Propagating and Growing Pothos in Water

If you don’t want to deal with the mess of soil, thenGrowing Pothos in Water is the best way to have this versatile houseplant.

Yes! Propagating & Growing Pothos in Water is possible! Discover the simple and rewarding method of growing lush Pothos plants in water.

Why Grow Pothos in Water

Growing Pothos in water is an excellent option for those who may not have access to outdoor garden spaces or have limited indoor space. It allows you to enjoy the beauty and benefits of having plants without the need for soil or pots.

Pothos plants grown in water tend to exhibit vigorous growth and lush foliage. Water provides a consistent and readily available supply of moisture and nutrients, which can promote healthy root development and plant vitality.

Water propagation also provides a clear view of root development, allowing you to witness the growth process firsthand.

How to Propagate Pothos in Water

This is an easy method to propagate pothos in water, making it an ideal option for both beginners and seasoned indoor gardeners. Follow the steps below. 

• Select a healthy Pothos plant and identify a stem to propagate. Look for a stem with at least two or three leaves.
• Using clean scissors or gardening shears, make a clean cut just below a node (the point where a leaf emerges from the stem).
• Fill a clean glass or jar with room-temperature water. Make sure the water level is sufficient to cover the nodes but doesn’t submerge the leaves.
• Place the Pothos cutting into the water, ensuring that the nodes are fully submerged.
• Find a suitable location with bright, indirect light for your Pothos cutting. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves.
• Change the water every 1-2 weeks to prevent stagnation and maintain its freshness.
• Monitor the cutting regularly, and within a few weeks, you should start seeing tiny roots emerging from the nodes.

Once the roots reach a length of 1-2 inches, you can transplant the Pothos cutting into a pot with well-draining soil, or you can continue to grow it in water if desired.

Note: Remember to be patient when you propagate pothos in water, as the rooting process can take several weeks. With proper care and attention, you’ll soon witness growing pothos in water. 

Learn how to propagate pothos in the soil here!

How to Grow Pothos in Water

Things You’ll Need

• Healthy Pothos plant with at least one stem to propagate.
• Clean scissors or gardening shears for making the cuttings.
• A clear glass jar, bottle, or vase
• Water (preferably one at room-temperature)
• All-purpose fertilizer (Optional)

Have a look at the best pothos varieties you can grow here

Steps for Growing Pothos in Water

1. Selecting a Suitable Container: Choose a clear glass jar. Transparent ones are ideal to start with to check the root development. After that, you can also use a dark color vase or jar that will obstruct some light and reduce the growth of algae.
2. Fill the Jar with Clean Water: Fill the jar with clean water. You can use tap water! Usually, the plant can do well in it. However, if the tap water contains chlorine, then allow the water to sit for 12 hours to evaporate the chlorine before filling it into a jar.
3. Add Fertilizer for Growth: Before propagating the plant in a jar, add a 1/6 to 1/4 strength balanced fertilizer into the jar. This will induce growth and encourage the plant to grow. You can choose to skip this step, but we recommend doing it as the fertilizer will promote healthy plant growth!
4. Prepare and Place the Pothos Cutting: Now select a healthy Pothos plant and identify a stem to propagate. Make a clean cut just below a node using clean scissors or gardening shears. Now sink the cut end of cutting in the jar; if there are lower leaves, remove them.
5. Monitor Root Development: Make sure that nodes are submerged in water. Place the pothos growing in water in a favorable location and change the water every 1-2 weeks to prevent stagnation. You will need to monitor the cutting for the emergence of roots, which typically takes a few weeks.

With proper care and attention, you’ll witness the emergence of healthy roots and enjoy the growth of your Pothos plant, ensuring its well-being and vitality.

Check out Benefits of Growing Pothos Plants Indoors 

Pothos Plant Care in Water

To continue growing Pothos in water and ensure that it stays healthy, you should take proper care of your Pothos. Here is what you need to do. 

1. Place the pot in bright indirect sunlight, and avoid keeping the plant in the harsh afternoon sunlight, as it can damage the new growth.
2. Fill the container with clean water, preferably tap water, that has been left to sit for 12 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
3. Change the water every 1-2 weeks as water loses oxygen with time, and roots require it for optimum growth.
4. Add complete fertilizer every 4-6 weeks, and dilute the liquid fertilizer to 1/4 of its recommended strength in water.
5. Keep the glass jar clean by removing the algae regularly, and use an old toothbrush or a scrubber for cleaning. While you clean the glass jar, transfer the cutting to another pot filled with fresh water.

With proper care, your Pothos plant can thrive in water. However, it’s essential to protect it from cold drafts and temperatures below 50°F (10°C) to ensure its continued growth and well-being.

Here’s all you need to know about growing pothos

Best Fertilizer for Growing Pothos in Water

The best fertilizer for growing Pothos in water is a balanced liquid fertilizer with an equal proportion of essential nutrients like nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K).

To apply the fertilizer, dilute it to a 1/6 to 1/4 strength. This means adding one part of the liquid fertilizer to six or four parts of water. This diluted solution will provide the Pothos plant with the necessary nutrients without overwhelming it.

You should fertilize the Pothos plant in water every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, typically spring and summer. When adding the diluted fertilizer to the water in the container, pour it gently around the plant, being careful not to splash or disturb the roots.

Note: It is important to fertilize the Pothos plant only after it has been placed in water and has developed a few roots. This ensures that the plant is ready to receive and utilize the nutrients effectively.

Here are the best pothos to grow in water

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Can I Grow Pothos in Water?

Yes, you can definitely grow Pothos in water. In fact, growing Pothos in water is a popular and successful method of propagation. It allows the plant to develop roots and thrive without the need for soil.

Here are Different Ways to Grow Pothos in Home & Garden

2. Will Pothos Grow in Water?

Absolutely! Pothos is known to be an excellent plant for growing in water. It is often one of the easiest plants to propagate and maintain in water. By following the proper care for growing Pothos in water, you can witness its roots developing and enjoy a healthy and thriving plant.

3. Can Pothos Grow in Water Forever?

Pothos can continue to grow in water for 5-10 years, sometimes more. With the right care, Pothos can thrive in water indefinitely. As long as you provide the necessary light, proper water changes, and nutrients (if using fertilizers), your Pothos plant can continue to grow and remain healthy in water for a long time.

Here are Smashing Ideas for Planting Pothos in Unique Styles

4. Can Golden Pothos Grow in Water?

Yes, Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) can be grown in water successfully. The Golden Pothos is one of the most commonly propagated and grown Pothos varieties in water. Its beautiful golden-hued leaves add a touch of elegance to any space. Just make sure to follow our guide for growing Pothos in water, and you’ll see your Golden Pothos thrive and grow beautifully.

Watch this video for more information