How To Increase Money Plant Growth In Water – From Stagnant Stems

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Hello, fellow garden lover! Let’s talk about one of the most charming and forgiving houseplants out there: the Money Plant, or Pothos. Is yours currently sitting in a vase of water, looking… well, a bit bored? Maybe it has a few leaves, but it hasn’t shown any real signs of life in weeks.

I see this all the time, and I want you to know: it’s not your fault! Growing a money plant in water is wonderfully simple, but getting it to thrive and produce those lush, trailing vines requires a few little secrets. It’s a common hurdle, but one we can easily overcome together.

I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to turn that stagnant stem into a vibrant, fast-growing centerpiece. We’re going to dive deep into the simple, actionable steps that make all the difference.

This comprehensive how to increase money plant growth in water care guide will cover everything from selecting the perfect cutting and mastering your water routine to providing the gentle nutrients your plant is secretly craving. Let’s get that greenery growing!

The Foundation: Starting with the Perfect Money Plant Cutting

Everything starts here. You can have the best water and light in the world, but a weak cutting will always struggle. Think of it as choosing the best seed for a harvest. A strong start is half the battle won.

Choosing a Healthy Mother Plant

Look for a mature, thriving money plant to take your cutting from. You want a plant that is already lush and vibrant. Avoid taking cuttings from plants that look stressed, have yellowing leaves, or seem sparse.

A healthy parent plant has the energy reserves to produce cuttings that will root quickly and grow vigorously. It’s the first step in our how to increase money plant growth in water best practices.

Identifying and Cutting at the Node

This is the most crucial part of taking a cutting. Look along the stem for small, brown, slightly raised bumps. These are the nodes. This is where new roots and leaves will sprout from. Your cutting must have at least one or two nodes to be successful.

  1. Select a healthy vine that has several leaves.
  2. Locate a node. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a cut about half an inch to an inch below the node.
  3. Your ideal cutting should be about 4-6 inches long and have 2-4 leaves, plus at least one node.

Preparing Your Cutting for Water

Once you have your cutting, there’s one final prep step. Gently remove the leaf or leaves closest to the bottom cut end. You want to ensure that only the bare stem and the node are submerged in water.

If leaves are left underwater, they will rot. This creates bacteria in the water, which can cause your stem to rot and will absolutely halt any new growth. A clean start is a fast start!

Water Wisdom: The Secret Isn’t Just Any Water

You might think, “It’s just water, how complicated can it be?” But the quality and care of the water is a huge factor in how to increase money plant growth in water. This is where many budding gardeners trip up.

The Best Type of Water to Use

Tap water often contains chlorine and other chemicals that can be harsh on a developing plant’s delicate new roots. While you can use it, there’s a better way.

  • Best Choice: Filtered water, rainwater, or distilled water are all excellent choices as they are free from chemicals.
  • Good Choice: If you must use tap water, let it sit out on the counter overnight (for at least 12-24 hours). This allows much of the chlorine to evaporate, making it much gentler for your plant.
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The Golden Rule of Changing Water

This is non-negotiable for healthy growth. Stagnant water loses oxygen and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. This is one of the most common problems with how to increase money plant growth in water.

Aim to change the water every 4-5 days. You don’t have to replace all of it; even a 50-75% change is fantastic. When you do, give the vase a quick rinse to remove any slimy buildup on the glass. This simple habit keeps the environment fresh and oxygen-rich, which is exactly what new roots need.

Let There Be Light (But Not Too Much!)

Money plants are famous for being low-light tolerant, but “tolerant” doesn’t mean “ideal.” To actively encourage fast growth, you need to give it the right kind of energy source: light.

Place your vase in a spot that receives plenty of bright, indirect sunlight. What does that mean? It means a spot where the sun’s rays don’t hit the leaves directly. A spot near an east-facing window is perfect, as it gets gentle morning sun. A few feet back from a south or west-facing window also works wonders.

Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves, turning them yellow and crispy. Too little light, like in a dark corner, will cause growth to stall completely. The plant will survive, but it certainly won’t thrive.

