How To Plant A Money Plant In Water – The Complete Hydroponic Success

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever admired those elegant glass vases with lush, green vines spilling over the sides, their roots gracefully suspended in water? It’s a stunning look that feels both modern and effortlessly natural. You might think it’s a complicated setup reserved for expert gardeners, but I’m here to let you in on a little secret: it’s one of the easiest ways to grow a plant.

I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll have all the knowledge and confidence you need to master how to plant a money plant in water. It’s a simple, rewarding, and incredibly beautiful way to bring more green into your home, without the mess of soil.

We’ll walk through everything together, from taking the perfect cutting and choosing your vessel to providing long-term care and troubleshooting any little hiccups along the way. Get ready to unlock the joy of soil-free gardening!

Why Grow a Money Plant in Water? The Surprising Benefits

Before we dive into the “how-to,” let’s talk about the “why.” Growing a money plant (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Pothos, in water isn’t just a novelty. It comes with a whole host of advantages that make it a fantastic choice for both new plant parents and seasoned experts. Understanding the benefits of how to plant a money plant in water will get you even more excited to start.

  • Minimal Mess, Maximum Style: Say goodbye to soil spills and dusty pots. Growing in water is a clean, chic way to display your plants, letting the intricate root systems become part of the decor.
  • Forget About Fungus Gnats: One of the most common complaints with houseplants is pesky soil-dwelling bugs like fungus gnats. With no soil, you eliminate their breeding ground entirely. It’s a pest-free paradise!
  • Incredibly Low Maintenance: Overwatering and underwatering are the top killers of houseplants. In a hydroponic setup, you take the guesswork out of watering. Your plant has constant access to the hydration it needs.
  • A Visual Guide to Plant Health: A clear vessel gives you a fascinating window into your plant’s world. You can watch the roots develop, easily spotting any signs of trouble long before they would be visible in a soil-filled pot.
  • An Eco-Friendly Choice: This is a wonderfully sustainable how to plant a money plant in water practice. You can use recycled glass jars and bottles, and you’ll often use less water over time compared to soil that constantly dries out.

Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant a Money Plant in Water

Alright, let’s get our hands (metaphorically) dirty! This is the core of our how to plant a money plant in water guide. Don’t worry—it’s as easy as 1-2-3-4. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a thriving, water-based plant in no time.

  1. Step 1: Selecting the Perfect Cutting

    The success of your project starts with a healthy cutting from a mature, established money plant. You can’t just snip any piece of the vine and hope for the best.

    Look for a healthy, vibrant stem that is at least 6-8 inches long. The most crucial part to identify is the node. A node is a small, brownish bump on the stem where a leaf grows. This is where new roots will sprout!

    Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut about half an inch below a node. Aim to have a cutting with at least 3-4 nodes and a few healthy leaves at the top.

  2. Step 2: Preparing Your Cutting

    Once you have your cutting, a little prep work is needed to set it up for success. Carefully snip off any leaves that are on the lower part of the stem, especially any that would end up submerged in the water.

    Leaves sitting in water will rot, which can foul the water and harm your developing roots. You want a clean stem with leaves only at the very top, well above the waterline.

    Pro Tip: Some gardeners like to let the cut end of the stem sit out for a few hours to “callus” over. This isn’t strictly necessary for a hardy plant like Pothos, but it can help prevent stem rot in the very beginning.

  3. Step 3: Choosing the Right Vessel and Water

    This is the fun part! You can use almost any waterproof container without drainage holes. Glass jars, old bottles, decorative vases, or even a simple drinking glass will work perfectly.

    A clear glass vessel is fantastic for beginners because you can easily monitor root growth and water clarity. However, an opaque or colored vase can help slow down algae growth, which is a common issue we’ll discuss later.

    For the water, you have a few options. Simple tap water is usually fine, but it’s best to let it sit out overnight. This allows chlorine, which can be harsh on new roots, to evaporate. Filtered water or collected rainwater are also excellent choices.

  4. Step 4: Placing Your Cutting in Water

    Now, simply place your prepared cutting into your vessel and fill it with your room-temperature water. Make sure at least two or three nodes are fully submerged, as this is where the roots will emerge from.

