Golden Pothos Care in Water: The Complete Guide
Golden pothos (Epipremnum aureum), with its beautiful heart-shaped, green-and-yellow variegated leaves, is not only a popular houseplant but also incredibly versatile in its growing conditions. One of the most appealing features of golden pothos is its ability to thrive in water, making it an excellent choice for plant lovers who prefer a soil-free plant care routine.
Growing golden pothos in water is a simple and low-maintenance way to enjoy this plant’s beauty, and in this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about caring for golden pothos in water.
What's On the Page
Why Grow Golden Pothos in Water?
Growing golden pothos in water offers several benefits:
- Low Maintenance: Caring for pothos in water eliminates the need for soil and frequent repotting. It also reduces the chances of common plant problems like root rot caused by overwatering in soil.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Pothos grown in clear glass containers offer a modern, minimalist look, allowing you to see the roots as they grow, adding a unique visual element to your space.
- Flexible Placement: Pothos growing in water can be easily moved around and placed in various locations where traditional potted plants might not thrive, such as on narrow shelves or desks.
How to Grow Golden Pothos in Water
Caring for golden pothos in water is incredibly simple, but there are some important steps to ensure the plant grows healthily. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get started:
1. Choose a Healthy Cutting
To start growing golden pothos in water, you’ll first need to propagate a cutting from a healthy pothos plant. Follow these steps:
- Select a vine: Choose a vine with several healthy leaves and nodes (the bumps on the stem where roots will grow).
- Cut below a node: Using clean scissors or pruning shears, cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting has at least 4-6 inches of stem.
- Remove lower leaves: Remove the leaves closest to the cut end, leaving at least one or two nodes exposed. This is important because the roots will grow from the nodes, and you don’t want any leaves submerged in water, as they will rot.
2. Place the Cutting in Water
Once you have a cutting ready, it’s time to transfer it to water.
- Select a container: Choose a glass or jar that is large enough to hold the cutting and provide space for the roots to grow. A clear glass container works well because it allows you to monitor root growth and spot any issues.
- Fill with clean water: Fill the container with room-temperature, filtered, or tap water. If using tap water, let it sit for 24 hours to allow any chlorine to dissipate, which can be harmful to the plant.
- Submerge the nodes: Place the cutting in the water, making sure that at least one or two nodes are submerged. The leaves should remain above the waterline to avoid rotting.
3. Provide Proper Light
Like all pothos varieties, golden pothos grown in water needs bright, indirect light for optimal growth. Place your pothos in a location where it can receive plenty of indirect sunlight, such as near a window with filtered light or in a well-lit room. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to scorch.
If you’re growing your pothos in a low-light environment, the plant may still survive, but its growth will be slower, and the variegation may become less vibrant.
4. Change the Water Regularly
Maintaining clean water is essential for keeping your golden pothos healthy and thriving in water. Over time, algae or bacteria can develop in the water, which can harm the plant’s roots. To prevent this, follow these tips:
- Change the water every 1-2 weeks: Refresh the water at least once a week, or more frequently if the water appears cloudy. Regular water changes help prevent the buildup of harmful substances.
- Rinse the container: When changing the water, rinse the container to remove any algae or debris that may have accumulated.
- Use filtered or distilled water: If you live in an area with hard water or high levels of chlorine, consider using filtered or distilled water to promote healthier root growth.
5. Monitor for Root Growth
After a few weeks, you’ll begin to notice small white roots emerging from the nodes. Over time, these roots will grow longer and fuller. Here’s what to expect:
- Initial root growth: Roots will begin to form after 1-2 weeks of being submerged in water. The first roots will be thin and delicate.
- Long-term root growth: Over the course of several months, the roots will grow thicker and stronger, filling the water container with a web of roots.
Golden pothos grown in water can remain in water indefinitely as long as you continue to provide clean water and proper care.
Ongoing Care for Golden Pothos in Water
Once your golden pothos is established in water, here’s how to ensure it stays healthy and continues to grow:
Fertilizing Pothos in Water
Plants grown in water still need nutrients, as water alone doesn’t provide the essential minerals they need to thrive. To maintain healthy growth, consider fertilizing your pothos every 4-6 weeks with a diluted liquid fertilizer.
- Use a liquid fertilizer: A general-purpose liquid houseplant fertilizer works well for pothos grown in water. Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid over-fertilizing.
- Add to the water: Mix the diluted fertilizer into the water during your regular water change.
Pruning and Trimming
Pothos plants benefit from regular pruning, which helps to promote fuller, bushier growth.
- Trim long vines: If the vines of your golden pothos become too long or leggy, you can trim them back to encourage a more compact growth habit.
- Remove dead leaves: Occasionally, some leaves may yellow and die off. Be sure to remove these to keep the plant looking healthy and prevent decay.
Cleaning the Roots
Over time, debris and algae may accumulate on the roots, which can impede the plant’s ability to absorb nutrients.
- Rinse the roots: When changing the water, gently rinse the roots under lukewarm water to remove any buildup.
- Remove damaged roots: If you notice any mushy or brown roots, trim them away to prevent rot.
Repotting into Soil (Optional)
Although golden pothos can live in water indefinitely, some people may eventually choose to transfer the plant into soil.
- Choose the right soil: If you decide to move your pothos to soil, choose a well-draining potting mix.
- Gradual transition: Transitioning from water to soil can be stressful for the plant. Make sure to keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks to help the plant adjust to its new environment.
Common Problems and Solutions for Golden Pothos in Water
Although pothos plants are relatively resilient, you may encounter a few common issues when growing them in water. Here’s how to address these problems:
Yellowing Leaves
If the leaves of your pothos start to turn yellow, this could indicate several issues:
- Old leaves: Occasional yellowing of old leaves is normal, and these can simply be pruned away.
- Overexposure to sunlight: If the plant is receiving too much direct sunlight, move it to a spot with indirect light.
- Nutrient deficiency: Lack of nutrients in the water can cause yellowing. Adding diluted liquid fertilizer may help resolve this issue.
Root Rot
Root rot can occur if the water becomes stagnant or if algae and bacteria build up in the container.
- Solution: Change the water regularly and ensure the roots are rinsed to prevent the growth of harmful organisms.
Slow Growth
If your pothos is not growing as quickly as expected, it may be due to insufficient light or lack of nutrients.
- Solution: Make sure the plant is receiving enough indirect light and consider adding a small amount of liquid fertilizer to the water.
Conclusion
Golden pothos is an adaptable and low-maintenance plant that can thrive in water with minimal effort. By following proper care guidelines—such as keeping the water clean, providing adequate light, and occasionally fertilizing—you can enjoy a lush, beautiful pothos plant in water for years.
Its vibrant foliage, trailing vines, and air-purifying qualities make it a perfect choice for both beginners and experienced plant lovers.
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