15 Indoor Plants You Can Grow in Jars (Plus Tips to Help Them Thrive)
House plants are a great way to add some greenery to your living space. If you’re tight on the room or just enjoy seeing plants in cool containers, growing them in jars can be both useful and trendy. Check out these 15 indoor plants that do well in jars, plus key tips to help them thrive in your home.
🌱 Happy gardening 🌱
1. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Devil’s Ivy, which people also call Pothos, stands out as one of the easiest houseplants to grow. Its vines trail down with heart-shaped leaves making it look great in jar plantings. You can grow Pothos in water or soil, which gives you lots of options.
Tips for Success
- Light: Pothos prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions.
- Water: If growing in water, change the water every two weeks to prevent stagnation. In soil, water when the top inch is dry.
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants are a breeze to grow and well-known for their curved leaves and baby offshoots, or “siderites,” that hang from the main plant. You can grow these offshoots in jars filled with water, which makes them a great choice for jar gardening.
Tips for Success
- Light: Place your spider plant in bright, indirect light for optimal growth.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. If it is growing in water, refresh it every week.
- Humidity: Mist the leaves regularly, especially in dry indoor environments.
3. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
English Ivy is a classic choice for adding a touch of elegance to your indoor spaces. Its trailing vines look stunning cascading from a jar, and it can grow well in both water and soil.
Tips for Success
- Light: Ivy thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light.
- Water: Ensure your jar has drainage if using soil. Water when the top inch of soil is dry.
- Pruning: Regularly trim the vines to promote bushier growth and prevent legginess.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies catch people’s eye with their pretty white blooms and have the power to clean the air. They can grow in dim spots and don’t need much fuss, which makes them a great choice to grow in jars.
Tips for Success
- Light: Peace Lilies do well in low to medium light conditions.
- Water: If grown in water, change the water weekly. In soil, water when the top inch feels dry.
- Humidity: Increase humidity by misting the leaves or placing the jar on a pebble tray.
5. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky Bamboo isn’t technically bamboo, but it’s an easy-to-grow plant that’s often grown in water. It’s known for bringing good luck and adding a Zen-like feel to your home.
Tips for Success
- Light: Place in bright, indirect light to prevent the leaves from turning yellow.
- Water: Use filtered or distilled water to avoid chlorine or fluoride damage. Change the water every two weeks.
- Feng Shui: Arrange the bamboo stalks in groups of three for health, happiness, and prosperity.
6. Mint (Mentha)
Mint is not only a fragrant herb but also a great plant for jar growing, especially if you love cooking with fresh herbs. Its rapid growth and pleasant aroma make it a kitchen favorite.
Tips for Success
- Light: Mint thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Water: Keep the soil moist, but ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Pruning: Regularly pinch off leaves to encourage bushier growth and prevent flowering, which can reduce the flavor of the leaves.
7. Philodendron (Philodendron hederaceum)
Philodendrons are a favorite among indoor gardeners due to their heart-shaped leaves and adaptability. They’re perfect for jar growing and can flourish in both soil and water environments.
Tips for Success
- Light: Bright, indirect light is best, but Philodendrons can tolerate low light.
- Water: Change the water weekly if grown hydroponically. For soil, water when the top inch is dry.
- Support: Use a small stake or trellis in the jar if you want to encourage vertical growth.
8. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Basil is a must-have for any home chef, and it grows well in jars. Keeping a basil plant on your kitchen windowsill ensures that fresh herbs are always within reach.
Tips for Success
- Light: Basil loves bright, direct sunlight, so place it in a sunny window.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- Harvesting: Regularly pinch off the top leaves to promote new growth and prevent flowering.
9. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants are succulents with thick, fleshy leaves that store water, making them easy to care for. They’re an excellent choice for jar planting, especially if you prefer a plant that requires minimal watering.
Tips for Success
- Light: Place in bright, indirect sunlight.
- Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix, and consider adding gravel to the bottom of the jar for extra drainage.
10. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)
Aloe Vera is not only a beautiful succulent but also a handy plant to have around for its medicinal properties. It grows well in jars and can thrive with minimal care.
Tips for Success
- Light: Aloe Vera needs bright, indirect light. A sunny windowsill is perfect.
- Water: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Uses: Cut the leaves open to use the gel inside as a natural remedy for burns and skin irritations.
11. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
Rosemary is a fragrant herb that adds flavor to your dishes and a lovely scent to your home. It grows well in jars, especially when placed in a bright, sunny spot.
Tips for Success
- Light: Rosemary requires plenty of direct sunlight to thrive.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot.
- Pruning: Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth and prevent the plant from becoming too woody.
12. Lavender (Lavandula)
Lavender is cherished for its beautiful purple flowers and calming fragrance. Growing lavender in jars allows you to enjoy its scent indoors, making it a great choice for bedrooms or living rooms.
Tips for Success:
- Light: Lavender needs full sunlight, so place it in the sunniest spot available.
- Water: Water sparingly, as lavender prefers dry soil. Ensure the jar has excellent drainage.
- Maintenance: Prune back the stems after flowering to encourage new growth and maintain a compact shape.
13. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chinese Evergreen is known for its lush foliage and ease of care. It’s a great choice for jar planting, especially if you’re looking for a plant that can tolerate low light and infrequent watering.
Tips for Success
- Light: Chinese Evergreen thrives in low to medium light conditions.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry, and reduce watering in the winter.
- Humidity: Increase humidity by misting the leaves or placing the jar on a tray filled with pebbles and water.
14. Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Sage is a versatile herb that’s easy to grow indoors. It’s perfect for jar gardening, especially in kitchens where you can easily access it for cooking.
Tips for Success
- Light: Sage needs full sun to thrive, so place it in a bright spot.
- Water: Allow the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
- Harvesting: Regularly snip the leaves to encourage bushier growth and prolong the plant’s life.
15. Succulents
Succulents come in many varieties, and many of them can be grown successfully in jars. They are perfect for those who prefer low-maintenance plants that still provide a stylish look.
Tips for Success
- Light: Succulents need bright, indirect light to thrive.
- Water: Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix, and consider adding pebbles to the bottom of the jar for better drainage.
General Tips for Growing Plants in Jars:
- Choose the Right Jar: Selecting the correct jar size is crucial for your plant’s health. Ensure the jar provides enough space for root growth, and consider using jars with drainage holes or adding a layer of pebbles to the bottom to improve drainage.
- Light Conditions: Most indoor plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight. Place your jars in locations where the plants can receive sufficient light without being exposed to the harsh rays that can scorch their leaves.
- Watering: Be cautious with watering, especially for plants in jars without drainage holes. Overwatering can lead to root rot, a common problem in enclosed containers. Check the moisture level of the soil regularly