My grandfather grows it in normal soil and it does fine. Although I can image it would grow more quickly if it were sitting in water.

I have found that in the summer months it will grow happily in Sydney in a broad, shallow bowl of water in full sun, with an inch or two of ordibary garden soil thrown in. I started with a bunch of the leafy stems (kangkong) bought in the city markets and just chucked it in the bowl. But for me there is no advantage in growing my own, the bunches I can buy being both large and cheap.

I have spent a good bit of time in Thailand in the last year and the variety they grow there is different. It has broader, darker green leaves than the one I buy here and seems more tender and tasty, though that could be due to growing conditions rather than variety. You see it grown in quite deep water at edges of canals, or in rural gardens often in a slight depression where the soil is a bit boggy.

It is usually grown in soil in China. I saw a lot of it in farmer's vegetable garden when I visited area near Shanghai last summer.

I believe growing it on dry land results in tougher texture and shorter shoots. The wetter condition is preferred.

jamus_s SA,
Did you try searching the forums first before posting your question? There are different varieties of Ipomoea aquatica. (otcay ) Some are water loving and some are acceptable for land bit "aquatica" is in the name for a reason. Be sure you know what you have.

There are existing threads on this plant which should provide you with insight:

water spinach / ong choy / kangkong / rau muong

how to grow ipomoea aquatica from seed...

I have 4 mid-sized pots with this plant growing for a few months now. The potted plants are in my house garden. Some pots are placed higher than ground level so the plants will grow and overflow downwards. The plants are growing beautifully well when given ample watering plus feeding with dog's poo plus a few cc of urine (all organic). They serve as beautiful green ornamentals in the house garden and supply me with a ready supply of organic edible green as and when I need it. It grows well here in Malaysia.

it grows well in my area.Started indoor under light early March.Planted outdoor second week of May. Sprinkled with triple ten and till the raiesd bed before planting.