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Pothos can be kept in water, and they actually thrive in it for a very long time.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
If you’ve been wondering whether pothos can be kept in water, the short answer is yes, this popular houseplant adapts beautifully to a water-only environment.
Many plant lovers choose to keep pothos in water because it’s low-maintenance and looks clean and modern in glass vases.
In this post, we’ll explore why pothos can be kept in water, the best ways to make it work, and common pitfalls to avoid when you keep pothos in water long-term.
Let’s dive in.
Why Pothos Can Be Kept In Water
The main reason pothos can be kept in water is that they are naturally adapted to wet environments.
1. Pothos Are Originally Bog and Rainforest Plants
In their native habitats, pothos often grow along riverbanks and tree trunks where water is plentiful.
This means pothos can be kept in water because their roots are built to survive submersion without rotting.
They’ve evolved to absorb oxygen and nutrients directly from water, which is why pothos can be kept in water so easily.
2. Pothos Roots Grow Differently in Water
When pothos is kept in water, the roots that develop are called water roots, which are finer and more flexible than soil roots.
These water roots are specially designed to take in dissolved oxygen from the water column.
That’s why pothos can be kept in water without the same risk of root rot that other plants might face.
3. Pothos Don’t Depend on Soil for Nutrients
One reason pothos can be kept in water is that they are light feeders and can get everything they need from liquid fertilizer.
Soil is primarily a support medium, not a food source, for pothos.
Since pothos can be kept in water with just a few drops of fertilizer every few weeks, they stay healthy and green.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
How To Successfully Keep Pothos In Water
Now that you know pothos can be kept in water, here’s the right way to do it.
1. Choose a Clean Glass Container
Any clear glass jar, vase, or bottle works well when you keep pothos in water.
Avoid narrow-necked containers because they make it hard to clean algae buildup.
A wide-mouth container is best so you can easily change the water and check root health.
2. Use Filtered or Dechlorinated Water
Tap water contains chlorine and chloramines that can harm your pothos over time.
If you plan to keep pothos in water for months, let tap water sit out for 24 hours before using it.
Or better yet, use distilled or rainwater to keep pothos in water with fewer chemical issues.
3. Change the Water Every 1–2 Weeks
Stagnant water leads to bacteria growth and oxygen depletion when pothos is kept in water.
Replace the water completely once a week to keep it fresh and clear.
This simple routine is the most important step when you keep pothos in water long-term.
4. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
Pothos can be kept in water just fine in normal indoor light, but they prefer bright indirect sunlight.
Direct sun can cook the roots and turn the water green with algae.
A spot near an east-facing window is ideal for pothos kept in water.
5. Add Liquid Fertilizer Monthly
Even though pothos can be kept in water, they still need nutrients to grow.
Add a few drops of all-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer to the water once a month.
Dilute it to half strength because pothos kept in water are more sensitive to salt buildup.
Common Mistakes When Pothos Is Kept In Water
Avoid these errors to ensure your pothos stays healthy when kept in water.
1. Not Cleaning the Container Regularly
Algae and slime will coat the glass if you neglect cleaning while pothos is kept in water.
Scrub the container with a bottle brush and rinse thoroughly every time you change the water.
A dirty container reduces oxygen and can cause the roots to rot when pothos is kept in water.
2. Overcrowding the Roots
Pothos can be kept in water for years, but the roots eventually fill the container.
If the root ball is too tight, water circulation stops and oxygen levels drop.
Upgrade to a larger container if you keep pothos in water and notice the roots are packed.
3. Using Water That’s Too Cold or Hot
Extreme temperatures shock the plant even when you’ve confirmed pothos can be kept in water.
Always use room-temperature water to avoid stressing the roots.
Cold water slows metabolism, while hot water can cook the delicate water roots.
4. Allowing Leaves to Submerge
Only the roots and stems should sit in water when you keep pothos in water.
Leaves that touch water will rot and foul the container.
Trim off any lower leaves that could dip into the water to keep your pothos healthy.
So, Can Pothos Be Kept In Water?
Yes, pothos can be kept in water, and with proper care they will thrive for many years.
The key is to use clean water, change it regularly, provide indirect light, and feed them occasionally.
And this Miracle-Gro All Purpose Fertilizer on Amazon can be a practical addition for you, so click the link to check it out.
Pothos can be kept in water as a beautiful decorative element in any room without the mess of soil.
If you follow the steps we covered today, you can keep pothos in water with confidence and enjoy a lush, happy plant.
So go ahead, take a cutting, pop it in a glass of water, and see for yourself how well pothos can be kept in water.