Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is one of the most popular houseplants due to its resilience and adaptability. The plant’s ability to thrive outside of soil has made growing it long-term in water a common and visually appealing practice. This method is a simple form of hydroponics, where the plant is sustained entirely by water and supplemental nutrients. Pothos is uniquely suited for this environment because its stems naturally produce adventitious roots from the nodes, which easily adapt to absorbing oxygen and moisture directly from the water.
Selecting and Preparing Pothos Cuttings
The successful transition to a water-based environment begins with choosing a healthy, vigorous stem for cutting. Select a vine that features several leaves, ensuring the cutting is not overly long. The node is the most important element, appearing as a small bump where a leaf attaches to the stem. This is the only point from which new roots will emerge.
Use a sharp, sterilized knife or shears to make a clean cut just below a node. Each cutting should contain one to three nodes. Remove the lower leaves so no foliage sits submerged in the water, as submerged leaves decay quickly and promote root rot. Immediately place the cutting into room-temperature water, ensuring at least one bare node is fully underwater.
Clear glass containers allow you to monitor root growth, but opaque containers minimize algae growth, which competes for nutrients. Place the cuttings in bright, indirect light to encourage robust rooting. Avoid harsh, direct midday sun, as it can quickly heat the water and damage the roots.
Ongoing Maintenance for Water Growth
Sustaining a healthy water environment requires consistent maintenance. The water must be changed or refreshed regularly to maintain oxygen levels and prevent bacterial buildup. A full water change should occur every one to two weeks, replacing the old water with fresh, room-temperature water. Allowing tap water to sit out for 24 hours permits chlorine to dissipate, which benefits sensitive roots.
Between full changes, top up the container as water evaporates; this partial refresh is less disruptive to the root environment. If the water becomes cloudy, murky, or develops an odor, a thorough cleaning is required. Gently remove the cutting, rinse the roots under lukewarm water, and wash the container to remove slime or excessive algae buildup.
Maintaining proper light exposure is essential for environmental control. Bright, indirect light promotes the fastest growth and the most vibrant variegation in the leaves. Place the container away from heating or cooling vents, as the pothos prefers a stable room temperature, ideally between 65–85°F (18–29°C).
Nutrient Requirements for Long-Term Health
The primary difference between temporary rooting and long-term water growth is the need for supplemental nutrition. Plain water provides hydration but lacks essential minerals like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium found in soil. To sustain healthy foliage and continuous growth, the pothos requires regular fertilizer application. Without added nutrients, the plant will eventually show signs of deficiency, such as yellowing leaves and stunted growth.
Water-grown roots are more sensitive than soil roots, requiring a highly diluted, water-soluble fertilizer. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer mixed at a quarter (1/4) of the strength recommended on the product label. This diluted solution can be added once a month, or every few weeks, especially during the active growing seasons of spring and summer.
Applying fertilizer during a water change or top-up ensures the plant receives the necessary chemical elements. Avoid over-fertilization, as high concentrations can burn the roots, encourage excessive algae, and cause harmful salt buildup. Consistent, light feeding is the strategy for keeping a hydroponically grown pothos vibrant for years.