Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I have a couple of plants in vases, but the water seems to start smelling bad after a few weeks. What can I do or what should I put in the water to prevent this from happening?
Growing plants in water needs to be monitored and water to be changed, to clear :)
Water should be changed every few days.
The water usually has to be changed on a regular basis but several things can help prolong that time.
Filtered water helps keep water fresh longer and is much better for your plants as tap water usually has chlorine and salts that are not good for plants.
Grow your plants in dark or opaque containers as these help to keep down algae. Some people add a little charcoal to the water.
Occasionally remove plants and clean containers with a mild solution of bleach water. Use a brush to clean the side and bottom.
Use clean cloths to gently wipe off the 'slime' from your plants before putting back in containers.
Here is a link that has some information about keeping nice smelling plants.
www.gardeningknowhow.com/
I would like to have a vase on my desk with a plant in water. Which plants will grow this way?
By RL from Basking Ridge, NJ
Pothos will do well in water with good filtered light. Google the image, it's a common plant.
Any of the philodendrons will root and grow in water, ivies will as well.
For some foliage colour (if you get a fair amount of sun at that spot) you can try some of the spiderworts, like 'wandering Jew' or 'Moses in the bulrushes'-use the word Tradescantia in your search engine to find images. These do have some flowering but I've never seen them flower whilst in water as the only growing medium.
Be advised most plants like these will develop brittle roots and eventually die; even water lilies want some soil to thrive and flower.
Bamboo does well this way also. In Dallas where I live, attractively-potted bamboo plants with rocks and water are very easy to find at Home Depot, Lowe's, and even grocery stores.
I'm doing a science fair project on how different liquids effect how plants grow. I'm growing radishes, pole bean and peas in orange juice, diet ginger ale, milk, water and diluted vinegar. I need some research on how each liquid can effect my plants. Can you help?
By Tally from Ontario, Canada
Tally,
I typed a search into Google, and this is what came up. Remember to cite your sources!
www.google.com/
I would call your county extension office, maybe they can help you, good luck.
In our area, we have a County Extension Agent who is very knowledgeable about the soil, plants, and so on in our particular area.
The County Extension Office offers a multitude offers of help. They will mail leaflets and brochures to you. Our extension agent will test the soil for you. And advise what should be added to your soil for the particular plants you'd like to grow.
I need to know what steps to take when changing the water that my ivy roots live in? Can I just dump out the old water and put fresh water in the vase my ivy lives in without killing it.
Yes, you can. It's best to use water that has been drawn for about 24 hours. That time gives the chlorine in the water a chance to dissipate.
My Ivy does best doing a dump of about 80% of the water and refilling it with bottled spring water
I've had my indoor ivy plant, which I have grown in water, for a couple of years now without a problem. I trim the roots when they get too long and clean off any algae that may arise from the sunlight.
A couple of days ago I did the same and noticed this thick black "scab" all over the stems. Now my leaves are all turning yellow. Anyone, any ideas on how to solve this issue?
By Franceska Marie McCaughan O.
I think that is a philodendron or a pothos, not an ivy. Usually, they go yellow when they are not getting enough of something: water, light, nutrients. Since you have been growing them in water for so long, have you been adding any plant food to the water? I don't know anything about the black scab but maybe someone else will have some other ideas. Good luck.
Nobody knows anything here. So heres my question. For an aloe Vera cutting, whats my best direction? And whats the best nitrogen for a plant based in water generally?
Some lily bulbs can successfully be grown in a water and stone filled vase. However, if the vase is clear the water may also support algae growth. After cleaning the rocks replant in an opaque or wrapped vase.
