Gardening has become easier with new inventions.  

Even if you don’t have green hands or simply hate getting muddy, growing plants in water will solve all your problems.

According to Leonard Muzahura, a gardener, you are guaranteed both day and night bloom scents with water plants inside your house.

“Hydroponic farming is simple. With water, fertilizers, a planter and plant of your choice, you can achieve an indoor garden and bring a Mother-Nature feel into your home,” he notes.

Favourable water plants 

Lilian Katiso, an accounting gardener, says you can plant herbs, spices and ornamental plants in water to enhance the beauty of your home.

However, she notes that many water plants, which include creepers, hanging and rooted varieties, are delicate. They need special attention and handling to flourish.

The most popular types that are easy to maintain include; lucky bamboo, money plants, spider plants, wondering view, among others.

“They are air purifiers, pest-resistant, don’t need watering and can remain lush for a long period of time,” she explains.

How to plant

According to Katiso, if you love plants but are hesitant to get your hands dirty, water plants are the ideal choice because no soil is involved.

Plant in any container that can hold water, save for metallic containers that corrode when they react with fertilizers, causing plant damage. 

You can plant in a plastic, glass bottle or any other container of your choice.

On the other hand, Katiso advises that dark or opaque containers help to prevent algae formation, but for one who wants to pull out the visual appeal with visible roots, a transparent planter is recommended.

However, when algae occur, change the water every after two weeks while adding fertilizers.

“Before planting, mix the water with fertilizers in amounts recommended by the expert,” says Muzahura, adding that a fertilized solution is a mixture of nutrients like potassium and others dissolved in water.

Wash all the soil off the roots and remove the decayed leaves and stems from the plant.

“If you decide to plant with gravel, sand, pebbles or beads, fill the container with three-quarters of that planting material before adding water and the plant,” he advises.     

 It’s also important to add small pieces of charcoal as it helps to keep the water clean and clear.

The cost

 According to Katiso, water plants cost Sh30,000 without stones and Sh40,000 with stones in a half glass. A full glass of stones with a plant costs Sh45,000.