While cleaning a vase, you suddenly wondered: if water-cultivated pothos can survive, can succulents grow in water? Previously, when you soaked fallen succulent leaves in water, they actually grew roots, but when you submerged the entire succulent in water, it rotted — the relationship between succulents and water is truly enigmatic. In fact, just as some plants are naturally suited to aquatic environments while others can only thrive in soil, whether succulents can grow in water depends on the variety and method. Today, we’ll uncover the secrets of succulent hydroponics, revealing which succulents can survive in water and how to perform hydroponics properly. 

Succulents and Hydroponics: Survival Attempts in Special Environments

Hydroponics is an “unconventional” growth method for succulents. Soil provides support and aeration for root systems, while in hydroponics, roots are completely submerged or in contact with water, requiring higher oxygen levels. Some succulents can adapt to aquatic environments by adjusting their root structures (growing aerial roots), while others cannot adapt and may develop root rot due to oxygen deficiency. Therefore, whether succulents can grow in water depends on whether their root systems can be induced to adapt to hydroponic conditions.

These succulents “can grow in water” and can also survive in hydroponics.   

Succulents that are easy to grow in hydroponics: strong root adaptability.  

• Representative varieties: Crassula, Winter Beauty, Purple Pearl, Jade Tree, and other Crassulaceae succulents, as well as Pothos (though not a succulent, it is often mistaken for one). The roots of these succulents can quickly develop aerial roots in water to absorb oxygen and moisture.  
  
• Hydroponic performance: After hydroponic cultivation, new white roots will grow within 1-2 weeks, and the leaves remain plump. Although growth is slower than in soil cultivation, they can survive long-term; under adequate light, the leaf color also remains vibrant. 
  
• Hydroponic recommendations: Use a transparent glass bottle or The One Bloom's specialized hydroponic container (with a stand at the bottom so the root system is not fully submerged), allowing half of the root system to be in contact with water and half exposed to air (to increase oxygen absorption); place in diffused light and avoid direct sunlight, which can cause water temperature to rise. 
  

 Leaf Cutting Hydroponics: An Attempt from Leaf to Mature Plant 

• Representative varieties: The leaves of Lun Yu and Dong Meiren have a high success rate for hydroponic leaf cuttings.
  
• Method: Place a healthy leaf on the water surface (without touching the water) or allow the base of the leaf to touch the water surface lightly. Place it in a well-ventilated area with diffused light. After 2–3 weeks, roots will form at the base. Once the roots extend into the water, the leaf will gradually sprout new buds. 
  
• Notes: After the leaf roots form, maintain a stable water level with half of the roots submerged; once the new shoots grow larger, they can continue in hydroponics or be transplanted into soil.

These succulents are “not suitable for hydroponics”; soil cultivation is safer. 

Haworthia: Roots rot easily in water. 

• Representative varieties: Jade Dew, Haworthia maughanii, Haworthia truncata, etc. Their root systems are fragile and cannot obtain sufficient oxygen in water, making them prone to rot. 
  
• Hydroponic risks: Within 3–5 days of hydroponic cultivation, leaves become soft, roots turn black, and even reducing water levels cannot reverse the damage, ultimately leading to the entire plant wilting. 
  
• Recommendations: Only soil cultivation is suitable, with a high proportion of coarse soil particles (over 60%) to prevent waterlogging in the pot.

Succulents with fuzzy or thick leaves: Prone to rot in hydroponic cultivation 

• Representative varieties: Bear Cub, Graptopetalum amethystinum (Rose)Walther, Echeveria Laui with fuzzy or thick leaves. If leaves come into contact with water during hydroponic cultivation, they are prone to rot; the root system also struggles to adapt to the aquatic environment. 
  
• Hydroponic risks: Leaves mold when wet, roots rot due to oxygen deprivation, and survival rates are extremely low. 
  
• Recommendations: Strictly use soil cultivation, avoid wetting leaves when watering, and keep the soil slightly.

Detailed Steps for Hydroponic Cultivation of Succulents: From Preparation to Maintenance

Step 1: Prepare Hydroponic Containers and Tools

• Containers: Transparent glass bottles (for easy observation of root systems) and hydroponic pots (with planting baskets). Containers should be washed with clean water in advance to avoid contamination of water quality by residual impurities. 
  
• Water Quality: Use tap water that has been left to stand for 1-2 days (to remove chlorine), or purified water, or cooled boiled water. Avoid using tap water directly. 
  
