🌱 7 Easy Steps to Propagate a Pothos Plant in Water (Beginner-Friendly)
Want more pothos plants for free? Propagating a pothos plant in water is one of the easiest and most rewarding things you can do as a plant lover. You don’t need soil, experience, or even a green thumb — just a healthy vine, water, and some patience.
Whether you’re expanding your collection or gifting cuttings to a friend, this guide walks you through every step — with tips, tricks, and FAQs.
✂️ Supplies You’ll Need
- A healthy pothos vine
- Clean scissors or pruning shears
- A glass jar or vase filled with room-temperature water
- A windowsill with indirect sunlight
- Optional: filtered or dechlorinated water
🪴 How to Propagate a Pothos Plant in Water: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Choose a Healthy Vine
Pick a long, green, pest-free pothos stem with at least 3–4 leaves and visible nodes.
Step 2: Cut Just Below a Node
Use sanitized scissors to cut ¼ inch below a node (a small bump on the stem). Each cutting should be 4–6 inches long with 2–4 leaves.
Step 3: Remove Lower Leaves
Snip off any leaves that would sit in the water to prevent rotting and bacteria growth.
Step 4: Place in Water
Submerge the nodes in a clean jar of water, ensuring no leaves are under the surface.
Step 5: Find the Right Spot
Place the jar in bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sun — it can overheat the water.
Step 6: Change Water Regularly
Swap the water every 3–5 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
Step 7: Watch the Roots Grow!
Within 2–3 weeks, you’ll see white roots forming. Once they’re 2–3 inches long, you can pot them in soil — or leave them in water permanently.
🌿 Can Pothos Live in Water Forever?
Yes! Pothos can thrive in water alone if you:
- Change the water weekly
- Add a liquid houseplant fertilizer once a month
- Keep them in a bright (but not direct) light spot
Hydroponic pothos are low maintenance and great for beginners.
💡 Tips for Better Results
- Use filtered or distilled water if your tap water is hard.
- Propagate multiple cuttings in the same jar for a bushier plant.
- Label each jar with the cutting date to track growth.
Once rooted, plant your cuttings in cute ceramic pots or mason jars. Add a gift tag — and you’ve got a perfect housewarming or birthday present!
🤔 FAQs About Pothos Propagation
Do pothos need rooting hormone?
No, pothos root easily in water without any additional hormones.
How long do roots take to grow?
Typically 14–21 days depending on light and water conditions.
When should I move my pothos to soil?
Once roots are 2–3 inches long and strong, you can transplant them.
Can pothos live in water permanently?
Yes! Just refresh water and feed monthly with liquid fertilizer.
Why are my cuttings turning yellow?
Common reasons: dirty water, too much light, or poor stem health.
🔄 Related Articles
- How to Repot a Root Bound Plant
- Best Soil Mix for Indoor Plants
- How to Water Houseplants the Right Way
🔗 Helpful External Resources
The Sill: How to Propagate Pothos
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