Can Pothos Grow in Water? - Plant Care Guide

Absolutely! If you're wondering, "can Pothos grow in water?" the answer is a resounding yes! This incredibly popular and resilient houseplant, also known as Devil's Ivy, is one of the easiest and most satisfying plants to grow hydroponically, meaning without soil. Growing Pothos in water offers a unique way to display its trailing vines and vibrant foliage, creating beautiful, low-maintenance living decor for any space. It's a fantastic option for beginners, those with limited space, or anyone looking for a different approach to plant care.

Why Is Pothos So Good at Growing in Water?

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is remarkably adaptable, which is why it thrives so well in a water environment. Its natural resilience and ability to easily produce adventitious roots (roots that grow from the stem) make it a perfect candidate for hydroponic growth. Understanding these traits helps explain why Pothos in water is such a successful and popular method.

What Makes Pothos Cuttings Root So Easily in Water?

The secret to why Pothos cuttings root so readily in water lies in their natural growth habit. Pothos plants in their native environment often climb trees, using aerial roots to cling and absorb moisture from the air. When you take a cutting, especially one with a node (the small bump on the stem where a leaf and root can grow), it's already primed to send out new roots in search of water and nutrients.

When a Pothos cutting is placed in water, it signals to the plant that moisture is abundant. The plant then focuses its energy on developing a root system specifically adapted to aquatic conditions. These "water roots" are typically thinner and more delicate than soil roots but are perfectly capable of absorbing everything the plant needs from the water. This strong rooting ability makes propagating Pothos a breeze and allows it to sustain itself long-term in just water.

Is It True That Pothos Can Live in Water Indefinitely?

Yes, it's generally true that Pothos can live in water indefinitely, provided you give it the right care. While many people grow Pothos cuttings in water just to root them before planting in soil, the plant is perfectly capable of thriving long-term in an aquatic setup. The key is to understand that a water-grown Pothos still needs specific conditions to survive and flourish over months and even years.

Living indefinitely in water means providing all the necessary elements that soil would normally supply: water, nutrients, and proper light. Without soil, you become the primary provider of these resources. When maintained correctly, your water-grown Pothos can become a beautiful, lasting display, a testament to this plant's incredible adaptability.

How Do You Start Growing Pothos in Water?

Starting your Pothos in water is incredibly simple and requires just a few basic steps. The beauty of this method lies in its ease and the immediate visual gratification of seeing your plant begin its new life in a clear container.

What Are the Best Steps to Take a Pothos Cutting for Water?

Taking a Pothos cutting for water propagation is straightforward. The goal is to get a healthy piece of stem that has the potential to grow roots.

1. Choose a healthy stem: Look for a mature, healthy stem on your Pothos plant that has at least two or three leaves. Avoid stems that look weak, yellow, or diseased.
2. Locate a node: A node is a small bump or ring on the stem where leaves emerge and where new roots will form. It's usually located just below a leaf. This is the most crucial part of your cutting.
3. Make the cut: Using clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors, cut the stem about 1/4 to 1/2 inch below a node. Ensure your cut is clean to prevent damage to the plant.
4. Remove lower leaves: Gently remove any leaves that would be submerged in water. Leaves left underwater will rot, which can contaminate the water and hinder root development. Aim for at least one or two leaves above the waterline.
5. Aim for multiple nodes: For better success, try to include 2-3 nodes on your cutting. Each node is a potential site for root growth.

What Kind of Container and Water Should You Use?

Choosing the right container and water is more important than you might think for your water-grown Pothos. The goal is to provide a clean, stable environment for root development.

• Container: Almost any clear container will work, but clear glass or plastic allows you to watch the roots grow, which is very satisfying.
  • Vases: A narrow-necked vase can help support the cutting upright.
  • Jars: Mason jars or old food jars work perfectly.
  • Bottles: Repurposed glass bottles add a nice decorative touch.
  • Ensure the opening is wide enough to allow you to easily change the water.
• Water:
  • Tap water: Most tap water is fine for Pothos, but if your tap water is heavily chlorinated, let it sit out for 24 hours before use. This allows the chlorine to evaporate.
  • Filtered water: Filtered water or rainwater is ideal as it has fewer impurities.
  • Avoid distilled water long-term: Distilled water lacks minerals that plants need for healthy growth, so it's not suitable for long-term use unless you add nutrients.

Fill your chosen container with enough water so that the nodes you want to root are fully submerged, but no leaves are underwater.

Where Is the Best Spot to Place Your Water-Growing Pothos?

Finding the best spot for your water-growing Pothos is similar to finding a good spot for a soil-grown one: light is key.

