my hypoestes plant

i was given hypoestes plant to observe under a condition we have created by getting rid of all the soil and cleaning the roots, i then submerged the roots in water and started observing it. the plant is currently growing well but its growing laterally which is very unusual. i leave the plant on a window sil the plant doesnt get much light, i change the water twice a week, so far about 10 leaves have fallen off and about 15 new shoots has grown since i have recieved it.