The Game-Changer: How to Increase Money Plant Growth in Water with Nutrients

Here is the secret that separates struggling plants from stunning ones. Plain water has no nutrients. A cutting can use its stored energy to push out a few roots, but for sustained, lush growth, it needs food. This is the core of our how to increase money plant growth in water guide.

When to Start Fertilizing

Patience is key here. Wait until you see a few healthy roots that are at least an inch long. Fertilizing too early can shock a cutting that doesn’t have the root system to absorb the nutrients.

Choosing and Using a Liquid Fertilizer

You need a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer. A standard indoor plant fertilizer or a specific hydroponic nutrient solution works perfectly.

The most important rule is to DILUTE, DILUTE, DILUTE! A money plant in water is far more sensitive to fertilizer burn than one in soil. Use only 1/4 of the recommended strength on the bottle. If the instructions say one teaspoon per gallon, you should use just a quarter-teaspoon per gallon.

Add this very diluted fertilizer solution to the water once every 4-6 weeks. Any more than that is overkill and can harm the plant. This little boost provides the nitrogen and other micronutrients needed for vibrant leaf production.

A Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Boost

Do you have a freshwater aquarium? If so, you have a free, perfectly balanced fertilizer! The next time you do a water change on your fish tank, save some of that water. It’s rich in nitrogen and beneficial microbes from fish waste.

Using aquarium water is a fantastic, eco-friendly how to increase money plant growth in water tip. Your money plant will absolutely love it, and it’s a wonderful, sustainable way to nourish your plant.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with How to Increase Money Plant Growth in Water

Even with the best care, you might run into a snag. Don’t worry! These are usually easy fixes. Let’s look at some common issues.

Problem: The Leaves are Turning Yellow

This is usually caused by one of two things. The most common culprit is too much direct sunlight. Move the plant to a spot with more filtered light. Less commonly, it can be a sign of over-fertilizing. If you’ve been feeding it, skip a month and see if the new growth is green.

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Problem: The Stem is Slimy or the Water Smells Bad

This is a clear sign of bacterial growth. It means the water isn’t being changed often enough. Immediately take the plant out, rinse the stem gently under cool water, and thoroughly wash the vase with soap and water. Refill with fresh water and commit to changing it every few days.

Problem: It’s Been Weeks and There Are No Roots or Leaves

First, be patient! It can take anywhere from one to four weeks to see roots. If it’s been longer, check your conditions. Is the plant getting enough bright, indirect light? Is the water fresh? Was the cutting taken correctly with a node? Re-evaluating these basics usually solves the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Increasing Money Plant Growth in Water

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

Typically, you’ll start to see small white roots emerge from the node within 7 to 14 days. However, it can sometimes take up to a month depending on the health of the cutting, the time of year, and the conditions provided. Be patient!

Can a money plant live in water forever?

Yes, absolutely! With proper care—including regular water changes and a very light feeding schedule every month or two—a money plant can live its entire life happily in water. This is a form of hydroponics, and many people love the clean, soil-free look.

Should I add anything like aspirin or rooting hormone to the water?

This is a common myth. While rooting hormone is great for soil propagation, it’s not necessary and often just clouds the water. Similarly, things like aspirin are ineffective and can disrupt the water’s pH balance. The best benefits of how to increase money plant growth in water come from sticking to the basics: clean water, good light, and a touch of balanced fertilizer once roots appear.

Your Journey to Lush Greenery Starts Now

See? It’s not so complicated after all! Growing a beautiful money plant in water isn’t about some magical trick; it’s about understanding what this resilient little plant truly needs to flourish.

To recap the most important how to increase money plant growth in water tips:

  • Start with a healthy cutting that has at least one node.
  • Use clean, dechlorinated water and change it every 4-5 days without fail.
  • Provide plenty of bright, indirect light—not direct sun!
  • Once roots have formed, offer a very diluted liquid fertilizer once a month.

You have all the knowledge and tools you need. Go give your money plant the little boost it’s been waiting for. I can’t wait to see you succeed. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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