Imagine nurturing a vibrant garden of flowers right in your own home but without worrying about the messy soil. This daydream is possible with hydroponics, the ultimate soilless plant cultivation method.
If you’re down with gardening using hydroponics, this guide is perfect. We’ll share our top picks for the best flowers to grow hydroponically so you can transform your home into a haven of fragrant blossoms.
1. Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.)
| Scientific Name | Phalaenopsis spp. |
| Common Name | Orchid |
| Origin | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Orchidaceae |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Except for Antarctica, orchids are among the most versatile and widely cultivated hydroponic species. They have the unique ability to produce brightly-colored flowers that insects pollinate.
Orchids are epiphytes, meaning they do not have roots in the ground but absorb nutrients from the air and water surrounding them. They can be used as cut flowers, as houseplants or in landscape design.
2. Iris (Iris spp.)
| Scientific Name | Iris spp. |
| Common Name | Iris |
| Origin | Northern Hemisphere |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
Irises come from the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. This flower is inspired by the Greek goddess Iris, which translates as “rainbow,” alluding to the vibrant colors and diverse forms of these enchanting flowers.
Their elegant blooms make them ideal for flower arrangements in homes and offices. Their varied heights and blooming times allow for creative landscaping, adding depth and dimension to garden borders and perennial beds.
3. Amaryllis (Hippeastrum spp.)
| Scientific Name | Hippeastrum spp. |
| Common Name | Amaryllis |
| Origin | South America |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
Amaryllis flowers are known for their trumpet-shaped blooms in various colors, including red, orange, pink, and white. They’re native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America.
Hydroponic systems can be used to grow amaryllis flowers indoors or outdoors. They can be used as cut flowers, houseplants or in landscape design for outdoor gardens.
4. Freesia (Freesia hybrida)
| Scientific Name | Freesia hybrida |
| Common Name | Freesia |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
Freesia is known for its beautiful and fragrant trumpet-shaped flowers. They come in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, white, purple, and pink, with a strong scent of lemon or honey.
Freesias can be grown as cut flowers or houseplants or planted in beds or borders bouquets and other gardening arrangements.
5. Daffodils (Narcissus spp.)
| Scientific Name | Narcissus spp. |
| Common Name | Daffodil |
| Origin | Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
Daffodils are known for their bright yellow flowers, which have a trumpet-shaped corona and emit a strong, sweet fragrance. The name “daffodil” comes from the Greek word “narkissos,” which means “to make numb,” as its sap was once used as a narcotic.
This flower is also associated with the Greek god Narcissus, who was so vain that he fell in love with his reflection in a pool of water. You can use this flower at home or in the garden as a houseplant, cut flower, or border.
6. Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii)
| Scientific Name | Gerbera jamesonii |
| Common Name | Gerbera |
| Origin | South Africa |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Gerberas are native to Africa, Madagascar, and Asia. They’re known for their large, daisy-like flowers, which come in various colors, including red, orange, yellow, pink, white, and purple.
Gerberas are grown all over the world, and they are one of the most popular cut flowers. They can also be grown as houseplants, or they can be planted in beds or borders or used in bouquets and arrangements.
7. Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum spp.)
| Scientific Name | Chrysanthemum spp. |
| Common Name | Chrysanthemum |
| Origin | Asia and Europe |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Chrysanthemums are native to Asia, Europe, and North Africa and are known for their beautiful flowers and long vase life. The name “chrysanthemum” comes from the Greek words “chrysos” (gold) and “anthemon” (flower) since they used to grow in yellow.
Chrysanthemums can be used as houseplants, or they can be planted in beds or borders. They’re also among the most popular cut flowers and sought-after in making bouquet arrangements.
8. Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis)
| Scientific Name | Hyacinthus orientalis |
| Common Name | Hyacinth |
| Origin | Near East |
| Family | Asparagaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
Hyacinths are one of the most fragrant flowers with a sweet scent that can fill a room and linger for days. They’re native to the Mediterranean region, and their name comes from the Greek word “hyakinthos,” which means “bluebell” for its original blue color.
