Can Money Plant Grow Without Water – Your Ultimate Guide To Thriving

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever admired a beautiful money plant, with its vibrant, heart-shaped leaves cascading from a simple glass jar of water, and wondered if it’s truly that simple? You’ve likely heard that these plants are incredibly resilient, but the question remains: can money plant grow without water in the traditional sense—meaning, without soil?

I’m here to tell you that the answer is a resounding YES! Not only can they grow in water, but they can absolutely flourish, creating a stunning, low-maintenance display in your home. This method is one of my favorite ways to propagate and enjoy this beautiful vine.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the amazing benefits of this soil-free method, a step-by-step process to get you started, and the best practices for long-term care. Get ready to unlock the secret to growing a lush, vibrant money plant using nothing but a cutting and a little bit of H₂O!

The Big Question: Can a Money Plant Grow Without Water at All?

Let’s clear up a common point of confusion right away. When people ask “can money plant grow without water,” they usually mean one of two things: can it survive severe drought in soil, or can it grow only in water without any soil?

To be perfectly clear, no plant can survive without any water indefinitely. Water is essential for photosynthesis, nutrient transport, and basic cell function. A money plant in soil will eventually wilt and perish if left unwatered for too long.

However, the magic of the money plant (Epipremnum aureum) is its incredible ability to adapt and thrive hydroponically—that is, with its roots submerged directly in water. This is what makes it such a popular choice for beginners and a fantastic, eco-friendly can money plant grow without water project.

Why Grow a Money Plant in Water? The Surprising Benefits

Switching from soil to water might seem unusual, but it comes with a host of fantastic advantages. This isn’t just a novelty; it’s a practical and beautiful way to cultivate your plant. Here are some of the key benefits of can money plant grow without water culture.

  • Minimal Mess, Maximum Style: Say goodbye to spilled soil! Growing in a clear glass vase or jar creates a clean, modern aesthetic. Watching the intricate root system develop is a beautiful and educational experience in itself.
  • Forget About Overwatering: One of the most common ways beginners kill houseplants is by overwatering them in soil, which leads to root rot. In water, the roots take only what they need, completely eliminating this risk.
  • Fewer Pests: Many common houseplant pests, like fungus gnats, live and breed in potting soil. By removing the soil, you remove their habitat, leading to a healthier, pest-free plant.
  • Perfect for Propagation: Taking cuttings and rooting them in water is the easiest way to create new money plants to expand your collection or share with friends. It’s a joy to watch new roots sprout!
  • Low Maintenance Dream: Life gets busy, but your water-grown money plant won’t hold it against you. It requires far less attention than its soil-based counterpart. Don’t worry—these plants are perfect for beginners!

Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Grow a Money Plant in Water

Ready to start your own soil-free money plant? It’s incredibly simple! This complete can money plant grow without water guide will walk you through every step. Let’s get our hands wet!

Step 1: Choose the Perfect Cutting

A healthy cutting is the foundation of a healthy plant. Look for a stem on an existing money plant that is vigorous and green.

Using clean scissors or pruning shears, snip off a 4-6 inch section of the vine. Your cutting must have at least one node—the small brown bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots grow. For best results, choose a cutting with 2-3 nodes and at least a couple of healthy leaves.

Step 2: Prepare Your Cutting and Vessel

Gently remove the leaf closest to the cut end of the stem. This is important because any leaves submerged in water will rot, fouling the water and potentially harming your cutting. You want the node to be submerged, but not the leaves.

Next, choose your container. A clear glass jar, bottle, or vase is ideal because it allows you to monitor root growth and water clarity. Wash it thoroughly with soap and water to remove any bacteria.

Step 3: Add Water and Place Your Cutting

Fill your chosen vessel with clean, room-temperature water. While money plants are not overly fussy, using filtered or distilled water can be beneficial, as it’s free from the chlorine and minerals found in some tap water that can sometimes hinder root growth.

Place the prepared cutting into the water, ensuring at least one node is fully submerged. The leaves should remain above the waterline, resting comfortably out of the water.

