To grow pothos in water, cut a 3–6 inch stem tip with at least two nodes, remove the lower leaves, and stand it in a jar so the nodes are submerged. Keep it at 75–80°F in bright, indirect light. Roots usually form in 2–4 weeks. Refresh the water, and add weak fertilizer for long-term growth.
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| Cutting | 3–6 inch tip with at least 2 nodes (Penn State) |
| Rooting temperature | 75–80°F (Penn State) |
| Time to roots | Often about 2 weeks; within 3–4 weeks (NC State, Wisconsin) |
| Light | Bright, indirect; tolerates low light (NC State) |
| Growing temperature | Best 70–90°F, away from drafts (Wisconsin) |
| Pet safety | Toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA) |
Can Pothos Grow in Water?
Yes. NC State Extension’s Plant Toolbox says pothos “vines easily root in water,” and its photo gallery shows cuttings rooting in water after 2 weeks. University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension says pothos vines root in water or vermiculite within 3–4 weeks. That’s why pothos in water is one of the most popular beginner projects.
Extension guides then describe potting rooted cuttings in a well-aerated mix. Many people keep pothos in water much longer as a decorative plant; we didn’t find extension guidance on permanent water culture, so if you go that route, treat it like simple hydroponics: plain water has no nutrients, so add a weak fertilizer and keep the water fresh.
Pothos is one of the easiest picks in our list of plants that grow in water.
What Do You Need?
- A healthy pothos (Penn State advises starting with plants free of disease, insects and stress)
- Sharp, clean scissors or pruners
- A clear glass, jar or vase
- Room-temperature water; see chlorine and chloramine in tap water
- Optional: rooting hormone and a weak liquid fertilizer
How Do You Root Pothos in Water Step by Step?
- Take a tip cutting. Penn State says to cut a branch tip 3–6 inches long with at least two nodes (the point where a leaf meets the stem).
- Remove lower leaves. Strip leaves from the lower half so no foliage sits underwater.
- Optional hormone. Penn State says a little rooting hormone speeds roots, but too much slows them.
- Place it in water. Submerge the bare nodes; keep the leaves above the rim.
- Keep it warm and bright. Penn State recommends bright, indirect light and a rooting temperature of 75–80°F.
- Refresh the water. Change it when it looks cloudy and top up as it evaporates.
- Pot or keep growing. Wisconsin suggests planting several rooted cuttings together in one pot for a fuller plant. Or keep your pothos in water and feed it lightly.
Those seven steps cover pothos in water from cutting to established plant.
How Long Does It Take to Root?
| Stage | Timing | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Visible roots | About 2 weeks (photo example) | NC State |
| Rooted cuttings | Within 3–4 weeks | Wisconsin |
| New buds | 1–2 weeks under warm temperatures | Wisconsin |
Warmth speeds everything up. A cool windowsill in winter can slow rooting of pothos in water.
How Do You Keep Pothos Healthy in Water Long Term?
- Light: Bright, indirect light. Wisconsin says pothos doesn’t tolerate much direct sun, and NC State notes low light can cause loss of variegation.
- Temperature: 70–90°F and away from drafts. Wisconsin says low temperatures or abrupt drops can cause brown patches on leaves.
- Feeding: NC State and Wisconsin fertilize potted pothos every other month, skipping winter. In water, use a weak, dilute solution; see hydroponic nutrients for beginners.
- Salt buildup: Wisconsin warns excess fertilizer can blacken leaf tips through salt buildup, so less is more.
- Algae: Clear glass lets light reach the water. If it turns green, rinse the jar; see algae control.
- Pruning: NC State says older leaves yellow and drop over time; prune stems to keep a bushy habit, and root the trimmings.
Treat pothos in water like a tiny Kratky setup and it can keep growing for a long time.
Why Are the Leaves Turning Yellow?
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Older leaves yellowing slowly | Natural aging (NC State) | Prune and propagate |
| Brown, mushy or missing roots | Root rot (Wisconsin) | Trim, refresh water, recut healthy stems |
| Black leaf tips or margins | Excess fertilizer and salts | Change water; feed less |
| Fading variegation | Low light (NC State) | Brighter, indirect spot |
| Brown patches mid-leaf | Cold or sudden temperature drop | Keep at 70–90°F, no drafts |
| Cottony or bumpy pests | Mealybugs or scale (NC State) | Wipe off and isolate |
Is Pothos Safe for Pets?
No. The ASPCA lists golden pothos as toxic to dogs and cats because of insoluble calcium oxalates. Signs include oral irritation, intense burning of the mouth, tongue and lips, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Wisconsin adds that the sap may irritate skin. Keep jars of pothos in water out of reach, and call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or your veterinarian if a pet chews it.
How Do You Get a Fuller, Bigger Plant?
A single cutting makes a thin plant. Wisconsin recommends grouping several rooted cuttings in one container. NC State notes the trailing vines can grow very long, which suits hanging baskets, and that pothos climbs with brown aerial roots; given a support and enough light, it begins producing larger, mature leaves. Regular pruning also pushes new side shoots, and every trimming is another cutting you can root.
Which Pothos Varieties Root Best in Water?
NC State lists popular cultivars including ‘Golden Pothos’, ‘Marble Queen’, ‘Neon’, ‘Jade’, ‘Pearls and Jade’, ‘Snow Queen’ and ‘Njoy’. All are the same species, so the same pothos in water method works for each. Highly variegated types need brighter light to keep their color.
FAQs: Pothos in Water
How long can pothos in water survive?
A long time with fresh water, bright indirect light and a little fertilizer. Extension sources focus on rooting and potting, so watch the roots and leaves for problems.
Do I need a node to grow pothos in water?
Yes. Penn State recommends cuttings with at least two nodes, because roots form there.
Should I add fertilizer to pothos in water?
Yes, if you keep it in water long term. Use a weak dose; too much causes salt damage.
Can I move pothos in water to soil later?
Yes. Pot several rooted cuttings together in a well-aerated mix, as Wisconsin suggests, and water when the surface is dry.
Why is my pothos in water not rooting?
Check that a node is submerged and the room is warm. Penn State’s ideal rooting temperature is 75–80°F.
Related HydroponicEra Guides
- Water culture orchids
- Hydroponic cuttings and cloning
- Growing bulbs in water
Sources
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox — Epipremnum aureum (Pothos)
- University of Wisconsin–Madison Extension — Pothos, Epipremnum aureum
- Penn State Extension — Propagating Houseplants
- ASPCA — Golden Pothos (Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants)
- Photo credits (Wikimedia Commons, edited with titles): Pothos plant on water by Joli Rumi (CC BY-SA 4.0); Epipremnum aureum 31082012 by Joydeep (CC BY-SA 3.0)