Pothos is a popular indoor plant known for being easy to grow. Many people love keeping pothos in water because it looks clean and requires low effort. But even if the plant is not growing in soil, it still needs nutrients to stay healthy. Choosing the right fertilizer for pothos in water helps the plant grow strong roots and maintain bright leaves.
Why Fertilizer Matters for Pothos in Water
Pothos grown in soil gets natural nutrients from the earth. But when you grow pothos in water, those nutrients are missing. Without proper feeding, leaves may turn pale, growth may slow down, and roots may weaken. A liquid fertilizer designed for hydroponic or water grown plants helps supply nutrients like nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus.
Best Fertilizer for Pothos in Water
The best fertilizer for pothos in water is a liquid houseplant or hydroponic fertilizer. Look for a balanced formula with equal nutrient values, such as 10 10 10 or 20 20 20. A balanced mix supports leaf growth, strong roots, and overall health.
When using fertilizer, always dilute it to a weaker strength than you would for soil plants. Pothos roots in water are sensitive and too much fertilizer can cause root burn.
Recommended Fertilizer Types
Here are good options to feed pothos in water:
- Liquid houseplant fertilizer
- Hydroponic nutrient solution
- Complete indoor plant food drops
- Organic liquid fertilizers like seaweed extract
Brands like General Hydroponics, LiquiDirt, and Miracle Gro indoor plant food drops are commonly used for water grown plants.
How to Fertilize Pothos in Water
Follow these steps for the best results:
- Mix fertilizer in fresh water. Use only half or less of the recommended strength.
- Replace the water every two to three weeks.
- Add fertilizer every four to six weeks.
- Keep water clean to avoid algae and root rot.
It is better to feed pothos lightly on a regular schedule rather than giving too much at once.
Additional Care Tips
- Use filtered or room temperature water
- Keep roots submerged but leaves above water
- Place the plant in bright, indirect light
- Clean the container and trim roots when they get too long
Key Nutrients Needed
Pothos in water requires:
- Nitrogen for leaf growth
- Potassium for overall plant strength
- Phosphorus for root development
- Micronutrients like magnesium and calcium
These plant nutrients help maintain strong foliage, rich green color, healthy root systems, and steady growth.
FAQs
Can I use regular fertilizer for pothos in water?
Yes, you can use liquid houseplant fertilizer, but make sure to dilute it more than usual to avoid damaging the roots.
How often should I fertilize a pothos in water?
Fertilize every four to six weeks and change the water every two to three weeks to keep it fresh.
Do pothos in water grow slower without fertilizer?
Yes, without nutrients the growth will slow down and leaves may lose color over time.
Can I use fish tank water for pothos?
Yes, aquarium water contains natural nutrients and can be used as a gentle organic fertilizer.
Is organic fertilizer safe for pothos in water?
Organic liquid options like seaweed extract or fish fertilizer work well when used in very small amounts.
