Can You Grow Pothos Underwater

Yes, you can grow pothos underwater.
 
But it’s not quite as simple as dropping a cutting into a fish tank and walking away.
 
If you’ve been wondering can you grow pothos underwater, the answer is yes, but only under the right conditions.
 
Pothos are incredibly adaptable plants, and they can survive submerged for long periods.
 
However, growing pothos underwater requires specific care to keep them healthy and prevent rot.
 
In this post, we’ll cover exactly what it takes to grow pothos underwater, the benefits, and the potential pitfalls.
 
Let’s dive in.

Can You Grow Pothos Underwater? Yes, But With Care

The short answer to can you grow pothos underwater is yes, you absolutely can.
 
Pothos are known for thriving in water, and many people keep them in vases or jars for months.
 
But true underwater growth—where the entire plant is submerged—is a different situation.
 
Here’s what you need to know about growing pothos underwater.

1. Pothos Can Adapt to Submerged Life

Pothos have a natural ability to grow in water thanks to their riparian origins.
 
In the wild, they often grow along riverbanks where their roots stay wet.
 
When you grow pothos underwater, the plant develops specialized water roots.
 
These roots are finer and more delicate than soil roots.
 
They absorb oxygen and nutrients directly from the water.
 
That’s why pothos can survive completely submerged for weeks or even months.
 
However, long-term success depends on water quality and light.

2. Leaves Must Stay Above Water for Best Results

While the roots of pothos can live underwater, the leaves prefer to be above the surface.
 
If you fully submerge the leaves when you grow pothos underwater, they may eventually rot.
 
That’s because pothos leaves need access to air for gas exchange.
 
Many aquarists keep pothos with only the roots and lower stems in the water.
 
The leaves trail out above the waterline, which mimics their natural habitat.
 
For a fully submerged pothos, you’ll need to provide strong aeration.

3. Water Conditions Matter a Lot

To successfully grow pothos underwater, water quality is critical.
 
Stagnant water leads to bacteria buildup and root rot.
 
Change the water every week or two to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
 
If you’re growing pothos underwater in a fish tank, the filter helps.
 
But in a plain vase, you must refresh the water regularly.
 
Adding a few drops of liquid fertilizer for aquatic plants can also help.

How to Grow Pothos Underwater Successfully

If you’re ready to try growing pothos underwater, here’s a step-by-step approach.
 
Follow these tips to give your pothos the best chance of thriving.

1. Start with a Healthy Cutting

Take a cutting from a mature pothos vine with at least two nodes.
 
Remove the lower leaves so only the top leaves remain.
 
Place the cutting in a jar of dechlorinated water.
 
Wait until water roots form before submerging the entire plant.
 
This acclimation period helps the pothos adjust to life underwater.

2. Use an Aquarium or Large Container

To grow pothos underwater long-term, a large container with good water movement is best.
 
An aquarium with a filter and air stone provides constant oxygenation.
 
Without oxygen, pothos roots will suffocate and decay.
 
Make sure the water temperature stays between 65–80°F (18–27°C).
 
Pothos are tropical plants, so they dislike cold water.

3. Provide Bright, Indirect Light

Pothos need light to photosynthesize, even when grown underwater.
 
Place your setup near a window with bright, indirect sunlight.
 
If natural light is low, use a full-spectrum LED grow light.
 
Too little light will cause the leaves to yellow and the plant to weaken.
 
But avoid direct sun, which can overheat the water and burn the leaves.

What Pothos Needs to Thrive Underwater

Growing pothos underwater isn’t just about dropping it in water and forgetting it.
 
Here are the key requirements for healthy submerged pothos.

1. Oxygen Is Essential

Without sufficient dissolved oxygen, pothos roots can’t respire.
 
In still water, oxygen levels drop quickly.
 
Use an air stone or a small pump to keep the water moving.
 
This mimics the flowing water pothos would encounter in the wild.
 
If you can’t aerate, change the water daily to prevent stagnation.

2. Nutrients Must Be Added

In soil, pothos get nutrients from organic matter.
 
When you grow pothos underwater, those nutrients are absent.
 
Add a liquid aquarium fertilizer once a month.
 
Look for one that contains nitrogen, potassium, and trace minerals.
 
Over-fertilizing can cause algae blooms, so start with half the recommended dose.

3. Pruning Prevents Decay

Submerged pothos grow more slowly, but they still produce new leaves.
 
Old or yellowing leaves will rot underwater and foul the water.
 
Trim away any dead or dying foliage promptly.
 
Also cut back overly long roots to encourage fresh growth.
 
Regular pruning keeps your pothos underwater healthy and attractive.

Common Challenges When Growing Pothos Underwater

Even with the best care, you may face some issues.
 
Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems.

1. Root Rot

The most frequent issue when you grow pothos underwater is root rot.
 
Signs include mushy, brown roots and a foul smell.
 
Root rot happens when oxygen is low or water is dirty.
 
Remove affected roots and improve aeration immediately.
 
In severe cases, start a fresh cutting in clean water.

2. Algae Growth

Algae can coat the roots and leaves of submerged pothos.
 
It competes for nutrients and light, stressing the plant.
 
Reduce light exposure or add algae-eating snails or fish.
 
Manual removal with a soft brush also helps.
 
Avoid over-fertilizing, which feeds algae more than pothos.

3. Slow Growth or Yellow Leaves

If leaves turn yellow, check light and nutrient levels.
 
Pothos underwater need more light than you might think.
 
Also ensure you’re adding fertilizer regularly.
 
Cold water can stunt growth, so keep the temperature stable.
 
With adjustments, your pothos should bounce back.

So, Can You Grow Pothos Underwater?

Yes, you can grow pothos underwater, but it requires attentive care.
 
The key is to provide oxygen, clean water, light, and nutrients.
 
If you keep the leaves partially above water, success is much easier.
 
For fully submerged setups, invest in an aquarium with filtration.
 
With the right conditions, your pothos will adapt and even thrive underwater.
 
So go ahead and experiment with growing pothos underwater.
 
It’s a beautiful way to add greenery to your aquarium or water feature.