    Ensure no leaves are touching the water. Position your new plant in a spot where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect sunlight, and let the magic begin!

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The Ultimate Care Guide for Your Water-Grown Money Plant

You’ve successfully planted your cutting! Now what? While incredibly low-maintenance, a little ongoing attention will keep your plant thriving for years. This how to plant a money plant in water care guide covers the three golden rules of hydroponic Pothos care.

Getting the Light Just Right

Money plants are famously adaptable, but their ideal environment is bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a south or west-facing window is perfect.

Too much direct sun will scorch the leaves, causing yellow or brown crispy spots. Too little light will result in slow growth and a “leggy” appearance, with long stems and sparse leaves.

The All-Important Water Change Routine

This is the single most important task in your care routine. Stagnant water loses oxygen and becomes a breeding ground for bacteria and algae. Following these how to plant a money plant in water best practices is key.

Aim to change the water completely every 7 to 14 days. When you do, gently take the plant out, give the roots a soft rinse under lukewarm water to remove any slime, and scrub the inside of your vase to remove any film or algae buildup. Then, refill with fresh, room-temperature water.

To Feed or Not to Feed? Fertilizing Your Hydroponic Friend

Unlike soil, water contains no nutrients. Your plant can survive for a long time on its stored energy, but for lush, vigorous growth, it will eventually need a little boost.

Once you see a healthy root system established (usually after a month or two), you can start feeding it. Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, but it’s extremely important to dilute it to about one-quarter of the recommended strength. Add this weak fertilizer solution to the water just once a month during the spring and summer growing season.

Common Problems with How to Plant a Money Plant in Water (and How to Fix Them!)

Even the easiest plants can have an off day. The great thing about growing in water is that problems are often easy to spot and fix. Here are some of the most common problems with how to plant a money plant in water and their simple solutions.

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Yellowing Leaves: What Are They Telling You?

A single yellow leaf now and then is normal; it’s just the plant shedding its oldest leaves. However, if multiple leaves are turning yellow, it could be a sign of a few things. It might be getting too much direct sunlight, or it could be a sign of nutrient deficiency if it hasn’t been fed in a long time. Adjust the light and consider starting a gentle fertilizing routine.

Slimy Roots or Murky Water

This is almost always a sign of bacterial or algal growth. It means you need to change the water more frequently. Give the roots a very gentle rinse, scrub the vase thoroughly with soap and water, and commit to a weekly water change schedule. An opaque vase can also help prevent this.

Stunted Growth or No New Leaves

If your plant seems stuck in time, the two most likely culprits are a lack of light or a lack of nutrients. Try moving it to a brighter location first. If that doesn’t spur new growth after a few weeks, it’s time to introduce a diluted liquid fertilizer into its water change routine.

Frequently Asked Questions About How to Plant a Money Plant in Water

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

You’ll be pleasantly surprised! You can often see the first signs of tiny white roots emerging from the nodes in as little as 7-10 days. A substantial root system will typically develop within 4-6 weeks.

Can a money plant live in water forever?

Absolutely! As long as you provide it with fresh water, adequate light, and the occasional nutrient boost with a diluted fertilizer, a money plant can live its entire life happily in water. It is a true hydroponic champion.

Do I need to add anything to the water for my money plant?

For the first month or two, just plain water is all you need. After the roots are well-established, adding a very diluted liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season will promote healthier, more robust growth and vibrant leaves.

Your Hydroponic Journey Awaits

See? I told you it was simple! You now have a complete understanding of how to plant a money plant in water, from the first snip of the scissors to long-term, sustainable care. You’ve learned the benefits, the step-by-step process, and how to troubleshoot like a pro.

This method is more than just a gardening technique; it’s a beautiful way to connect with nature, add life to your indoor spaces, and watch something grow and thrive right before your eyes. It’s a perfect weekend project that rewards you with years of green beauty.

So go ahead—find a pretty jar, take a cutting from a friend’s plant (with permission, of course!), and start your own soil-free garden today. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
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