• Indirect light: Pothos thrives in bright, indirect light. A spot near a window that doesn't get harsh, direct sun for extended periods is ideal.
• Avoid direct sun: Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and promote algae growth in the water.
• Moderate temperatures: Keep your Pothos in a room with stable, moderate temperatures, avoiding extreme cold drafts or very hot spots.
• Watch for algae: If your container is getting too much light, you might notice green algae growing in the water. If this happens, move it to a slightly less bright spot or use an opaque container.

Within a few weeks, you should start to see small white roots emerging from the nodes. This is the exciting part where your Pothos begins its journey in water!

What Are the Key Care Tips for Thriving Pothos in Water?

While growing Pothos in water is low-maintenance, it's not entirely hands-off. A few simple care tips will ensure your plant stays healthy and vibrant for the long haul. Regular attention to water quality and potential nutrient needs is important.

How Often Should You Change the Water for Pothos?

Regularly changing the water is one of the most critical aspects of caring for Pothos in water. This helps to replenish oxygen, remove waste products from the roots, and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and algae.

• Frequency: Aim to change the water every 1-2 weeks. In warmer environments or if you notice the water becoming cloudy quickly, you might need to change it more often.
• Procedure:
  1. Gently remove the Pothos cutting from the container.
  2. Empty the old water.
  3. Rinse the container thoroughly to remove any residue or algae. You can use a bottle brush to clean inside narrow vases.
  4. Inspect the roots. If you see any slimy or discolored roots, gently trim them off with clean scissors.
  5. Refill the container with fresh, room-temperature water.
  6. Place the Pothos back into the fresh water.

Maintaining clean water is crucial for healthy root development and preventing issues like root rot in a water environment.

Do Water-Grown Pothos Need Fertilizer?

Yes, water-grown Pothos do eventually need fertilizer for long-term health. While tap water contains some trace minerals, it doesn't provide all the essential nutrients a plant needs to thrive indefinitely. Without nutrients, your Pothos will eventually start to show signs of deficiency, like yellowing leaves or stunted growth.

• When to start: You don't need to fertilize immediately. Once the roots are well-established (a few months after starting the cutting), you can begin.
• Type of fertilizer: Use a very dilute liquid houseplant fertilizer specifically designed for hydroponic or general indoor plant use.
• Dilution: It's crucial to dilute the fertilizer significantly, often to 1/4 or 1/8 of the recommended strength for soil-grown plants. Too much fertilizer can burn the roots.
• Frequency: Add the dilute fertilizer to the water every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer). Reduce or stop fertilizing during fall and winter when the plant's growth slows down.
• Alternatively: You can use aquarium water from a fish tank (if you have one). Fish waste contains nutrients that plants can use, acting as a natural, mild fertilizer.

How Can You Handle Algae Growth in the Water?

Algae growth in your water-grown Pothos container is a common issue, especially if the container is exposed to too much light. While generally harmless to the plant, it can look unsightly and potentially compete for nutrients if left unchecked.

• Prevention:
  • Reduce light exposure: Move your container to a spot with less direct light.
  • Opaque containers: Using opaque or darker-colored containers (if aesthetics allow) can significantly reduce algae growth.
• Cleaning:
  • Regular water changes: This is the best defense. Algae struggle to establish if their environment is constantly disturbed.
  • Scrub the container: When you change the water, use a bottle brush or sponge to scrub away any visible algae from the inside of the container.
  • Rinse roots: You can gently rinse the roots under running water to remove any algae clinging to them.

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Growing Pothos in Water?

Like any plant care method, growing Pothos in water has its own set of advantages and a few considerations that might be seen as drawbacks. Weighing these can help you decide if this is the right approach for your lifestyle and plant display goals.

What Are the Advantages of Water-Growing Pothos?

There are several compelling reasons why growing Pothos in water is so popular:

• Low Maintenance: No messy soil to deal with! You don't have to worry about watering schedules in the same way, or about compacted soil. It's often seen as a simpler way to grow plants.
• Pest Reduction: Without soil, many common houseplant pests that live in soil (like fungus gnats) are eliminated. This makes for a cleaner indoor environment.
• Aesthetics: The visible root system adds a unique, natural beauty to your decor. Watching the roots grow can be fascinating. A collection of different sized glass propagation stations can look very elegant.
• Versatility in Display: You can use a wide variety of attractive containers, from simple jars to elaborate scientific glassware, to match your home's style.
• Easy Propagation: It's incredibly easy to take cuttings from a water-grown Pothos to start new plants or share with friends.
• No Overwatering Worries: Root rot from overwatering soil is a common killer of houseplants, but with water-grown Pothos, root rot is far less likely as the roots are adapted to the aquatic environment.

