Pothos is one of the most popular indoor plants because it’s easy to grow, low-maintenance, and looks beautiful in any space. The best part? You can easily multiply it by taking a few simple cuttings and growing them in water. Watching the roots grow is not only exciting but also a great way to start new plants for your home or to share with friends.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to propagate pothos in water step by step, along with practical tips to make sure your cuttings grow strong and healthy.
Why Grow Pothos Cuttings in Water
Propagating pothos in water is simple and perfect for beginners. Here are some great reasons to try it:
- It’s easy and quick: You can see new roots form in just a few weeks.
- No soil needed: It’s a clean process, great for small spaces.
- Fun to watch: You can see the roots grow day by day.
- Makes your plant fuller: You can replant new cuttings back into the same pot to make your pothos bushier.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these few simple things:
- A healthy pothos vine
- Sharp scissors or pruning shears
- A clear glass or jar
- Clean, room-temperature water
Step-by-Step Guide to Propagate Pothos in Water
1. Pick a Healthy Vine
Choose a vine from your pothos that looks green, fresh, and healthy. Avoid vines with yellow or damaged leaves.
2. Cut Below a Node
Using clean scissors, cut a section of the vine about 4 to 6 inches long. Make sure your cutting includes a node. A node is the small bump along the vine where roots will grow from.
3. Remove the Bottom Leaves
Gently remove the leaves closest to the bottom of the cutting, leaving at least one or two leaves at the top. This helps prevent the leaves from rotting in water.
4. Place the Cutting in Water
Fill your glass or jar with clean water and place the cutting inside so that the node is underwater. Keep the leaves above the water surface.
5. Find a Bright Spot
Put the jar in a place that gets bright but indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause algae to grow and may harm your cutting.
6. Change the Water Often
Change the water every 4 to 5 days to keep it fresh. This prevents bacteria from building up and helps your cutting grow strong, healthy roots.
7. Watch the Roots Grow
In about two to three weeks, you’ll see small white roots appear. Once they’re around two to three inches long, your new plant is ready to be moved to soil or kept in water.
Moving Pothos from Water to Soil (Optional)
If you want your new pothos plant to grow in soil, gently transfer it into a pot with well-draining soil once the roots are long enough. Water it lightly after planting and place it in a bright spot.
If you love the look of your pothos growing in water, you can keep it that way permanently. Just refresh the water regularly and add a few drops of liquid fertilizer once a month to keep it healthy.
Mistakes to Avoid When Propagating Pothos
- Using dull or dirty scissors
- Submerging leaves in water
- Forgetting to change the water
- Keeping it in a dark spot
- Using damaged or weak cuttings
Benefits of Propagating Pothos in Water
- Fast and easy way to grow new plants
- Great for decorating small spaces
- Makes the main plant healthier by trimming long vines
- Perfect activity for beginner plant lovers
FAQs
How long does it take for pothos to grow roots in water?
Usually, roots start to appear in 2 to 4 weeks depending on light and temperature.
Can I keep pothos in water forever?
Yes, pothos can live in water permanently as long as you change the water regularly and use a little liquid fertilizer now and then.
What kind of water should I use?
Filtered or clean tap water is fine. If you use tap water, let it sit overnight before using it.
Why are my cuttings not growing roots?
Your cuttings may not be getting enough light, or the water may not be fresh. Move them to a brighter spot and refresh the water every few days.
Do I need to use rooting powder?
No, pothos roots easily in water without any rooting powder or special products.
