🌱 13 Plants In Glass Jars

Okay, fellow plant fanatics and aspiring green thumbs, let’s chat. You know that feeling when your plant collection is taking over every flat surface, and you’re starting to wonder if you accidentally moved into a jungle instead of a studio apartment? Been there, done that. But what if I told you there’s a super chic, low-maintenance way to keep expanding your leafy empire without sacrificing your sanity or your minimalist aesthetic? Enter the glorious, often underestimated, world of plants in glass jars. It’s basically plant parenting on easy mode, and honestly, who doesn’t love a good shortcut to looking effortlessly cool?

Forget those fancy, expensive pots. We’re talking about repurposing that old pickle jar, the forgotten vase, or even that fancy candle holder once the wax is gone. It’s sustainable, it’s stylish, and it makes you look like a botanical wizard. Plus, watching roots grow in clear water is surprisingly mesmerizing. It’s like a tiny, living science experiment you don’t have to get a bad grade in. Ready to dive into the coolest, most low-key plant trend that keeps on giving? Let’s get these beauties bottled up.

1. Pothos

Ah, the OG of easy-care plants. Pothos is practically begging to be chopped and dropped into a jar of water. Its vining nature means you can let it trail elegantly, or snip off bits to start a whole new collection.

Just grab a cutting with a few nodes (those little bumps where leaves and roots emerge), stick it in some water, and patiently wait. You’ll see roots in no time, usually a couple of weeks. Pro tip: Change the water every week or so to keep it fresh and prevent any weird algae situations. It thrives on neglect, which is perfect for those of us who sometimes forget which day it is.

2. Spider Plant

Got “spiderettes” dangling off your mature spider plant? Congrats, you’ve hit the jackpot! These little plant babies are perfectly primed for a jar life.

Simply snip them off their parent plant (they’ll usually have tiny nubs of roots already), pop them into a small jar of water, and watch them flourish. They’re super resilient and make adorable miniature displays. Pro tip: If you’re feeling fancy, give them a cute vintage jar for extra charm. They’ll appreciate the upgrade, we promise.

3. Lucky Bamboo

Is it even a “plants in water” list without Lucky Bamboo? This iconic plant practically invented the genre. It’s all about good vibes and minimal effort.

You can find these guys just about anywhere, usually already in water. Just keep their roots submerged, and they’ll happily hang out for ages. Pro tip: Use distilled or filtered water to avoid mineral buildup, which can make them grumpy. Changing the water every few weeks keeps it sparkling clean.

4. Philodendron

Like its cousin Pothos, many Philodendron varieties are total champs when it comes to water propagation and display. Their heart-shaped leaves add a lovely touch of romance to any space.

Take a cutting with a node, submerge it in water, and watch the magic happen. They’re quick to root and look fantastic trailing from a shelf or sitting on a desk. Pro tip: Try a ‘Brasil’ variety for some variegated flair; the splash of yellow-green adds instant pizzazz.

5. Herbs

Who said your kitchen couldn’t have a little homegrown freshness without the dirt? Basil, mint, rosemary, and even oregano are fantastic candidates for water propagation.

Snip a few sprigs, place them in water on your kitchen windowsill, and you’ll have fresh herbs ready for your next culinary masterpiece. Plus, they smell amazing. Pro tip: Basil is super fast to root, so it’s a great one to start with if you’re impatient (like us). Just make sure to harvest from the top to encourage bushier growth.

6. Succulent Cuttings

Okay, this one’s a little different, but totally doable for propagation. While full succulents don’t love sitting in water, their cuttings are a different story for rooting purposes.

After letting your succulent cutting “callus over” for a few days (this prevents rot), you can suspend its base just above the water level in a jar, or even just barely touching the water. The humidity will encourage root growth. Pro tip: Use a narrow-mouthed jar or cover the top with cling film and poke a hole to support the cutting, ensuring only the very bottom touches the water. Patience is your best friend here.

7. Ferns (Miniature Terrarium Style)

While most ferns aren’t going to live in a jar of water indefinitely, you can create stunning miniature terrariums for them in closed glass jars. Think tiny, self-contained ecosystems.

Layer pebbles for drainage, a thin layer of charcoal, then terrarium soil. Plant a small fern (like a ‘Button Fern’ or ‘Maidenhair’), mist it well, and seal the jar. It creates its own humid environment. Pro tip: Choose a jar with a lid to keep the humidity high, which ferns absolutely adore. Just open it occasionally for a little air circulation.

8. Moss

Want to create a miniature forest floor? Moss is your guy. It’s incredibly versatile and creates an instant sense of serene nature in a jar.

You can collect moss from your yard (if it’s pesticide-free) or buy it. Layer it over some pebbles and a thin layer of soil in a jar, mist it frequently, and keep it covered. It’s like a tiny, emerald landscape. Pro tip: A wide-mouthed jar works best for arranging your mossy masterpiece. Give it plenty of indirect light and occasional misting to keep it vibrant.

9. Air Plants (Tillandsia)

Alright, so air plants don’t live IN water, but a clear glass jar makes an awesome display for them. It’s a chic way to show off their unique forms.

Simply place your air plant inside a jar – no water, no soil required! They absorb moisture from the air and need occasional soaking. Pro tip: Give them a good 20-30 minute soak in water once a week, then let them dry completely upside down before returning them to their jar. This prevents rot and keeps them happy.

10. Begonia Cuttings

Many Begonia varieties, especially the cane and rhizomatous types, root beautifully in water. Their striking foliage makes for a vibrant display.

Take a stem cutting with a few leaves, remove the bottom leaves, and place it in water. You’ll often see roots forming quite quickly, followed by new leaf growth. Pro tip: Rex Begonias are stunning, but a bit fussier. Try a simpler cane begonia like ‘Angel Wing’ for an easier win.

11. Coleus

If you’re looking for an explosion of color, Coleus is your plant. Their vibrant, patterned leaves are absolutely gorgeous, and they root like nobody’s business in water.

Snip a stem, remove the lower leaves, and pop it into a jar of water. Within days, you’ll see roots, and you can enjoy their flamboyant foliage for weeks. Pro tip: Pinch off any flower buds that form; this encourages the plant to put energy into growing more leaves, keeping it bushier and more colorful.

12. African Violet Leaf Cuttings

Feeling a bit more adventurous? You can grow an entirely new African Violet from just a single leaf! It’s a super rewarding, albeit slightly slower, process.

Cut a healthy leaf with about an inch of stem attached, place the stem into water, ensuring the leaf itself stays dry. Roots will form, and eventually, tiny plantlets will emerge from the base of the stem. Pro tip: Use a small, narrow-necked bottle to keep the leaf blade out of the water. Patience is key, but the payoff is adorable tiny violets.

13. Small Fittonia (Nerve Plant)

These little drama queens love humidity, and a glass jar is basically their personal spa. Their intricate, veined leaves are truly captivating.

A small Fittonia can live quite happily in a closed terrarium-style jar, or even a cutting can root in water. They thrive in consistent moisture and high humidity, which the jar provides perfectly. Pro tip: If creating a sealed terrarium, make sure the Fittonia isn’t touching the sides of the jar to prevent rot. Mist occasionally if it looks a little parched.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! Thirteen ridiculously easy, ridiculously stylish ways to bring more green into your life using nothing but a plant and a glass jar. Whether you’re propagating, creating a mini ecosystem, or just showing off some cool roots, this trend is a winner. It’s low commitment, high reward, and makes you look like a total plant guru without actually having to get your hands dirty. Go forth and get jarring; your inner plant parent (and your home décor) will thank you!