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Arum lilies can grow in water, and they actually thrive when grown this way.
If you’ve been wondering if arum lilies can grow in water, the answer is a confident yes, as long as you provide the right conditions.
Arum lilies are semi-aquatic plants in their natural habitat, often found growing along stream banks and in marshy soils where their roots stay consistently wet.
This means you can absolutely grow arum lilies in water alone, whether in a decorative vase, a water garden, or even a hydroponic setup.
In this post, we’ll dig into exactly how arum lilies can grow in water, the best methods to make it work, and some important care tips to keep your plant happy.
Let’s get those roots wet and explore everything you need to know.
Why Arum Lilies Can Grow In Water
Arum lilies can grow in water because they’re naturally adapted to wet, boggy environments.
Their roots are designed to absorb oxygen and nutrients even when submerged, which isn’t true for all plants.
Most houseplants would quickly develop root rot if you left them sitting in water, but arum lilies have a built-in tolerance for these conditions.
Let’s break down the specific reasons why growing arum lilies in water is not only possible but often preferred by many gardeners.
1. They’re Native to Wetland Areas
Arum lilies originate from southern Africa, where they naturally grow in marshes, along riverbanks, and in other waterlogged locations.
Because they evolved in these soggy conditions, arum lilies can grow in water without any issues.
Their roots are perfectly happy being constantly submerged, and they actually seem to prefer consistently moist feet over dry soil.
This natural adaptation makes them one of the easier flowering plants to transition into a water-only growing setup.
2. Their Roots Can Survive Submersion
Unlike many plants that need oxygen pockets in soil, arum lilies have fleshy, rhizomatous roots that can handle water.
These roots aren’t overly sensitive to staying wet, and they can absorb dissolved oxygen directly from the water.
So yes, arum lilies can grow in water because their root system is built for it.
If you’ve ever seen them in a pond or a rain garden, you’ll notice they send up strong, healthy foliage even when their base is fully underwater.
3. They’re Quite Adaptable to Hydroponics
Hydroponic growers often experiment with different plants, and arum lilies are a fantastic candidate for this method.
When you grow arum lilies in water with a nutrient solution, they respond beautifully.
Their roots will weave through the water, taking up mineral nutrients directly without soil as a middleman.
This is why arum lilies can grow in water with just a bit of fertilizer added, producing vibrant blooms and lush green leaves.
How to Grow Arum Lilies In Water Successfully
So you know arum lilies can grow in water, but how exactly do you do it?
It’s not as simple as just dumping a plant into a glass of tap water and hoping for the best.
You’ll need to set things up properly so the plant gets enough support and nutrition.
Here are the steps to help arum lilies grow in water like a pro.
1. Choose the Right Container
The container matters more than you might think when growing arum lilies in water.
Pick a vase or jar that’s tall enough to support the stems and heavy enough not to tip over.
A clear glass container is nice because you can watch the roots develop, but an opaque one works too.
Make sure the opening is wide enough to allow airflow, as stagnant, sealed environments aren’t great for the plant.
2. Use Clean, Room-Temperature Water
Arum lilies can grow in water, but they’re picky about water quality.
Fill your container with filtered or distilled water at room temperature to avoid shocking the roots with cold temperatures or chlorine.
Tap water is okay if you let it sit for 24 hours to let the chlorine evaporate.
You’ll also want to change the water every few days to prevent bacteria and algae from building up.
3. Add a Balanced Liquid Fertilizer
Since there’s no soil to provide nutrients, you’ll need to feed your arum lilies growing in water.
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every couple of weeks during the growing season.
This gives them the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium they need to produce those iconic white blooms.
Without fertilizer, arum lilies can grow in water but they might look a bit pale and produce fewer flowers.
Common Mistakes When Growing Arum Lilies In Water
Even though arum lilies can grow in water, there are a few pitfalls you’ll want to avoid.
Getting these things wrong can mean the difference between a thriving plant and a sad, mushy mess.
Let’s cover what not to do so your water-grown arums stay strong.
1. Letting the Water Go Stale
Stagnant water is the enemy here.
While arum lilies can grow in water, they don’t like sitting in dirty, oxygen-deprived liquid for weeks.
Without regular water changes, the roots can start to rot and develop a foul smell.
Aim to swap out the water every three to five days and rinse the roots gently during the change.
2. Submerging the Leaves or Crown
Here’s a big one: only the roots and lower rhizome should sit in the water.
If you submerge the crown or leaves, they can rot quickly because they aren’t designed to be underwater.
Keep the water level low enough that the top of the rhizome stays just at the surface, not fully submerged.
This ensures arum lilies can grow in water while still keeping their foliage dry and healthy.
3. Exposing Them to Cold Drafts
Warmth is important for arum lilies growing in water.
They prefer temperatures between 60°F and 75°F, so avoid placing your vase near drafty windows or AC vents.
Cold water will slow down their growth and might cause the leaves to yellow.
Keep them in a bright spot with indirect sunlight, and they’ll reward you with steady growth.
Care Tips for Long-Term Success
If you want your arum lilies to keep growing in water for months or even years, a little extra care goes a long way.
Here are some advanced tips to keep everything running smoothly.
1. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Arum lilies love light, but direct scorching sun can burn their leaves when growing in water.
Place your container near a window with filtered sunlight or in a room that gets plenty of bright, indirect light.
This will encourage strong leaf growth and more frequent flowering.
2. Give Them a Dormancy Period
Did you know that arum lilies can grow in water year-round, but they appreciate a rest?
During the winter, you can reduce fertilizing and let the plant slow down.
Some growers even stop watering entirely for a month, allowing the foliage to die back before starting again in spring.
This dormancy mimics their natural seasonal cycle and can lead to more vigorous regrowth.
So, Can Arum Lily Grow In Water?
Arum lily can grow in water, and it does so beautifully when given the right care.
Whether you’re using a simple vase on your windowsill or a full hydroponic system, these plants adapt well to a soil-free life.
Just remember to keep the water clean, add nutrients, and avoid submerging the crown.
With those basics down, you can enjoy elegant blossoms and glossy leaves from your water-grown arum lily.
Hope this post has helped you understand exactly why arum lilies can grow in water and how to set yours up for success.
Now go grab a container, fill it with fresh water, and watch your arum lily thrive.