Can Money Plant Grow In Just Water – Your Ultimate Guide To Thriving

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever snipped a piece of a friend’s lush Money Plant, placed it in a glass jar on your windowsill, and wondered, “Can this actually live here forever?” It’s a common question we get here at Greeny Gardener, and it’s a fantastic one!

I’m here to promise you that the answer is a resounding YES. Not only can money plant grow in just water, but it can absolutely thrive, creating a stunning, low-maintenance display of greenery in your home. It’s one of the most rewarding ways to enjoy this beautiful plant.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the simple science behind why it works, a step-by-step process to get you started, the amazing benefits, and how to troubleshoot any little hiccups along the way. Get ready to unlock the secret to effortless indoor gardening!

The Short Answer is Yes! Why Money Plants Thrive in Water

It might seem like magic, but there’s some wonderful plant science behind why your Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum) is so happy without soil. These plants are incredibly adaptable, and their biology makes them perfect candidates for hydroponic living.

At its core, soil isn’t food. Soil is a delivery system for three things: anchorage, water, and nutrients. When you grow a money plant in water, you are simply changing the delivery system. The water provides hydration and, with a little help from you, the necessary nutrients.

Money plants develop special roots called “water roots” that are finer and more delicate than soil roots. These are specifically adapted to absorb oxygen and nutrients directly from the water column. It’s a fuss-free, soil-free way to garden that’s perfect for any spot in your home.

The Amazing Benefits of Growing Money Plant in Water

Deciding to grow your money plant in water isn’t just a novelty; it comes with a host of fantastic advantages. This is more than just a cool experiment; it’s a legitimate and beneficial way to cultivate your plant. Here are some of the top benefits of can money plant grow in just water.

Low Maintenance and Beginner-Friendly

Forget about watering schedules and soil moisture meters! The biggest perk is the simplicity. There’s no risk of overwatering or underwatering—two of the most common ways beginner gardeners accidentally harm their plants. You can literally see when the water level is low, making care almost foolproof.

Aesthetically Pleasing and Versatile Decor

There’s a unique beauty to seeing the intricate network of roots growing in a clear vase. It adds a modern, almost scientific elegance to your decor. You can use any waterproof container you like—from vintage glass bottles and minimalist jars to colorful ceramic vases—to match your personal style perfectly.

Pest-Free Gardening

Most common houseplant pests, like fungus gnats and spider mites, live and breed in soil. By eliminating the soil, you eliminate their habitat. This means you can enjoy your lush greenery without worrying about uninvited creepy-crawly guests. It’s a clean and simple way to keep your indoor garden healthy.

An Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Choice

This method is a wonderful example of sustainable can money plant grow in just water practices. You can reuse glass jars and bottles that might otherwise be thrown away. It requires no peat moss (a non-renewable resource) and reduces the need for plastic nursery pots, making it a truly eco-friendly can money plant grow in just water option.

How to Grow Money Plant in Just Water: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to start your own water-based money plant? It’s incredibly simple. Follow this easy can money plant grow in just water guide, and you’ll have a thriving plant in no time. Don’t worry—this is perfect for beginners!

  1. Step 1: Selecting the Perfect Cutting

    The success of your water-grown plant starts with a healthy cutting. Look for a stem that is green and vigorous, not yellow or wilting. Your ideal cutting should be 4-6 inches long and have at least 3-4 nodes (the little bumps on the stem where leaves and roots grow). Make a clean cut with sharp scissors or pruning shears just below a node.

  2. Step 2: Preparing the Cutting

    Once you have your cutting, gently remove the leaf or leaves from the bottom-most node—the one that will be submerged in water. This is crucial because submerged leaves will rot, fouling the water and potentially harming the plant. Leave at least two leaves at the top of the cutting to continue photosynthesis.

  3. Step 3: Choosing Your Vessel

    This is the fun part! You can use almost any waterproof container. A clear glass jar, vase, or bottle is highly recommended for beginners because it allows you to monitor root growth and water clarity easily. Make sure the container is clean to prevent bacteria from harming your new cutting.

  4. Step 4: Adding Water and Placing Your Plant

    Fill your chosen vessel with room-temperature water. Tap water is usually fine, but if your water is heavily treated, let it sit out for 24 hours to allow chlorine to dissipate. Place the cutting into the water, ensuring at least one node is fully submerged. Position your new plant in a spot that receives bright, indirect sunlight, like near an east-facing window.

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Your Essential Money Plant in Water Care Guide

Once your plant is happily settled in its new aquatic home, a little bit of ongoing care will keep it lush and vibrant for years. This can money plant grow in just water care guide covers all the essentials.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

Money plants are not divas when it comes to light. They thrive in bright, indirect light. A spot a few feet from a sunny window is perfect. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too little light can lead to leggy growth and pale leaves. They are quite tolerant, so don’t stress too much about finding the “perfect” spot.

