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You can plant pothos in water quite easily and watching them grow in a clear glass jar is a simple joy.
If you have been wondering how to plant pothos in water, the process is straightforward and requires very little effort.
You can start planting pothos in water without any special skills and you will have a thriving houseplant in no time.
Learning how to plant pothos in water means you can enjoy a beautiful trailing plant without the mess of soil.
In this post, we will walk through exactly how to plant pothos in water and the best tips for long term success.
Let me show you everything you need to know about growing pothos in water.
How To Successfully Plant Pothos In Water
The best way to plant pothos in water starts with choosing the right cutting from a healthy mother plant.
Follow these steps and you will master planting pothos in water from the very first try.
1. Select a Healthy Stem Cutting
When you decide to plant pothos in water, the first thing you need is a stem with a few leaves.
Look for a stem that has at least one node and the node is the little bump where the leaf meets the stem.
You can plant pothos in water using a cutting that is about four to six inches long.
Always make your cut just below a node because this is where the roots will emerge.
Use clean scissors or sharp pruning shears to avoid crushing the stem.
A healthy cutting is the foundation of successfully planting pothos in water.
2. Remove the Lower Leaves
Before you plant pothos in water, strip off any leaves that would sit below the water line.
Leaves that stay submerged will eventually rot and that can dirty your water.
You want to keep only the top leaves above the water while the node sits below.
This step is very important for planting pothos in water because rotting leaves can slow root growth.
Keep two or three leaves at the top and your cutting will look lovely in the jar.
3. Place the Cutting in Clean Water
Now it is time to actually plant pothos in water by putting your cutting in a clean container.
Use a glass jar, a vase, or any clear container so you can watch the roots develop.
Fill the container with room temperature tap water or filtered water for the best results.
Make sure the node is fully submerged but the remaining leaves stay dry above the rim.
You can plant pothos in water using a narrow neck jar to keep the cutting upright.
4. Choose the Right Location
After you plant pothos in water, put the jar in a spot with bright but indirect sunlight.
Direct sun can scorch the leaves and encourage algae to grow in the water.
A windowsill that faces east or north is perfect for planting pothos in water.
Pothos will also grow under fluorescent lights if natural light is limited in your home.
Avoid drafty windows or air conditioning vents because sudden temperature changes stress the plant.
How To Care For Pothos Planted In Water Long Term
Once you know how to plant pothos in water, caring for them is almost effortless.
You can keep your pothos in water for years if you provide good care and clean conditions.
1. Change The Water Regularly
The most important part of planting pothos in water is changing the water every one to two weeks.
Stale water can breed bacteria that harm the roots and make your cutting smell unpleasant.
When you change the water, rinse the roots gently to remove any slimy buildup.
Always use fresh water at room temperature to avoid shocking the roots.
Regular water changes keep your pothos happy when you plant pothos in water.
2. Add Liquid Fertilizer Occasionally
Pothos living in water have no soil to supply nutrients so you need to feed them yourself.
You can use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
Add a few drops to the water every month during the growing season of spring and summer.
Do not over fertilize because too many salts can burn the roots when you plant pothos in water.
Skip fertilizer during fall and winter when growth naturally slows down.
3. Watch For Root Rot And Algae
Even when you plant pothos in water correctly, you might still see some algae or root issues.
Algae can appear on the glass if the jar gets too much sunlight so clean the container thoroughly.
If the roots turn brown or mushy, trim away the damaged parts with clean scissors.
You can prevent root rot by not overcrowding the jar and keeping the water fresh.
Healthy roots are white or pale green and they look firm to the touch.
4. Prune To Encourage Bushy Growth
When you plant pothos in water, the stems can grow long and leggy over time.
Trim back the longest vines to encourage the plant to fill out and become fuller.
You can even take the cuttings you prune and start a new jar of pothos in water.
Pruning keeps your plant looking tidy and prevents the stems from breaking under their own weight.
Always cut just above a node so new growth will sprout from that point.
Common Mistakes When You Plant Pothos In Water
Even experienced plant lovers can make errors when planting pothos in water.
Here are the most frequent slip ups and how to avoid them easily.
1. Using A Container That Is Too Deep
If the container is too tall, the stem can stretch too far to reach the water.
Use a jar that allows the cutting to sit comfortably with the node submerged.
A jar that is too deep can also encourage the stem to rot before roots form.
When you plant pothos in water, a short wide jar often works better than a tall skinny one.
2. Neglecting The Water Level
As water evaporates, the node might become exposed and roots will stop growing.
Check the water level every few days and top it off as needed when you plant pothos in water.
If the node dries out completely, your cutting may never root at all.
Keep the node underwater at all times for the best chance of success.
3. Choosing A Cutting Without Nodes
A stem without a node will never grow roots no matter how long you wait.
Always inspect the cutting carefully before you plant pothos in water.
Look for the small brown bumps or aerial roots on the stem as these are nodes.
If you see no nodes, take another cutting from a different part of the parent plant.
So, How To Plant Pothos In Water Effectively?
You can plant pothos in water simply by taking a healthy stem cutting with a node.
Place that cutting in a clean jar of fresh water and put it in bright indirect light.
Change the water every week or two and add a little liquid fertilizer monthly.
That is really everything you need to know about how to plant pothos in water.
With these steps, you can plant pothos in water and enjoy a lush trailing plant for years.
I hope this guide has made planting pothos in water feel easy and fun for you.