• Tools: Scissors (for trimming roots), fungicide (for disinfection), planting basket (to secure the plant, optional). 
  

Step 2: Prepare the Plant and Induce Hydroponic Roots 

• Selecting plants: Choose healthy, pest-free succulents. After removing them from the pot, gently shake off the soil and rinse the roots with clean water (do not scrub vigorously).  
  
• Pruning and disinfecting roots: Trim off rotten or aged roots, retaining healthy white roots. Soak the roots in a multi-fungicide solution for 10 minutes, then remove and air-dry for 1-2 days (to allow wounds to heal). 

Step 3: Secure the plant and control the water level 

• Secure: Place the succulent in a container and secure it with a planting basket or foam board (to prevent the plant from tipping over). Ensure that half of the root system is submerged in water and half is exposed to air (a critical step determining the success of hydroponic cultivation). 
  
• Initial care: Place in a well-ventilated area with diffused light. Do not change the water for the first 3 days to allow the roots to acclimate to the environment. After 3 days, if the water remains clear, it can be retained; if it becomes cloudy, replace with fresh water. 

Step 4: Post-hydroponic care 

• Water change frequency: Change water once a week in summer, and every 2-3 weeks in winter. Rinse the inner walls of the container during water changes to prevent algae growth; retain 1/3 of the old water each time to help the roots adapt to the water quality. 
  
• Light management: Place on an east- or west-facing windowsill to receive 2-3 hours of diffused light daily, avoiding direct sunlight (excessively high water temperatures can cause root oxygen deprivation). 
  
• Fertilization: Nutrient levels in hydroponic systems are limited. Apply 1-2 drops of The One Bloom hydroponic-specific nutrient solution (diluted) monthly to prevent water quality deterioration from over-fertilization.

Common Issues and Solutions for Hydroponic Succulents 

Blackened or Rotten Roots 

• Cause: Roots are completely submerged in water (oxygen deprivation) or water quality deteriorates due to infrequent water changes. 
  
• Solution: Immediately remove the plant, trim off the rotten roots, disinfect with fungicide, let dry for 1 day, replace with fresh water, and adjust the water level (roots should be half-submerged in water); thoroughly clean and disinfect the container.

Yellowing and Wilting Leaves 

• Cause: Insufficient light (preventing photosynthesis) or water temperature below 10°C. 
  
• Solution: Move to a location with more diffused light (e.g., near a window); maintain water temperature above 15°C in winter (place indoors in a warm area, avoiding proximity to cold water sources). 

Cloudy water and algae growth 

• Causes: Direct sunlight causes algae proliferation, or excessive fertilization. 
  
• Solution: Move to a shaded area, replace the water, and clean the container; reduce fertilization to avoid nutrient solution residue

Hydroponics vs. Soil Cultivation: Which is Better for Succulents?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Hydroponics

• Advantages: Clean and tidy, allows observation of root growth, suitable for indoor decoration; easy watering, no need to worry about soil compaction. 
  
• Disadvantages: Slow growth rate, roots prone to oxygen deficiency and rot, high requirements for plant varieties, and prolonged hydroponics may weaken the plant. 
  

Advantages and Disadvantages of Soil Cultivation 

• Advantages: Roots receive ample oxygen, fast growth rate, are suitable for most succulents, are easy to manage, and high survival rate. 
  
• Disadvantages: May have soil dust, and improper watering can cause root rot (but easier to control than hydroponics). 

Recommendations 

Beginners should prioritize soil cultivation and use The One Bloom's succulent-specific soil for higher survival rates. If you want to try hydroponics, start with easy-to-cultivate varieties such as Lun Yu and Dong Mei Ren, and then try other varieties after gaining experience. 

Try hydroponics to experience a different kind of care and fun 

Hydroponic succulents are an interesting experiment. Watching the roots spread out in water and the leaves come alive under the sun is a unique experience. The One Bloom's “Hydroponic Succulent Kit” (including easy-to-grow hydroponic varieties, containers, and nutrient solution) is perfect for beginners, priced at 20-25 USD. However, remember that most succulents are better suited for soil cultivation. Hydroponics is merely an aesthetic method and not the optimal choice for long-term growth. Whether cultivated in soil or water, understanding the needs of succulents will ensure their healthy growth. Choose a Lunar Moon today and begin your hydroponic journey!