What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Water-Growing Pothos?

While largely positive, there are a few considerations when growing Pothos in water:

• Slower Growth (Potentially): Compared to a well-cared-for soil-grown Pothos, a water-grown one might grow a bit slower because the nutrient supply from water is generally less rich than from a good potting mix.
• Nutrient Dependency: You are solely responsible for providing all necessary nutrients through liquid fertilizer, which requires consistent remembering.
• Algae Growth: As discussed, algae can be an aesthetic nuisance and require regular cleaning of the container.
• Less Stability: A Pothos growing solely in water might be less stable than one rooted in soil, especially larger plants with long vines. It may be prone to tipping if not supported by the container or a small plant stake.
• Root Adaptation: If you eventually decide to transfer a water-grown Pothos to soil, it will undergo a period of adaptation where its "water roots" will transition to "soil roots." This can be a stressful process for the plant, and some leaf drop might occur.

Despite these minor drawbacks, the benefits often outweigh the cons for many plant enthusiasts, making Pothos in water a wonderfully rewarding experience.

What Are Common Problems with Pothos in Water and How to Fix Them?

Even though Pothos in water is generally easy, you might encounter a few common issues. Knowing how to identify and fix them quickly will keep your plant thriving. Most problems stem from water quality, light, or nutrient imbalances.

Why Are the Leaves Turning Yellow in Water-Grown Pothos?

Yellowing leaves in your water-grown Pothos often signal a problem, similar to soil-grown plants. Here are the most common reasons:

• Nutrient Deficiency: This is the most frequent cause for long-term water-grown Pothos. As the plant uses up the limited nutrients in the water, older leaves will start to yellow.
  • Solution: Begin a regular, very dilute fertilization regimen during the growing season.
• Too Much Light: Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch Pothos leaves, causing them to yellow, bleach, or even turn white.
  • Solution: Move your Pothos to a spot with bright, indirect light.
• Old Water/Lack of Oxygen: If you don't change the water frequently enough, it can become stagnant and depleted of oxygen, hindering root function.
  • Solution: Change the water every 1-2 weeks and clean the container thoroughly.
• Natural Aging: Just like in soil, older leaves on a water-grown Pothos will eventually yellow and drop as the plant focuses energy on new growth. If it's just a single, older leaf at the bottom, it's usually nothing to worry about.
  • Solution: Simply snip off the yellowed leaf.

What Should You Do if Roots Are Becoming Slimy or Brown?

Slimy or brown roots in your water-grown Pothos are a sign of potential root rot or bacterial infection in the water. Healthy water roots should be white or translucent.

• Cause: This usually happens due to stagnant, unoxygenated water or contaminated water.
• Solution:
  1. Remove the plant: Take the Pothos cutting out of the water immediately.
  2. Inspect and trim: Use clean, sharp scissors or pruning snips to carefully trim away any slimy, mushy, black, or brown roots. Cut back to healthy, firm root tissue.
  3. Clean the container: Thoroughly clean and disinfect your container. You can use a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water), then rinse very well.
  4. Fresh water: Refill the container with fresh, clean, room-temperature water.
  5. Return the plant: Place the Pothos back into the clean water.
  6. Increase water changes: For a while, change the water more frequently (every few days) until the roots look healthy again.

Ensuring regular water changes is the best way to prevent this issue from occurring.

How Do You Handle Stunted Growth or Lack of New Leaves?

If your water-grown Pothos seems to have stunted growth or isn't producing new leaves, it's likely due to a lack of essential resources.

• Nutrient Deficiency: This is the most common reason for slowed or stunted growth in long-term water setups. The plant simply doesn't have the building blocks it needs.
  • Solution: Start or increase your very dilute fertilization regimen. Ensure you're using a complete liquid plant food.
• Insufficient Light: Even Pothos needs light to photosynthesize and grow. If it's in a very dim spot, growth will be minimal.
  • Solution: Move your Pothos to a location with brighter, indirect light.
• Root Bound in Water: If the root ball has become extremely dense and fills the entire container, it might be struggling to absorb nutrients efficiently or become oxygen-deprived.
  • Solution: Consider moving it to a slightly larger container or, if the roots are very long, trim them back gently (but not excessively, as this can shock the plant).
• Seasonal Dormancy: Pothos typically grows slower in fall and winter due to less light and cooler temperatures. This is normal, and growth will resume in spring.
  • Solution: Reduce or stop fertilizing during dormancy and avoid stressing the plant.

By addressing these common issues with attentive care, your Pothos in water should continue to thrive and bring lush greenery to your home.