How To Grow Bushy Money Plant In Water – From A Single Vine To A Lush

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever looked at your money plant cutting sitting in a glass of water and felt a little… underwhelmed? You see a single, lonely vine with a few leaves, stretching ever longer but never getting any fuller. It’s a common sight, and it’s easy to think that’s just how they grow in water.

I’m here to promise you that it doesn’t have to be that way. That sparse little vine holds the potential to become a lush, vibrant, and bushy masterpiece that cascades beautifully from its container. You absolutely can achieve that full, abundant look without ever touching a bag of soil.

In this complete guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the simple secrets behind selecting the right cuttings, the art of pruning for fullness, and the essential care tips that make all the difference. Get ready to learn exactly how to grow bushy money plant in water and transform your space with gorgeous, thriving greenery.

Why Grow a Money Plant in Water? The Surprising Benefits

Before we dive into the “how,” let’s talk about the “why.” Growing a money plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Pothos, in water is more than just a beautiful alternative to soil. It comes with a host of advantages, making it a fantastic choice for gardeners of all levels.

Here are some of the key benefits of how to grow bushy money plant in water:

  • Minimal Mess, Maximum Style: Say goodbye to soil spills and muddy hands! Hydroponic (water-based) growing is clean, simple, and allows you to showcase your plant in beautiful, transparent glass vessels. Watching the intricate root system develop is a fascinating experience in itself.
  • Fewer Pests: Many common houseplant pests, like fungus gnats, live and breed in soil. By eliminating the soil, you significantly reduce the risk of infestations, making care much more straightforward.
  • Perfect for Beginners: Don’t worry—this plant is incredibly forgiving! It’s tough to overwater a plant that lives in water. This method provides a clear view of the roots, helping you easily monitor the plant’s health.
  • Aesthetic Versatility: From a simple jam jar to an elegant vase, you can grow a money plant in almost any waterproof container. This allows you to match your plant perfectly to your home decor.
  • Natural Air Purifier: Like its soil-grown counterparts, a money plant in water is a powerhouse at removing common indoor toxins like formaldehyde from the air, creating a healthier living environment.

Getting Started: Your Essential Toolkit for a Thriving Water Garden

One of the best parts about this project is how few supplies you need. You likely have everything at home already! This is a cornerstone of a sustainable and eco-friendly how to grow bushy money plant in water approach.

Choosing the Perfect Cuttings (The Foundation of a Bushy Plant)

Your success starts with healthy cuttings. Don’t just snip any piece of the plant. Look for a mature, healthy mother plant to take cuttings from.

You’ll want to select a vine that is vibrant and strong. Identify the nodes—these are the small brown bumps on the stem where leaves and aerial roots grow. These nodes are where new roots will sprout. Your cutting should be 4-6 inches long and have at least 3-4 nodes and a few healthy leaves.

Selecting Your Vessel (More Than Just a Jar)

While you can use almost any waterproof container, a few choices work better than others. A clear glass jar, bottle, or vase is a classic choice because it lets you watch the roots grow. This is incredibly helpful for beginners to see what’s happening below the surface.

However, an opaque or colored vase can help prevent algae growth, as it blocks the sunlight that algae need to thrive. Whichever you choose, make sure the opening is wide enough to allow for good air circulation and to easily add or remove cuttings without damaging them.

The Right Kind of Water

Money plants aren’t too fussy, but the water you use can make a difference. Standard tap water is usually fine, but it often contains chlorine, which can be harsh on new roots. To be safe, let your tap water sit out for 24 hours before using it. This allows the chlorine to evaporate.

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Alternatively, using filtered water, distilled water, or even collected rainwater is a fantastic option to give your plant the best possible start.

The Ultimate How to Grow Bushy Money Plant in Water Guide

Alright, you’ve gathered your supplies. Now for the fun part! This step-by-step guide will show you exactly how to get that full, bushy look you’re dreaming of. This is the core of our how to grow bushy money plant in water guide.

  1. Prepare Your Cuttings: Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut about a half-inch below a node. A clean cut helps prevent disease. Once you have your cutting, gently remove the bottom-most leaf (or two). You want to ensure no leaves are submerged in the water, as they will rot and foul the water.
  2. The Secret to Bushiness – Use Multiple Cuttings: This is the most important tip! A single cutting will only ever grow into a single vine. To get a bushy plant, you need to place several cuttings (we recommend 3 to 5) in the same container. This simple trick is what creates the illusion of a single, full, multi-stemmed plant.
  3. Arrange and Submerge: Fill your chosen vessel with room-temperature water. Carefully place your prepared cuttings into the container, making sure at least two or three nodes on each cutting are fully submerged. The leaves should remain well above the waterline.
  4. Find the Sweet Spot (Light is Key): Money plants thrive in bright, indirect light. An east-facing window or a spot a few feet away from a south or west-facing window is perfect. Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, while too little light will result in slow, “leggy” growth with small leaves.
  5. Patience is a Virtue: Now, you wait! You should start to see small white roots emerging from the nodes within 1-3 weeks. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a little longer; every cutting is different.

