Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a popular houseplant known for its trailing vines and attractive heart-shaped leaves. One of the great things about pothos is that it can thrive in a variety of conditions, including in water. In fact, growing pothos in water can be a convenient and low-maintenance way to enjoy this beautiful plant.
Pothos can indeed live permanently in water. In fact, many plant enthusiasts choose to grow pothos solely in water, without ever transferring it to soil. This method is often referred to as hydroponics or water culture.
Growing pothos in water offers several advantages. Firstly, it eliminates the need for soil, which can be messy and require regular maintenance such as watering and fertilizing. Secondly, water provides a consistent moisture level, reducing the risk of over or under watering. Lastly, pothos grown in water can be a striking visual feature, especially when displayed in clear glass containers where the roots can be seen.
To start growing pothos in water, you will need a healthy pothos cutting or an existing pothos plant that you want to transfer. It’s best to choose a cutting with several nodes, as these are the points from which new roots will emerge.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to growing pothos in water:
1. Prepare a clean container or vase: Choose a container that is wide enough to accommodate the pothos cutting and has a narrow neck to support the stem. Make sure the container is clean to prevent any potential bacterial or fungal growth.
2. Fill the container with water: Fill the container with clean, room temperature water. Avoid using tap water that contains chlorine or other chemicals, as these can harm the plant. If you don’t have access to filtered water, you can let tap water sit out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to dissipate.
3. Take a pothos cutting: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, take a cutting from the pothos plant just below a node. Nodes are the points where leaves attach to the stem. Ideally, the cutting should be around 4-6 inches long and have at least two or three leaves.
4. Remove lower leaves: Strip off the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top. This helps to prevent the leaves from rotting in the water.
5. Place the cutting in water: Insert the stripped end of the cutting into the water, ensuring that at least one node is submerged. The nodes are where the roots will develop.
6. Provide indirect light: Place the container in a location that receives bright, indirect light. Pothos can tolerate lower light conditions, but they thrive in brighter areas. Direct sunlight should be avoided as it can scorch the leaves.
7. Monitor and maintain water levels: Check the water level regularly and top up as needed to ensure that the nodes remain submerged. It’s important to change the water every two to three weeks to prevent stagnation and the buildup of algae.
8. Wait for root development: Over time, you will start to see new roots emerging from the nodes of the pothos cutting. This process can take several weeks, so be patient and avoid disturbing the cutting.
9. Enjoy your water-grown pothos: Once the roots have developed, your pothos cutting is now a fully established water plant. You can continue to grow it in water indefinitely or choose to transfer it to soil if desired.
It’s worth noting that while pothos can live permanently in water, they still require some care. Regularly monitor the water quality and change it when needed to prevent any issues. Additionally, you may want to add a diluted liquid fertilizer to the water every few months to provide essential nutrients for the plant.
Pothos can indeed live permanently in water, and many plant enthusiasts choose to grow them solely in water. By following the steps outlined above, you can enjoy the beauty of pothos while minimizing the need for soil and regular maintenance.
