Ask the Expert: Grown in water with pebbles
Can Dragon trees/plants be grown in water with pebbles? If not, what plants can be grown in water with pebbles besides “lucky bamboo”? I would really appreciate your help!! Ains

Reply:
Ains,

Dragon trees (Dracaena marginata) is not one that I would grow in water. My suggestion is to use one of these four plants:

Equisetum hyemale – Horsetail
Juncus effusus spiralis – Corkscrew Rush
Lysimachia nummularia – Creeping Jenny
Acornus gramineus – Sweet flag

Horsetail

You should be able to plant these the same way you would lucky bamboo. My favorite is the horsetail because it texture, color and up right growth pattern. Horsetail is very versatile and can be used as a cut foliage as well as a potted plant or a landscaping plant.

This photo of Equisetum hyemale was provide by Dr. Amadej Trnkoczy through CalPhotos.

See what I mean about the texture and color. Horsetail is a very interesting plant. My aunt uses it at the edge of her pond and I love the unique element it give to the landscaping.

Corkscrew Rush

The next three images come from Ball Horticulture.

I have grown the Corkscrew Rush as a potted plant but not as a bog plant. However, I have known other who have and they like the curly yet smooth texture of the leaves.

Creeping Jenny

Creeping Jenny is another very versatile plant. My aunt with the pond uses it as a cascading plant at the top of the waterfall. Part of the plant grows in the water and part in the soil.

Sweet Flag

Sweet flag is another plant that my aunt uses along the edge of her pond in the shadier areas. It seems to like the water; but of all the plants, I find this one the least interesting. However, it will give you the fullest look.

Any one of these plants could be used in the same fashion as lucky bamboo. Your choice will depend on the texture, color and growth pattern you prefer. Some local flower shops and most nursery garden center will carry these plant varieties. Our nursery carries all of them and we usually sell the Horsetail as a water plant. Good luck and keep me posted. I’m excited to see which one you choose. Send me a picture when you make your choice and I’ll post it.