The Art of Maintenance: Best Practices for a Thriving Display

Getting your money plant started is easy, but consistent care is what will keep it lush and beautiful for years to come. Following these how to grow bushy money plant in water best practices will ensure your plant not only survives but truly thrives.

The Golden Rule of Pruning for Bushiness

Here’s the second secret to a bushy plant: strategic pruning. Once your cuttings have established a healthy root system and started producing new growth, don’t be afraid to trim them!

When a vine gets too long, simply snip off the end, making your cut just after a leaf node. This encourages the plant to send out new side shoots from the nodes further down the stem, resulting in a much fuller, more compact plant. Plus, you can use the trimmed pieces to start even more plants!

Water Wisdom: Changing and Topping Up

Fresh water is crucial for a healthy plant. Stagnant water loses oxygen and can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Change the water completely every 7-10 days. This simple act replenishes oxygen and nutrients and keeps the environment clean.

In between changes, you may notice the water level dropping due to evaporation. Simply top it up with fresh, dechlorinated water as needed.

To Feed or Not to Feed? A Gardener’s Dilemma

A money plant can survive in plain water for a long time, but to truly flourish and maintain vibrant green leaves, it needs nutrients. Water doesn’t contain the minerals that soil does.

Once your plant has a well-developed root system, you can start feeding it. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, but be extremely careful. You need to dilute it to about one-quarter of the recommended strength. Add this diluted fertilizer to the water just once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Too much fertilizer will burn the delicate roots.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with Growing Money Plant in Water

Even the easiest plants can run into trouble. Don’t panic! Here’s a quick look at some common problems with how to grow bushy money plant in water and how to solve them.

Why are my leaves turning yellow?

A few yellow leaves now and then are normal, especially older ones at the base of the vine. However, if you see widespread yellowing, it could be a sign of too much direct sunlight or, more commonly, too much fertilizer. Move the plant to a spot with less intense light and hold off on feeding for a month or two.

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What’s this slimy stuff in my water?

That’s likely algae. It’s harmless to your plant but doesn’t look great. It’s caused by too much light hitting the water. To fix it, give the vase a thorough wash with soap and water (and rinse well!). To prevent it from returning, switch to an opaque vase or wrap your clear vase in decorative paper.

The roots are turning brown and mushy.

This is a sign of root rot, usually caused by bacteria in stagnant water. Immediately take the cuttings out, rinse the roots gently, and trim away any brown, mushy parts with clean scissors. Thoroughly clean your vase with hot, soapy water and refill it with fresh, clean water before putting the healthy cuttings back.

Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Money Plant Care

Part of the joy of gardening is connecting with nature, and you can extend that connection by making sustainable choices. A key part of a sustainable how to grow bushy money plant in water practice is reducing waste.

Instead of buying new vases, look around your home for glass jars and bottles to repurpose. A pasta sauce jar, an old olive oil bottle, or a colorful glass soda bottle can make a unique and charming home for your plant. This not only saves money but also gives a second life to items that might otherwise be thrown away.

Furthermore, collecting rainwater to use for your plants is a fantastic, eco-friendly choice. It’s naturally soft, free of chemicals, and contains trace nutrients that your money plant will love.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Grow Bushy Money Plant in Water

How long does it take for money plant cuttings to root in water?

Typically, you can expect to see the first signs of root growth within 1 to 3 weeks. The exact timing can vary based on factors like the health of the cutting, water temperature, and the amount of light it receives.

Can a money plant live in water forever?

Yes, absolutely! With proper care, including regular water changes and occasional feeding with a heavily diluted fertilizer, a money plant can live happily in water for many years. It’s a completely viable long-term growing method.

Should I add anything to the water to make my money plant grow faster?

While patience is the best ingredient, you can add a tiny drop of rooting hormone to the water initially to speed up root development, though it’s not necessary. The most important factors for fast growth are bright, indirect light and clean water. Avoid adding things like sugar, as this will only encourage bacterial growth.

How many money plant cuttings should I put in one vase for a bushy look?

For a standard-sized vase or jar (around 3-4 inches in diameter), we recommend using 3 to 5 cuttings. This quantity is the sweet spot for creating a full, lush appearance without overcrowding the container, which could hinder root growth and air circulation.

Your Journey to a Lush Water Garden Begins Now!

There you have it—the complete roadmap to transforming a few simple cuttings into an abundant, thriving display. You’ve learned that the secret to how to grow bushy money plant in water isn’t magic; it’s a combination of a few simple but powerful techniques.

Remember the key takeaways from this care guide: start with multiple healthy cuttings, don’t be shy about pruning to encourage fullness, keep the water fresh, and provide plenty of bright, indirect light. That’s the recipe for success.

So go ahead, grab your shears and a beautiful jar. Your journey to creating a stunning, soil-free money plant cascade starts today. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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