Can Pothos Survive Underwater

Can Pothos Survive Underwater?

Pothos can survive underwater.
 
Yes, you read that right — pothos can survive underwater for long periods if you set them up correctly.
 
In fact, many plant lovers have successfully grown pothos fully submerged in aquariums or decorative water jars.
 
But just because pothos can survive underwater doesn’t mean you can toss them in and forget about them.
 
There are specific conditions that help pothos thrive when fully submerged, and this post will cover those details.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether pothos can survive underwater, the short answer is yes, but it’s not the same as growing them in soil.
 
Let’s dive into how pothos can survive underwater and what you need to do to make it work.
 

Why Pothos Can Survive Underwater

Pothos are incredibly adaptable plants, and that’s why pothos can survive underwater so well.
 
Here are the main reasons behind their aquatic resilience.
 

1. Pothos Are Naturally Semi-Aquatic

In their native tropical habitats, pothos often grow in damp, swampy areas where roots are constantly wet.
 
They’ve evolved to handle low-oxygen environments and can even send out aerial roots that absorb moisture from the air.
 
This natural adaptability means pothos can survive underwater without drowning, as long as their leaves can still access some oxygen.
 
That’s the first clue that pothos can survive underwater — it’s built into their DNA.
 

2. Leaves Can Absorb Dissolved Oxygen

When a pothos plant is fully submerged, its leaves don’t suffocate immediately because they can absorb dissolved oxygen from the water.
 
This is similar to how aquatic plants breathe.
 
Pothos can survive underwater partly because their leaves are thin enough to allow gas exchange through the water.
 
However, this works best in well-oxygenated water, like in a tank with a filter or air stone.
 

3. Roots Thrive in Water

Pothos are commonly grown in water alone (hydroponically), so their roots are already adapted to a wet environment.
 
When you place a pothos cutting in water, roots form quickly and can stay healthy for months or even years.
 
This root tolerance is a major reason why pothos can survive underwater — the roots don’t rot easily as long as the water is clean.
 
So yes, pothos can survive underwater because their roots are built for it.
 

How to Keep Pothos Healthy Underwater

Now that we know pothos can survive underwater, let’s look at the best ways to keep them thriving.
 

1. Use Clean, Dechlorinated Water

Tap water contains chlorine and chloramines that can harm your pothos over time.
 
To help pothos survive underwater happily, let the water sit out for 24 hours or use a dechlorinator.
 
You can also use distilled or rainwater for the best results.
 
Clean water prevents leaf burn and keeps roots healthy.
 

2. Provide Adequate Light

Even fully submerged, pothos still need light to photosynthesize.
 
Place your underwater pothos in bright, indirect light.
 
If you’re using an aquarium, a standard LED light works perfectly.
 
Without enough light, your pothos can survive underwater but will become leggy and weak.
 
So don’t skimp on the lighting.
 

3. Change Water Regularly

Stagnant water can lead to bacterial growth and algae.
 
To ensure your pothos can survive underwater long-term, change the water every one to two weeks.
 
If you notice slimy roots or a bad smell, change it more often.
 
Fresh water provides oxygen and prevents rot.
 

4. Trim Yellow Leaves

Some leaves may yellow when first submerged because they’re adjusting.
 
Trim those off to keep the plant energy focused on healthy growth.
 
This helps pothos survive underwater better by reducing decay in the water.
 

Common Mistakes When Growing Pothos Underwater

Even though pothos can survive underwater, certain mistakes can cut that survival short.
 

1. Submerging the Entire Plant Including Aerial Roots

Aerial roots are different from water roots.
 
If you submerge the entire plant, those thick aerial roots might rot.
 
It’s better to use cuttings that have already been rooted in water.
 
That way, pothos can survive underwater without struggling to adapt.
 

2. Using Soil-Grown Pothos Directly in Water

A pothos that has been in soil for years may not transition well to full submersion.
 
Soil roots are adapted to a different environment and can rot quickly.
 
To give your pothos the best chance to survive underwater, start with a water-propagated cutting.
 

3. Ignoring Temperature Fluctuations

Pothos prefer warm, stable temperatures between 65–85°F.
 
If the water gets too cold (below 55°F), your pothos can survive underwater but will go dormant and may die.
 
Keep the water temperature consistent, especially in winter.
 

4. Too Much Direct Sunlight

Direct sunlight can heat the water and promote algae growth.
 
It can also burn submerged leaves.
 
Stick to bright indirect light so your pothos can survive underwater without stress.
 

So, Can Pothos Survive Underwater?

Pothos can survive underwater.
 
The key is starting with the right cutting, using clean water, and providing adequate light.
 
While pothos can survive underwater for months or even years, they won’t grow as fast as they would in soil or a hydroponic setup with air.
 
But if you’re looking for a low-maintenance aquatic plant or want to add greenery to a fish tank, pothos can survive underwater beautifully.
 
Just remember to change the water regularly, watch for yellow leaves, and avoid direct sunlight.
 
Now you know that pothos can survive underwater — so go ahead and give it a try!