Can I Plant Pothos Under Water? The Ultimate Guide to Growing Pothos in Water

Introduction

Can you skip the soil and let your pothos thrive in just water?
If you’ve got a glass jar, a pothos cutting, and a sunny windowsill, you’re already halfway there.

This easygoing houseplant isn’t just great for beginners—it’s also one of the few that grows beautifully in water. Whether you’re experimenting with hydroponics or looking for a stylish, soil-free way to green up your space, this guide will show you exactly how to grow pothos in water—from setup to long-term care.

Why Pothos Is Perfect for Growing in Water

If there’s one plant that forgives forgetfulness, low light, or the occasional missed watering—it’s pothos.

But pothos (Epipremnum aureum) isn’t just a survivor in soil. It adapts incredibly well to life in water. In fact, water propagation is one of the most popular ways to multiply pothos, making it a natural choice for a full-time aquatic lifestyle.

Here’s why it works so well:

• ✅ It develops strong roots in water
• ✅ It grows relatively fast, even hydroponically
• ✅ It’s visually stunning with trailing vines in clear jars

Can You Grow Pothos Permanently in Water?

✅ Yes, You Absolutely Can!

You can keep pothos in water permanently, but there are a few things to know:

Factor	Soil	Water
Growth speed	Faster	Slower
Maintenance	Watering + soil care	Water changes + light feeding
Appearance	Traditional	Minimalist & modern
Pest issues	More likely	Rare

With proper setup—clean water, good light, and occasional nutrients—your pothos can thrive in water for years.

How to Plant Pothos in Water (Step-by-Step)

Let’s get you growing 🌿

🪴 What You’ll Need:

• A glass jar, vase, or clear container
• Pothos cutting with at least one healthy node
• Filtered or dechlorinated water

🪜 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Snip a healthy cutting
   Choose a vine with 4–6 leaves and cut just below a node (where leaves meet the stem).
2. Strip the lower leaves
   Remove any leaves that would be submerged—wet leaves = rot.
3. Submerge the node
   Place the cutting in the jar with the node fully underwater.
4. Place near bright, indirect light
   Avoid direct sun—it can overheat the water and promote algae.
5. Change water every 1–2 weeks
   Keep it clean and clear for happy roots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using chlorinated tap water
  Let it sit 24 hours to dechlorinate, or use filtered water.
• Letting leaves sit in water
  Always remove any submerged foliage.
• Dirty containers
  Rinse your jar weekly to avoid slime or algae buildup.
• Skipping nutrients
  Add liquid fertilizer monthly if you’re keeping the plant in water long-term.

How Fast Does Pothos Grow in Water?

Roots typically begin forming within 1–2 weeks, and new leaves appear in 3–5 weeks.
Growth is slower than in soil but steady—especially with good light and clean water.

💡 Tip: Warmer temperatures and indirect sunlight speed up rooting.

Water vs. Soil: Which Is Better for Pothos?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Category	Soil	Water
Growth rate	🏃 Faster	🐢 Slower
Aesthetic	Traditional	Modern & airy
Maintenance	Watering, repotting	Changing water, nutrients
Best for	Full, lush growth	Clean look, limited space

Both methods are valid—it depends on your space and style.

Can You Add Fertilizer in Water?

Absolutely! For long-term water-grown pothos, use a liquid houseplant fertilizer or hydroponic nutrient solution.

🧪 Feeding Tips:

• Use ¼-strength every 4–6 weeks
• Look for nutrient blends with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
• Watch for signs of overfeeding: yellowing tips or slimy roots

Creative Display Ideas for Water-Grown Pothos

Want your indoor jungle to double as decor? Try these ideas:

• Mason jars on kitchen shelves
• Vintage bottles lined along window sills
• Wall-mounted test tubes
• Hanging glass bulbs
• Aquarium-style jars with pebbles and LED lighting

Let those roots shine! Transparent containers not only look great but help you monitor root health.

Conclusion

So—can you plant pothos under water?
Yes, and it’s easier than you think. With clean water, good light, and a little care, pothos will reward you with elegant vines, clean aesthetics, and virtually no mess.

It’s perfect for:

• Small apartments
• Office desks
• Kitchens and bathrooms
• Anyone afraid of overwatering!

💬 Let’s Hear From You!
Tried growing pothos in water? Share your photos or tag us on social—we might feature your setup in our next DIY spotlight!

• 👉 Best Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants for Beginners
• 👉 DIY Water Propagation Station: Step-by-Step Guide