Hydroponic systems provide hyacinths with the nutrients and water they need to grow and flower. They can be grown as houseplants, or they can be planted in beds or borders or used as cut flowers.
9. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)
| Scientific Name | Spathiphyllum spp. |
| Common Name | Peace Lily |
| Origin | Tropical America |
| Family | Araceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Peace lilies are known for their distinctive white spadix, a flower spike surrounded by a white spathe, a modified leaf that resembles a petal. They’re native to tropical rainforests of Central and South America, particularly Colombia and Venezuela.
They exude elegance and grace, making them an excellent choice for adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. They can also be placed under trees or in shaded areas to create a tranquil ambiance in the garden.
10. Tulips (Tulipa spp.)
| Scientific Name | Tulipa spp. |
| Common Name | Tulip |
| Origin | Europe and Asia |
| Family | Liliaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
Tulips stand out for their cup-shaped flowers and sturdy stems, making them ideal cut flowers. They’re native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia, but today, the Netherlands is its major producer.
They add a touch of elegance and vibrancy to bouquets and centerpieces as cut flowers. In gardens, tulips can be planted in beds, borders, or containers, creating stunning displays of color and texture or naturalized grassy areas in the spring.
11. Jonquils (Narcissus jonquilla)
| Scientific Name | Narcissus jonquilla |
| Common Name | Jonquil |
| Origin | Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia |
| Family | Amaryllidaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
Jonquils have trumpet-shaped flowers known for their sweet, spicy scent, often described as citrusy or honey-like. They are native to the Mediterranean region, including Spain, Portugal, and southern France.
Jonquils can be grown as houseplants, planted in beds, borders, or containers, and placed on patios or balconies. They’re also popular cut flowers for bouquets and arrangements.
12. Roses (Rosa spp.)
| Scientific Name | Rosa spp. |
| Common Name | Rose |
| Origin | Asia, Europe, and North America |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
Roses are renowned for their velvety and richly textured cup-shaped flower, often associated with love and passion. They are native to temperate regions across the Northern Hemisphere, with China being its largest producer today.
As cut flowers, roses add a touch of elegance and romance to bouquets and floral arrangements. In gardens, roses can be planted in beds, borders, or containers or even trained to climb walls or trellises, adding a vertical dimension to garden landscapes.
13. Petunias (Petunia hybrida)
| Scientific Name | Petunia hybrida |
| Common Name | Petunia |
| Origin | South America |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
Petunias are renowned for their trumpet-shaped flowers, often ruffled at the edges, and their long blooming season, from spring to late autumn. They are native to South America, but today, the United States, Europe, and Asia are significant producers.
As hanging baskets or container plants, petunias add vibrancy to patios, balconies, and windowsills. They can also be planted in beds, borders, edging plants, or filler flowers in mixed containers, creating stunning carpets of color in gardens.
14. Carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus)
| Scientific Name | Dianthus caryophyllus |
| Common Name | Carnation |
| Origin | Mediterranean region |
| Family | Caryophyllaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Carnations are renowned for their frilly petals, long vase life and sweet fragrance. They are native to the Mediterranean region and widely produced in the Netherlands, Colombia, and Kenya.
Carnations are versatile cut flowers that add elegance and sophistic to bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arrangements. They can also be planted in garden beds, borders, edging plants or filler flowers in mixed containers or containers.
15. Marigold (Tagetes spp.)
| Scientific Name | Tagetes spp. |
| Common Name | Marigold |
| Origin | Americas |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Marigolds are daisy-like flowers with contrasting dark centers known for their pest-repelling properties. They are indigenous to the Americas, but today, Mexico, India, and China are its primary producers.
Marigolds are cut flowers that add a touch of rustic charm and cheer to bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arrangements. They’re popularly planted in beds, borders, or containers as companion plants to deter pests and promote healthy plant growth.
16. Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
| Scientific Name | Lavandula spp. |
| Common Name | Lavender |
| Origin | Mediterranean region |
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Lavender is renowned for its trumpet-shaped flowers, arranged in spikes, and sweet, herbal, and slightly woody aroma. It’s native to the Mediterranean region, and today, its major producers are France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
Lavender is also known for its calming and soothing properties, making it a popular choice for essential oils, potpourri, and aromatherapy diffusers. It can also be planted in beds, borders, or containers to attract beneficial insects.
17. Phlox (Phlox spp.)
| Scientific Name | Phlox spp. |
| Common Name | Phlox |
| Origin | North America and Eurasia |
| Family | Polemoniaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Phlox are star-shaped flowers on tall stems that attract butterflies and other pollinators, adding to their beauty and ecological value. They’re native to North America and Asia and can thrive in meadows, woodlands, and gardens.
Phlox is a versatile flower that adds a touch of elegance and color as a cut flower to bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arrangements. They can also be planted in beds, borders, groundcover or containers, creating stunning displays of color in the garden.
18. Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
| Scientific Name | Dahlia spp. |
| Common Name | Dahlia |
| Origin | Mexico and Central America |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Toxic to pets |
Dahlias are renowned for their colorfully-layered petals and long blooming season, from late summer to autumn. They are native to Mexico and Central America, and today, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Colombia are its major producers.
Dahlias are versatile flowers that add a touch of elegance and drama to bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arrangements. In gardens, dahlias can be planted in beds, borders, accent plants or focal points or containers, creating stunning displays of color.
19. Begonia (Begonia spp.)
| Scientific Name | Begonia spp. |
| Common Name | Begonia |
| Origin | Subtropical and tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and Central and South America |
| Family | Begoniaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Begonias are known for their stunning foliage and vibrant flowers. The name “begonia” originated from Michel Begon, then-governor of Haiti in the 17th century, who sent plant specimens to his botanist grandfather.
Begonias add a touch of tropical elegance and vibrancy to living rooms, bedrooms, and offices. In gardens, begonias can be planted in beds, groundcovers edging plants, or containers, creating stunning displays of color and texture.
20. Snapdragons (Antirrhinum majus)
| Scientific Name | Antirrhinum majus |
| Common Name | Snapdragon, Antirrhinum |
| Origin | Mediterranean region |
| Family | Plantaginaceae |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
Snapdragons are famous for their delicate, tubular flowers that resemble dragon’s mouths snapping shut. They have a long vase life and can attract butterflies and pollinators, making them famous for cut flowers and garden displays.
As cut flowers, snapdragons add a touch of elegance and charm to bouquets, centerpieces, and floral arrangements. They can also be planted in beds, edging plants or filler flowers in containers, creating stunning displays of color.
21. Hoya (Hoya spp.)
| Scientific Name | Hoya spp. |
| Common Name | Hoya, Wax Plant, Porcelain Flower |
| Origin | Southeast Asia and Australia |
| Family | Apocynaceae |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Toxicity | Mildly toxic to pets |
Hoyas are waxy, star-shaped blooms that emit a sweet, fragrant aroma, adding to their captivating appeal. They’re native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Hoyas are also known for their tolerance of low light conditions and ability to thrive as houseplants, adding a touch of tropical elegance and vibrancy to living rooms, bedrooms, and bathrooms.
22. Zinnia (Zinnia elegans)
| Scientific Name | Zinnia elegans |
| Common Name | Zinnia |
| Origin | Mexico |
| Family | Asteraceae |
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Toxicity | Non-toxic |
Zinnias are daisy-like flowers known for their ease of cultivation, making them famous for home gardens and cutting flowers. They’re indigenous to Mexico and Central America and have been cultivated for their ornamental value and use as a natural dye.
Zinnias add a touch of cottage garden charm and long-lasting beauty to indoor and outdoor spaces. Their cheerful flowers will also attract butterflies and other pollinators, enhancing the ecological value of your garden.