The Importance of Changing the Water

This is the single most important task for keeping your water-grown money plant healthy. Stagnant water loses oxygen and can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Aim to change the water completely every 7-14 days. If you notice the water getting cloudy sooner, change it right away. Fresh water provides a fresh supply of dissolved oxygen for the roots.

To Feed or Not to Feed? The Nutrient Question

While a money plant can survive in plain water for a long time, it won’t truly thrive without nutrients. Water doesn’t contain the minerals plants need to grow strong. Every 4-6 weeks, add a few drops of a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer to the water. Less is more here! Too much fertilizer can burn the delicate water roots. A very diluted solution is all it needs.

Pruning for a Fuller, Healthier Plant

Don’t be afraid to give your plant a haircut! Trimming the vines encourages the plant to become bushier and fuller. It also keeps it from getting too long and scraggly. Plus, every piece you trim can become a new plant. It’s the gift that keeps on giving!

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Money Plant in Water

Even the easiest plants can have an off day. Here’s a quick rundown of some common problems with can money plant grow in just water and how to solve them. Think of it as a little first-aid kit for your green friend.

Help! My Leaves are Turning Yellow

A yellow leaf now and then is normal, especially on older growth. However, if you see multiple leaves turning yellow, it’s often a sign of either too much direct sunlight or a nutrient deficiency. Try moving the plant to a spot with less intense light. If that doesn’t help, it’s likely time for a very mild dose of liquid fertilizer.

What is This Green Slime? (Dealing with Algae)

Algae loves two things: light and nutrients. If you’re using a clear container, sunlight can encourage algae to grow in the water. While it’s not directly harmful to the plant, it’s not pretty and competes for nutrients. The fix is easy: when you change the water, thoroughly wash the inside of the container and gently rinse the plant’s roots. Using an opaque vase can prevent algae from forming in the first place.

My Plant’s Growth has Stalled

If your plant was growing well and suddenly stopped, it’s likely hungry. It has probably used up all the trace minerals in the water. This is a clear signal that it’s time to start a gentle feeding routine with a diluted liquid fertilizer, as mentioned in our care guide. A little food will work wonders!

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The Stems are Getting Mushy

A soft, mushy stem at the base is a sign of rot. This usually happens if leaves were left below the waterline or if the water wasn’t changed frequently enough, allowing bacteria to build up. If you catch it early, you can save the plant. Take the cutting out, cut off any mushy parts with a clean blade, and place it in a clean container with fresh water.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Money Plant in Water

How long can a money plant live in just water?

With proper care—including regular water changes and occasional feeding—a money plant can live in water indefinitely! Many people have kept the same plant thriving in a vase for several years. It will grow slower than its soil-based counterparts, but it will remain healthy and beautiful.

Do I need to add fertilizer to the water?

For long-term health and vibrant growth, yes. While it can survive for many months in plain water, it needs nutrients to truly thrive. Adding a very diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks provides the essential minerals it’s missing from soil. Think of it as a vitamin supplement for your plant.

Can I transfer my water-grown money plant to soil later?

Absolutely! The “water roots” are more fragile than soil roots, so the transition requires a gentle touch. Plant it in a pot with well-draining soil and keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks. This helps the roots adapt from their aquatic environment to soil without going into shock.

What kind of water is best for money plants?

Most tap water is perfectly fine. However, if your tap water is very hard or heavily chlorinated, you might want to use filtered water, rainwater, or tap water that has been left to sit out overnight. This allows minerals and chemicals like chlorine to settle or evaporate, which is gentler on the roots.

Why are the roots of my money plant turning brown?

Healthy water roots are typically white or light green. If they turn brown and mushy, it’s a sign of root rot, usually from infrequent water changes. If they are brown but still firm, it might be due to tannins from a piece of bark or simply mineral staining, which is harmless. The key is to check the texture—mushy is bad, firm is okay.

Your Journey to Water Gardening Starts Now!

So, the final verdict on can money plant grow in just water is a clear and enthusiastic yes! It’s an elegant, simple, and incredibly satisfying way to bring more green into your life, regardless of your gardening experience.

Remember the simple keys to success: provide bright, indirect light, change the water regularly, and offer a tiny bit of food every now and then. That’s all it takes. By following this guide, you have all the knowledge you need to succeed.

So go ahead, snip that cutting, find a beautiful jar, and start your water-gardening adventure today. We at Greeny Gardener are cheering you on. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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