Does Money Plant Grow On Water – Your Step-By-Step Guide To Lush,

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever walked into a friend’s home or a cozy café and seen a vibrant green vine trailing elegantly from a simple glass bottle of water on a windowsill? Chances are, it was a Money Plant. It’s a common sight that sparks a simple question: does money plant grow on water permanently, or is that just a temporary home for a cutting?

If you’ve ever wondered this, you’re in the right place! Many people think growing plants in water is just for starting roots, but I’m here to promise you that it’s a wonderfully simple and beautiful way to grow a thriving Money Plant long-term.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know. We’ll cover why it works so well, a step-by-step method to get you started today, the best care practices for lush growth, and how to troubleshoot any little hiccups along the way. Get ready to add a touch of effortless, soil-free greenery to your space!

Yes, It Thrives! The Magic of Growing Money Plants in Water

Let’s get straight to it: The answer is a resounding yes! A Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Pothos or Devil’s Ivy, is one of the most forgiving and adaptable houseplants you can find. It doesn’t just survive in water; it can truly flourish.

This method is a simple form of hydroponics. Instead of drawing nutrients and moisture from soil, the plant’s roots absorb them directly from the water. Money Plants are perfectly equipped for this because they readily grow “adventitious roots” from their stem nodes—the little bumps where leaves grow. These roots are masters at adapting to a water-only environment.

Exploring the benefits of does money plant grow on water reveals why so many gardeners, new and old, fall in love with this method.

  • Minimal Mess, Maximum Style: Say goodbye to soil spills and muddy hands. Growing in a clear vase or bottle allows you to see the beautiful root system develop, adding a unique, almost scientific aesthetic to your decor.
  • Fewer Pests: Many common houseplant pests, like fungus gnats, live and breed in soil. By removing soil from the equation, you significantly reduce the risk of infestations.
  • Perfect for Beginners: It’s incredibly forgiving! You can easily monitor water levels, so the risk of overwatering or underwatering—the most common ways people kill houseplants—is virtually eliminated. Don’t worry—this plant is on your side!
  • Easy Propagation: Want more plants? Just snip a cutting from your water-grown mother plant and start a new one. It’s a sustainable way to fill your home with greenery or share with friends.

How to Does Money Plant Grow on Water: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to start your own soil-free Money Plant? It’s easier than you think. This simple does money plant grow on water guide will have you set up in minutes. Let’s get our hands (just a little bit) wet!

Step 1: Selecting the Perfect Cutting

The success of your water-grown plant starts with a healthy cutting. You can take one from an existing soil-grown or water-grown Money Plant.

Look for a stem that is healthy and vibrant, not yellow or wilted. Aim for a piece that is about 4-6 inches long and has at least 3-4 leaves. Most importantly, your cutting must have at least one or two “nodes”—those small brown bumps on the stem where the leaves sprout from. This is where the new roots will emerge!

Step 2: Choosing Your Vessel

This is the fun part! You can use almost any waterproof container. Glass is ideal because it allows you to watch the roots grow and easily check the water clarity.

Think about using old jam jars, interesting glass bottles, or a simple vase. Choosing a vessel with a slightly narrower neck can help support the cutting and keep it upright. This is a fantastic opportunity for some eco-friendly does money plant grow on water practice by upcycling containers you already have!

Step 3: Preparing the Cutting and Water

Once you have your cutting, prepare it for its new aquatic home. Using clean scissors or pruning shears, snip off any leaves on the bottom part of the stem that will be submerged in water. If left on, these leaves will rot and foul the water.

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As for the water, regular tap water is usually fine. However, a great pro tip is to let the water sit out in an open container for 24 hours. This allows chlorine, which can be harsh on new roots, to evaporate. Room temperature water is best to avoid shocking the plant.

Step 4: Setting Up Your Hydroponic Home

It’s time to put it all together! Place your prepared cutting into your chosen vessel. Fill the container with your room-temperature water, ensuring that at least one or two nodes are fully submerged. The remaining leaves should be well above the waterline.

And that’s it! Place your new plant in a spot with bright, indirect light, and get ready to watch the magic happen. Within a week or two, you should start to see little white roots sprouting from the nodes.

The Ultimate Does Money Plant Grow on Water Care Guide

Your Money Plant is now happily settled in its watery home. But how do you keep it thriving for months, or even years, to come? Following these does money plant grow on water best practices is the key to long-term success.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

Money Plants love bright, indirect sunlight. A spot near a window that gets morning sun or is a few feet away from a sunny south-facing window is perfect. Avoid intense, direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves and, more importantly, encourage algae to grow in the water.

