Hi, Did anyone grow horsetail (Equisetum) in water container/vase as a houseplant? Please share experience/tips. Thanks

I have never tried it as a houseplant. If I did I would grow it as a bog plant instead of just water. I have it in my cactus garden but it gets really moist in the spring in that area and it is almost invasive under those conditions. But I like the ;prehistoric look of the plant.

Thanks, Cinta. I planted one in a pot (with soil) and placed outside... then I think I killed it (with not enough water). I think I'll try one in hydroball w water inside and see how it goes...

Sounds like a plan. Post the results.

Ok, the horsetail I got from friend maybe sickening a bit due to prolong drying between... Anyway the experiment begin:

I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes/grows!

Oh, how I hope it'll survive!

The good thing is you have it in glass so if you think it is dead and you see roots you will know it is just resting and getting established.


When I first planted it I thought they all died. Then all of a sudden they were popping up everywhere.

Cinta, Why/how did you think they all died? How did they look like when you thought they died? (The one I planted in pot kind of turned into pale white... ) Thanks for sharing.

Yes it turned white and then brown and then nothing but a dead stick laying on the ground.

I forgot about it and planted other things in the area and before the end of summer I they were popping up all over the area even a distance from where I planted.

Hi, Status report: The first batch (x3) I planted in hydrorock with water did not make it (I think). Then I started a new batch (x23?) on July 13 and now after 24 days, some (most?) still don't make it but there are two new growths! So I think at least there are some surviving and doing well. I'll clean up the "gone" ones and continue to observe any development.
July 13:


Aug 7:

How much sun are they getting? I think they like sun.

They only get morning sunlight from east and indirect skylight during the day. I think the roots and water are more critical to this plant...

Do not pull the above dead ones but cut them down to the soil level. I will repeat......I thought they were dead but because they were behind my cactus I did not take them out. The following year they came up like weeds.

It is possible there is root below the stems.

Thanks, Cinta. I know the roots of the 'bad' one could still be there under, but aren't they rot and so cause the plants die? Just curious.

No I do no think the roots is what makes the plant look dead. I think it maybe that they sulk and that is their way of showing they are sulking and the tops die back and the new growth from the roots is what makes the tall sticks.

If you think about it perennials plants die down to the ground and grow back when Spring arrives. When they are happy they grow new sticks when they feel they are secure enough in their new growing conditions. I just would not pull the plants out until you are sure the plant is really dead..

Ok, I'll leave them in there and see how they go...

Interesting plant Fiat..good it is in standing water, but I think it needs much more sun. I see that plant naturally in the wild along streams in full sun. I would move that to the patio area if I were you, but had to make sure water is maintained.