being indestructible.
Despite the plant’s potential to flourish in soil, the majority of plant lovers prefer to grow it hydroponically.
To maintain the plant upright, all you need is a jar of water that is at least half an inch deep and some kind of support system such as gravel.
The support system will secure the plant in one place. Make sure the roots are kept submerged in water as well.
5. Spider Plants
Because they perform the majority of the work for you, spider plants are among the easiest houseplants to reproduce. This greenery is also scientifically known as Chlorophytum comosum.
These plants generate plantlets, also known as spiderettes, that may be easily separated from the plant.
Those small sections can be placed in a jar of water. In a few weeks, you will be able to see the roots.
If fed the proper nutrients, spider plants can also remain in the water for a considerable amount of time.
After they are big enough, the spider plant will generate the plantlets in the base. And, ideally, have begun to form roots.
Alternately, you can completely remove the plant’s stem, but that reduces the possibility of another plantlet growing.
To protect the plantlet’s root system, avoid cutting too close to the base.
6. Air Plants
Air Plants thrive in the air, as their name implies, and make excellent houseplants.
There are more than 650 different types of plants, which means there is a wide range of vibrant flowers and foliage.
The air plant’s leaves acquire a rosette structure that enables it to collect water and nutrients from its surroundings.
Finally, you may mount air plants or put them in elegant containers to showcase them like houseplants.
7. Spanish Moss
Spanish moss, scientifically known as Tillandsia Usneoides, invokes romantic images of hot, humid summer days in the south.
This plant typically grows on trees and has drooping, gray-green tendrils. This plant does not need to be submerged either in the soil or in the water.
Additionally, it takes in nutrients and hydration from the surroundings, and with the right care, it may flourish indoors. So, how to care for those unique and beautiful plants that grow without the soil?
Every two weeks, you should treat it with a liquid fertilizer heavy in phosphorus to maintain it healthy as a houseplant.
Furthermore, you’ll have to spray it twice a week with distilled water. Avoid using tap water, because it contains chemicals that may be harmful.
If you want to grow Spanish moss inside, make sure you get it from a reputable vendor.
This is because the plant will almost certainly be infested with tiny insects if you obtain it from the wild.
8. Aechmea
Aechmeas are very beautiful and unique plants that do not require to be submerged in water or soil to grow.
This plant is a grappler to other plants but is not parasitic.
They are tropical plants that belong to the Bromeliad genus and are offered by dealers in nurseries in attractive pots.
Aechmea grows well in both sun and shade and is not frequently attacked by pests.
And what’s so interesting? The plant is simple to maintain and has a vibrant look. As a result, they are typically presented as presents.
Bottom Line
Our nature is amazing. The flora and fauna come in many different forms and sizes. Even though the soil is a major growing medium for plants, some species managed to survive even without it.
For example, hydroponics and air plants have no need for soil at all and can only survive on nutrients received from air and water.
In this article above, we explored plants that grow without soil. The list includes Spider plants, Pothos, Orchids, Aechmea, lucky bamboo, and Spanish moss.
Peride Beradze
Peride is an avid planter, Tour Manager and freelance writer. She is a plant collector who mainly focuses on succulents. She loves studying cultures, traveling and learning new languages.