Can You Submerge Pothos In Water

You can submerge pothos in water, and many plant lovers do exactly that to grow these hardy vines.
 
Submerging pothos in water means keeping the roots and often part of the stem fully underwater with no soil involved at all.
 
If you’ve been wondering can you submerge pothos in water for long-term growth, the short answer is yes, pothos can thrive when submerged in water as long as you care for them properly.
 
Submerging pothos in water is actually one of the simplest ways to propagate and maintain this popular houseplant.
 
In this post we’ll explore everything you need to know about submerging pothos in water, from how to start to common mistakes to avoid.
 
Let’s dive right in.

Can You Submerge Pothos in Water Successfully?

Yes, you can submerge pothos in water successfully, and it’s a fantastic method for growing these plants without soil.
 
Submerging pothos in water works particularly well because pothos are naturally adapted to wet environments in the wild.
 
Here’s why submerging pothos in water is not only possible but actually beneficial in many cases.
 

1. Pothos Are Naturally Aquatic-Adaptable

Pothos, also known as Epipremnum aureum, grow near riverbanks and in rainforests where their roots often sit in water.
 
This natural adaptation means submerging pothos in water mimics their native habitat conditions.
 
The roots of pothos have evolved to absorb oxygen and nutrients from water, so they don’t require soil to survive.
 
When you submerge pothos in water, the roots quickly adjust and continue growing just as they would in soil.
 

2. Submerging Pothos in Water Prevents Root Rot Issues

One common fear is that submerging pothos in water causes root rot, but that’s usually a problem with overwatered soil, not clean water.
 
When you submerge pothos in water, the roots get plenty of oxygen because the water is changed regularly.
 
Root rot happens when roots sit in stagnant, bacteria-filled water or soggy soil lacking oxygen.
 
Submerging pothos in water with regular water changes keeps roots healthy and free from rot.
 

3. Propagation Becomes Effortless

If you want to grow new plants, submerging pothos in water is the easiest propagation method.
 
Simply cut a stem with a few leaves and nodes, then place it in a jar of water with the nodes submerged.
 
Submerging pothos in water for propagation encourages rapid root development, usually within a couple of weeks.
 
You’ll see roots emerge from the nodes, and soon you can keep them submerged or transfer to soil later.
 

How to Submerge Pothos in Water for Long-Term Growth

To keep your pothos healthy when submerging pothos in water long term, follow these simple steps.
 
Submerging pothos in water isn’t complicated, but a few key practices make all the difference.
 

1. Choose the Right Container

Use a glass jar, vase, or any clear container so you can monitor the roots and water condition.
 
When submerging pothos in water, avoid narrow-necked bottles that trap leaves in the water.
 
The container should hold the plant upright while leaving most leaves above the waterline.
 
Only the roots and lower stems should be submerged when submerging pothos in water.
 

2. Change the Water Regularly

Stale water leads to bacteria and algae, so refresh it every 5 to 7 days.
 
Submerging pothos in water without changing it will cause the water to turn smelly and cloudy.
 
Use room-temperature tap water or filtered water for best results.
 
If you see any leaves beginning to yellow, check that the water level isn’t covering too much of the stem.
 

3. Add Liquid Fertilizer Sparingly

Pothos can survive in plain water, but submerging pothos in water with a drop of liquid fertilizer every month boosts their growth.
 
Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
 
Too much fertilizer when submerging pothos in water can cause algae growth or burn the roots.
 
A little nutrition goes a long way for water-grown pothos.
 

Common Mistakes When Submerging Pothos in Water

Even though submerging pothos in water is simple, some mistakes can harm your plant.
 
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your pothos thrives when submerged.
 

1. Submerging Leaves and Stems Too Deep

Only the roots and possibly the nodes (where roots emerge) should be underwater.
 
Submerging pothos in water with leaves fully immersed will cause those leaves to rot and decay.
 
Keep the foliage dry and above the waterline to prevent fungal issues and yellowing.
 

2. Using Cold or Chlorinated Water

Very cold water or water high in chlorine can shock the roots when submerging pothos in water.
 
Let tap water sit out for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate, or use distilled water.
 
Room-temperature water is best when submerging pothos in water because it doesn’t stress the plant.
 

3. Ignoring Brown or Slimy Roots

Healthy roots when submerging pothos in water should be white or light tan and firm.
 
If roots turn brown, mushy, or slimy, trim them immediately and change the water.
 
This prevents the decay from spreading to healthy parts of the plant.
 

So, Can You Submerge Pothos in Water?

Yes, you can submerge pothos in water successfully and even keep them growing happily for years.
 
Submerging pothos in water is a low-maintenance, soil-free way to enjoy these beautiful trailing plants.
 
Just remember to keep leaves above the waterline, change the water weekly, and provide a little fertilizer now and then.
 
Pothos are incredibly forgiving, so submerging pothos in water is a perfect project for beginners and busy plant lovers alike.
 
Now you know exactly how to get started with submerging pothos in water and keep them thriving.
 
Happy growing.