Step 4: Find the Perfect Spot

Place your jar in a spot that receives plenty of bright, indirect light. A north-facing window or a spot a few feet away from a sunny east-facing window is perfect. Direct sunlight can be too harsh, scorching the leaves and encouraging algae growth in the water.

The Ultimate Money Plant Care Guide for Water Culture

You’ve started your journey! Now, let’s talk about long-term success. This can money plant grow without water care guide covers the simple but crucial best practices to keep your plant thriving for years.

Changing the Water: The Golden Rule

This is the most important task for a water-grown money plant. Stagnant water loses oxygen and can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

You should aim to change the water every 7-10 days. Simply pour out the old water, give the jar a quick rinse to remove any slime or algae buildup, and refill with fresh, room-temperature water. This simple step provides your plant’s roots with fresh oxygen and nutrients.

To Feed or Not to Feed?

A money plant can survive in plain water for a long time, but for truly lush, vibrant growth, a little food goes a long way. Water doesn’t contain the micronutrients that soil does.

Once your plant has established a healthy root system (usually after a month or two), you can add a few drops of a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer to the water once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Be careful not to overdo it—a very diluted solution is all it needs. Less is more!

Pruning for a Fuller Plant

Don’t be afraid to give your money plant a haircut! Trimming the vines encourages the plant to become bushier and fuller. Plus, every piece you trim can be used to start a new plant. Simply follow the propagation steps above.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Can Money Plant Grow Without Water

Even the easiest plants can face hiccups. Don’t panic! Here’s how to solve some of the most common problems with can money plant grow without water.

Problem: The Leaves are Turning Yellow

Yellow leaves are often the first sign of trouble. This can be caused by several things:

  • Too Much Light: If the plant is in direct sun, the leaves can get scorched. Move it to a spot with indirect light.
  • Nutrient Deficiency: If you haven’t fertilized in a long time, the plant may be hungry. Add a very diluted dose of liquid fertilizer.
  • Old Leaves: It’s normal for the oldest leaves at the base of the vine to occasionally yellow and drop off as the plant grows.

Problem: The Water is Slimy or Smelly

This is a clear sign that bacteria are building up in the water. It means you need to change the water more frequently. Immediately replace the water, and thoroughly wash the container and the plant’s roots under gentle running water before placing it back.

Problem: Green Algae is Growing in the Jar

Algae thrives in the combination of light and nutrients. While it’s not directly harmful to the plant, it’s not very attractive. To manage it, switch to an opaque or colored glass container that blocks some light. You can also clean the jar thoroughly with each water change to scrub the algae away.

A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Way to Garden

One of the best parts of this method is how it aligns with a green lifestyle. This is a truly sustainable can money plant grow without water project.

You can upcycle glass jars, bottles, and vases that would otherwise be discarded. There’s no need for plastic pots or bags of soil. For an even more eco-friendly can money plant grow without water approach, you can use collected rainwater instead of tap water, which is naturally soft and free of chemicals.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Money Plants in Water

How long can a money plant live in just water?

Indefinitely! With proper care—regular water changes and occasional feeding—a money plant can live happily in water for many years. It’s not just a temporary propagation method; it can be a permanent home for your plant.

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

Yes, you can. However, be aware that the roots grown in water (hydroponic roots) are different from those grown in soil. They are more delicate and less efficient at absorbing water from soil. To transition, plant it in a pot with well-draining soil and keep the soil consistently moist (but not soggy) for the first few weeks to help the roots adapt.

Why are my money plant’s roots not growing in water?

Patience is key! It can take a few weeks for new roots to appear. Ensure the cutting has at least one node submerged and is in a warm spot with bright, indirect light. If it’s been over a month with no activity, the cutting may not have been viable. Try again with a fresh, healthy cutting.

Go Forth and Grow!

So, can money plant grow without water? Absolutely! Growing this wonderfully resilient plant in water is one of the most rewarding and simple gardening projects you can undertake. It’s a beautiful, mess-free, and sustainable way to bring a touch of green into your home.

You now have all the can money plant grow without water tips you need for success. Grab a cutting, find a pretty jar, and watch the magic happen. You’ll be amazed at how this simple act of cultivation can bring so much joy and life to your space.

Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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