How To Grow Money Plant In Water Quickly – The Gardener’S 7-Step

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever snipped a piece of a beautiful money plant, placed it in a jar of water with hopeful excitement, only to watch it languish for weeks? Maybe the stem turned a little mushy, or it simply refused to sprout a single root. It’s a common frustration, and you’re certainly not alone.

But what if I told you there’s a simple, reliable method to coax out a lush network of healthy white roots in just a few weeks? It’s true! Forget the guesswork and disappointment. I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the expert knowledge you need to master this simple propagation technique.

We’re going to walk through everything together, step by step. We’ll cover how to choose the absolute best cutting, the secret to preparing it for success, and the simple ongoing care that makes all the difference. This is your complete how to grow money plant in water quickly guide to turning one plant into many, with nothing but a jar and some water.

Why Grow a Money Plant in Water? The Surprising Benefits

Before we grab our scissors, let’s talk about why this method is so beloved by gardeners everywhere. Propagating a money plant (Epipremnum aureum) in water isn’t just a means to an end; it’s a rewarding experience in itself.

One of the biggest joys is the visual appeal. Watching the first tender white roots emerge from the stem is a magical moment! Displayed in a clear glass vase, the developing root system becomes a living piece of art on your windowsill or desk. It’s a fantastic way to feel more connected to the growing process.

Beyond the beauty, there are many benefits of how to grow money plant in water quickly. It’s an incredibly low-maintenance way to keep plants, perfect for busy people or those new to gardening. It’s also a wonderfully sustainable practice. Instead of buying new plants, you can create dozens from a single healthy mother plant to fill your home or share with friends—a truly eco-friendly how to grow money plant in water quickly approach!

The Foundation of Success: Selecting and Preparing the Perfect Cutting

Your success story begins before the cutting even touches the water. The health and quality of the piece you select will determine 90% of your outcome. Don’t worry—it’s super easy once you know what to look for.

Where to Cut for Guaranteed Growth

This is the most important secret! Look closely at your money plant’s vine. You’ll see small, brown, slightly raised bumps along the stem, usually opposite where a leaf grows. This is a node.

The node is where new roots (and leaves) will sprout. Your cutting must have at least one of these nodes, preferably two. Using sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears, make your cut about a half-inch to an inch below a node.

The Ideal Cutting Length and Leaf Count

Aim for a cutting that is between 4 and 6 inches long. This gives the plant enough energy to focus on root production without having to support an overly long vine.

Ensure your cutting has at least two to four healthy, vibrant green leaves at the top. These leaves are the solar panels that will fuel the new root growth.

Preparing Your Cutting for its Water Bath

Once you have your cutting, there’s one final, crucial step. Any leaves that will be below the waterline in your jar must be removed. Gently pinch them off or snip them close to the main stem.

If left on, these leaves will rot in the water, introducing bacteria that can kill your cutting before it has a chance to root. You want a clean stem submerged in the water, with the remaining leaves well above the rim of your container.

The Ultimate How to Grow Money Plant in Water Quickly Guide: A 7-Step Walkthrough

Alright, you’ve got your perfect cutting ready to go. Now for the fun part! Following these best practices will set you on the fast track to a thriving, water-grown money plant. This is the definitive answer to how to how to grow money plant in water quickly.

  1. Find a Healthy Mother Plant: Start with a lush, mature money plant that is actively growing. Avoid taking cuttings from stressed, yellowing, or pest-infested plants. A healthy parent produces healthy babies!
  2. Make the Perfect Cut: As we discussed, locate a healthy vine. Using your sterilized scissors, make a clean cut about an inch below a leaf node. A 45-degree angle cut can slightly increase the surface area for water absorption, but a straight cut works just fine too.
  3. Prepare the Cutting: Carefully remove the leaf or leaves on the lowest part of the stem—the part that will be sitting in water. Ensure at least one node is fully submerged.
  4. Choose the Right Vessel: A clear glass jar, bottle, or vase is ideal. Why? Because it allows you to easily monitor root growth and check the water clarity without disturbing the cutting. A narrow-mouthed vessel also helps hold the cutting upright.
  5. Use the Right Kind of Water: This is a pro tip! Tap water is often treated with chlorine, which can hinder root growth. For the best results, use filtered water, rainwater, or simply let a container of tap water sit out for 24 hours to allow the chlorine to evaporate.
  6. Find the Perfect Spot: Place your jar in a location that receives plenty of bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can scorch the leaves and promote algae growth in the water.
  7. Practice Patient Observation: Now, you wait! You should start to see tiny white root nubs emerging from the node within 1-3 weeks. Don’t be discouraged if it takes a little longer; every cutting is different.
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Essential Care Secrets for Rapid Root Development

Your cutting is in its new home, but the job isn’t quite done. A little ongoing attention is the key to speeding up the process and ensuring a healthy transition. This simple how to grow money plant in water quickly care guide is all you need.

