Pothos, with its vibrant foliage and easy care requirements, has become a popular choice among indoor plant enthusiasts. Below are steps to take to grow pothos in water, instead of soil.
While traditionally grown in soil, pothos can also thrive when cultivated in water.
In this guide, we will explore the benefits of growing pothos in water, address common concerns, and provide essential tips to help you successfully propagate and care for pothos in a water environment.
Experimenting with Pothos in Water
About a year ago, I bought a small pothos from Home Depot to hang in my bathroom. I heard that they grew quickly, but was not expecting how fast my pothos would grow!
In a matter of months, its glossy variegated green leaves spilled downward several feet. I wanted to cut the vines off, but not throw away the beautiful leaves.
I had a few glass vases that were empty and heard that pothos can grow in water. I filled up the little vases with water, and those pothos vines have been thriving in those pots since then!
Check out the below tips on how to best grow pothos in water.
Why Grow Pothos in Water?
Growing pothos in water offers several advantages over soil cultivation. Firstly, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of the plant while observing its root system, which adds an intriguing visual element to your indoor space.
Additionally, water propagation makes it easier to monitor and control moisture levels, reducing the risk of overwatering. Pothos in water also eliminates the need for regular soil maintenance, such as repotting and dealing with soil-borne pests.
Types of Pothos to Grow
When it comes to growing pothos in water, there are several types of pothos that gardeners can choose from. Here are some popular varieties that thrive in a water-based environment:
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Golden Pothos is one of the most common and beloved varieties of pothos. It features heart-shaped leaves with vibrant green coloration and yellow marbling. This variety is known for its adaptability and ability to thrive in a wide range of lighting conditions, including low light. Golden Pothos in water can create a beautiful cascading effect with its trailing vines.
- Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’): Marble Queen Pothos is a striking variety with leaves that display a mix of green and white marbling. The variegation pattern adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space. This variety can tolerate lower light conditions, making it a great choice for growing in water on shelves or in areas with indirect sunlight.
- Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’): If you’re looking for a vibrant pop of color, Neon Pothos is an excellent choice. Its leaves have a bright neon green hue that adds a lively and energetic feel to any room. This variety thrives in bright, indirect light and can create a stunning visual display when grown in water.
- Jade Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Jade’): Jade Pothos is a unique variety that features dark green leaves with a glossy appearance. It is known for its lush and compact growth habit, making it an ideal choice for smaller containers or terrariums. Jade Pothos can adapt well to different light conditions, but it generally prefers bright, indirect light.
- Manjula Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Manjula’): Manjula Pothos is a newer hybrid variety with breathtaking foliage. Its leaves display a mix of green, cream, and silver variegation, creating a stunning and eye-catching display. This variety prefers bright, indirect light and can thrive in water, allowing you to appreciate the intricate patterns of its leaves.
These are just a few examples of the many pothos varieties that can be grown successfully in water.
Each variety offers its own unique leaf coloration and growth habit, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your aesthetic preferences and indoor environment.
Remember to maintain clean water, provide adequate light, and monitor the growth of your pothos plants regularly. With proper care, pothos in water can thrive and become a beautiful addition to your indoor garden.
Can You Keep Pothos Alive in Water?
Yes, pothos can thrive in water as long as you provide the right conditions. Pothos is known for its adaptability, and water propagation is a viable method for keeping the plant alive and healthy.
In fact, pothos is particularly well-suited for growing in water due to its ability to develop robust roots.
Will Pothos Leaves Rot in Water?
While it’s true that prolonged exposure to water can lead to leaf rot, pothos is generally resistant to this issue.
The plant has evolved to withstand occasional overwatering, making it relatively tolerant of a water-based environment.
To ensure the health of your pothos leaves, it’s important to maintain clean water and avoid prolonged submersion of leaves in the water.
Can Pothos Roots Live in Water?
Pothos roots can thrive in water, and they are excellent at adapting to different environments. When placed in water, pothos cuttings will develop roots that enable the plant to absorb nutrients and water.
Pothos is renowned for its vigorous root growth, making it an ideal candidate for water propagation.
How do You Help Pothos Grow in Water?
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to help pothos grow in water:
- Selecting the Right Pothos Variety: There are several types of pothos to choose from, including the classic Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), Marble Queen Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Marble Queen’), and Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’). Choose a variety that appeals to you and suits your indoor environment.
- Choosing a Suitable Container: Use a clear glass or plastic container to grow pothos in water. This allows you to observe root growth and monitor water quality. Make sure the container has a wide enough opening to support the cutting or a well-established plant.
- Preparing the Cuttings: Take stem cuttings from a healthy pothos plant, ensuring each cutting has at least two or three nodes (where leaves attach to the stem). Remove the lower leaves, leaving a few near the top. This prevents leaf rot and encourages root development.
- Placing the Cuttings in Water: Fill the container with clean, chlorine-free water. Submerge the nodes of the cuttings in the water, ensuring the remaining leaves are above the waterline. You can use stones or a support system to hold the cuttings in place.
- Providing Optimal Conditions: Place the container in a bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid exposing the pothos to direct sunlight, as it can lead to leaf burn. Maintain the water level, replacing it every two weeks to prevent stagnation and ensure the plant receives fresh nutrients.
- Root Development: After a few weeks, you should start to see roots emerging from the nodes. Over time, the roots will grow longer and more substantial, anchoring the plant and absorbing nutrients from the water.
Pothos in Water
Growing pothos in water is a rewarding and visually appealing way to cultivate this popular houseplant. With its ability to thrive in water and develop robust roots, pothos is an excellent candidate for water propagation.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can successfully propagate and care for pothos in a water-based environment, bringing a touch of greenery and beauty to your indoor space.