Pothos, a popular houseplant, thrives in water without soil. Known for its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, it is often chosen for its ease of care and versatility. Its ability to grow in water makes it a favored low-maintenance choice for adding greenery to spaces.
Why Pothos Thrives in Water
Pothos plants are particularly well-suited to growing in water due to their natural biological characteristics. They possess the ability to develop adventitious roots from nodes along their stems. These nodes are the small bumps on the stem where leaves emerge, and they contain the cells necessary for root development.
While soil typically provides essential nutrients and structural support, water offers the necessary hydration and a suitable medium for these adventitious roots to emerge and grow. This method, often referred to as hydroponics, allows plants to absorb water and dissolved nutrients directly, bypassing the need for a soil substrate. Pothos’ adaptability allows it to thrive in this aquatic environment, making water propagation and growth a successful endeavor.
Steps for Growing Pothos in Water
Growing pothos in water begins with selecting and preparing healthy cuttings from a mature plant. Choose a healthy vine, ideally 4-6 inches long, that has at least two to three leaves and several visible nodes. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a cut just below a node for root development.
Remove any leaves that would fall below the waterline in your chosen container. Submerged leaves can rot and contaminate the water. Fill a clear glass or jar with clean, room-temperature water, ensuring that the exposed nodes on the cutting are fully submerged while the remaining leaves stay above the waterline. Clear containers allow for easy monitoring of root development.
Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as direct sunlight can lead to algae growth and potentially overheat the cutting. A north or east-facing window is often ideal, providing sufficient light without intense direct exposure. Within approximately 7-14 days, small white roots should begin to emerge from the submerged nodes.
Ongoing Care for Water-Grown Pothos
Once roots are established, consistent care ensures their continued health and growth. Regular water changes are important to maintain water quality and provide oxygen to the roots. It is advisable to change the water every 5-7 days, or at least once a week, to prevent bacterial growth and ensure the water remains fresh and oxygenated. If the water appears cloudy, it should be changed more frequently.
While initial root development can occur in plain water, long-term growth benefits from the addition of a liquid fertilizer. Pothos in water will eventually deplete nutrients, leading to slower growth. A balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to about one-quarter strength, can be added to the water every 4-6 weeks during the active growing season (spring and summer). This provides necessary minerals absent in plain water.
Optimal light conditions are also important for established water-grown pothos. They thrive in bright, indirect light, supporting healthy foliage and steady growth. While pothos can tolerate lower light levels, growth may slow, and variegation in patterned leaves might fade. If algae begins to form, gently clean the container and rinse the roots before refilling with fresh water.
Common Issues When Growing Pothos in Water
Even with proper care, water-grown pothos may encounter common issues. Algae growth is a frequent concern, especially in clear containers exposed to light. Algae thrive in nutrient-rich water, competing with the plant for resources. To manage this, consider using an opaque container to block light from the water, or regularly clean clear containers and change the water more frequently. Adding a few drops of hydrogen peroxide can help reduce algae.
Nutrient deficiencies can also manifest as yellowing leaves. Water lacks the comprehensive nutrient profile of soil, so a lack of essential minerals will eventually affect the plant’s health. Yellow leaves indicate a need for nutrients. Incorporating a diluted liquid fertilizer into the water routine can replenish these minerals and restore leaf color.
Slow growth is another common observation for pothos grown exclusively in water compared to those in soil. This is often due to lower nutrient availability and oxygen levels in water compared to a well-aerated soil environment. While pothos can live for an extended period in water, they may not achieve the same vigorous growth as a soil-planted counterpart. Consistent nutrient supplementation and regular water changes to oxygenate the water can help mitigate slower growth.