The Golden Rule: Changing the Water

Stagnant water is the enemy of propagation. It loses oxygen and can become a breeding ground for bacteria that cause stem rot. To keep your cutting healthy and encourage fast growth, change the water completely every 3 to 5 days.

When you change it, give the jar a quick rinse to remove any slimy film that may be starting to form. This single habit is one of the most effective how to grow money plant in water quickly tips.

To Feed or Not to Feed?

While the cutting is developing its initial roots, it doesn’t need any fertilizer. It has all the stored energy it needs. Adding fertilizer too early can burn the delicate new roots.

Once your plant has a well-established root system (at least 2-3 inches long with several branching roots), you can add a very diluted, balanced liquid fertilizer to the water once a month to support long-term growth.

The Power of Indirect Sunlight

We mentioned this earlier, but it bears repeating. Money plants thrive in bright light but burn in direct sun. If you see the leaves turning pale or developing brown, crispy spots, it’s getting too much direct sun. If the growth is slow and the leaves are a very dark green, it may need a bit more light. Find that happy medium, and your plant will thank you with vigorous growth.

Troubleshooting: Common Problems with How to Grow Money Plant in Water Quickly

Even with the best care, you might run into a snag. Don’t panic! Here’s how to solve the most common issues gardeners face.

Help! My Cutting’s Stem is Turning Yellow or Mushy.

This is almost always a sign of bacterial rot from stagnant water or decaying leaves. Immediately take the cutting out of the water. If only the bottom part is mushy, use your clean scissors to cut it off, making sure the remaining stem is firm and healthy. Wash the jar thoroughly with soap and water, and start again with fresh, clean water.

Why Are the Leaves Turning Yellow?

A single yellow leaf at the bottom is often just the plant shedding an old leaf to focus energy on new roots—this is normal. However, if multiple leaves are turning yellow, it could be a sign of too much direct sunlight or, if it’s an older water-grown plant, a lack of nutrients. First, try moving it to a spot with less intense light.

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My Cutting Isn’t Growing Any Roots!

Patience is key, as some cuttings can take up to a month. First, double-check that your cutting has a node and that the node is submerged. Ensure it’s in a warm, brightly lit spot. If after a month you see no progress at all, the cutting may simply not have been viable. Don’t be discouraged—just try again with a new one!

A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Way to Garden

Embracing water propagation is more than just a gardening technique; it’s a step towards a more sustainable lifestyle. Learning how to create new plants from existing ones is a core principle of sustainable how to grow money plant in water quickly practices.

You reduce the need for plastic nursery pots and the transportation costs associated with buying new plants. You can upcycle beautiful glass jars, bottles, and vases from around your home, giving them a new purpose. Sharing your propagated plants with friends and family is a wonderful, zero-waste gift that spreads the joy of gardening.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Money Plants in Water

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

Typically, you can expect to see the first signs of root growth within 2 to 4 weeks. The exact timing depends on factors like the health of the cutting, water quality, light, and temperature.

Can a money plant live in water forever?

Yes, absolutely! A money plant can live its entire life in water, a practice known as hydroponics. It will generally grow more slowly than a plant in soil and will benefit from a very dilute, balanced liquid fertilizer every 4-6 weeks to provide essential nutrients that water alone lacks.

What is the best water for money plant propagation?

The best options are rainwater or filtered water. If you only have access to tap water, let it sit in an open container for at least 24 hours. This allows chlorine, which can be harsh on new roots, to dissipate into the air.

Should I add anything to the water to make roots grow faster?

For a resilient plant like the money plant, it’s not necessary. The most important factors are a healthy cutting with a node, clean water, and proper light. While some gardeners use rooting hormone, money plants root so readily that it’s usually an unneeded expense.

Your Journey to Lush Greenery Starts Now

There you have it—everything you need to know about how to grow money plant in water quickly and successfully. It’s a simple, almost meditative process that connects you with the quiet magic of nature right inside your home.

Remember the key takeaways: start with a healthy cutting that includes a node, remove the lower leaves, use clean water that you change regularly, and provide plenty of bright, indirect light. That’s the recipe for success.

So go ahead, find a pretty jar, take a cutting from your favorite plant, and give it a try. You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding it is to watch new life unfurl in a simple glass of water. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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