The Importance of Fresh Water

This is the most crucial part of your does money plant grow on water care guide. Stagnant water loses oxygen and can become a breeding ground for bacteria, which leads to root rot.

To keep your plant healthy, change the water completely every 7-10 days. When you do, give the vase a quick rinse to remove any slippery biofilm that has built up. This simple step provides fresh oxygen and nutrients to the roots.

To Feed or Not to Feed?

While a Money Plant can survive in plain water for a long time, it won’t thrive indefinitely without nutrients. Water itself contains very few of the minerals a plant needs for lush, vibrant growth.

Here’s a little secret from experienced gardeners: once your plant has a healthy root system, start feeding it. Add a few drops of a balanced liquid indoor plant fertilizer to the water once every 4-6 weeks. Less is more here! Use it at a quarter of the recommended strength to avoid burning the delicate water roots.

Pruning for Bushier Growth

If your Money Plant starts to look a bit long and leggy, don’t be afraid to give it a haircut! Trimming the long vines will encourage the plant to branch out, resulting in a fuller, bushier appearance. Plus, every piece you trim is a potential new plant!

Common Problems with Does Money Plant Grow on Water (and Easy Fixes!)

Even the easiest plants can have an off day. Don’t panic if you see a change in your plant. Here are some common problems with does money plant grow on water and how to solve them like a pro.

Problem: Yellowing Leaves

A yellow leaf now and then is normal; it’s just the plant shedding its oldest leaves. But if you see multiple leaves turning yellow, it could be a sign of too much direct sunlight or a lack of nutrients. Try moving the plant to a spot with less intense light and remember to add that diluted fertilizer once a month.

Problem: Slimy Stems or Root Rot

If the submerged part of the stem feels slimy or the roots look brown and mushy, you’re likely dealing with rot. This is usually caused by not changing the water often enough. Immediately take the plant out, rinse the roots and stem under cool water, trim off any mushy parts with clean scissors, and place it in a clean vase with fresh water.

Problem: Algae in the Water

Is your clear vase turning green? That’s algae, and it loves the same things your plant does: water, light, and nutrients. While not directly harmful, it competes with your plant and doesn’t look great. The fix is simple: clean the vase thoroughly with each water change. If it’s a persistent problem, switch to an opaque vase or move the plant to a spot with slightly less light.

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Problem: Stunted Growth

If your plant has been in water for months and isn’t growing much, it’s probably hungry! This is a clear sign that it has used up all the trace minerals in the water and needs a little boost. Introducing a regular, very diluted fertilizer schedule should get it growing again.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Water Propagation

One of the greatest joys of gardening is its connection to nature. Embracing a sustainable does money plant grow on water approach makes the experience even more rewarding. This method is inherently eco-friendly, but you can take it a step further.

Instead of buying new vases, look around your home. That pasta sauce jar, old perfume bottle, or vintage milk jug can be a beautiful and unique home for your plant. This not only reduces waste but also adds a personal touch to your decor.

For an even more sustainable water source, consider using collected rainwater. It’s naturally soft and free of the chemicals and minerals found in some tap water. Your plants will absolutely love it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Money Plants in Water

How long does it take for a money plant to grow roots in water?

You’ll be pleasantly surprised! Typically, you will see the first signs of new white roots emerging from the nodes within 7 to 14 days. A substantial root system usually develops within a month.

Can a money plant live in water forever?

Yes, it absolutely can! As long as you follow the best practices—changing the water regularly, providing adequate indirect light, and offering a tiny amount of liquid fertilizer every month or so—your Money Plant can live a long and happy life without ever touching soil.

Should I add anything to the water to help it grow?

For the first few weeks, plain, clean water is all you need. Once a healthy root system is established (after about a month), you can add a very diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer to the water every 4-6 weeks to provide the essential nutrients for long-term growth.

Why are the leaves on my water-grown money plant turning yellow?

The most common causes for yellowing leaves are too much direct sunlight, which can scorch them, or a nutrient deficiency. If it’s just an occasional older leaf at the base of the vine, it’s normal. If multiple leaves are yellowing, assess its light exposure and make sure you’re feeding it lightly but regularly.

Go Forth and Grow!

So, does money plant grow on water? As you’ve now discovered, it does so with incredible ease and beauty. This method strips plant care down to its essentials, making it a perfect project for anyone, regardless of their gardening experience.

You now have all the does money plant grow on water tips you need to succeed. You know how to choose the right cutting, provide the best care, and solve any small issues that may arise. All that’s left is to find a pretty jar, snip a cutting, and add a touch of living, breathing art to your home.

Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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