Why Money Plant Is Not Growing In Water – An Expert’S Troubleshooting

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

There’s a special kind of frustration that comes from watching a plant that’s supposed to be easy… just sit there. You’ve placed a beautiful money plant cutting in a lovely vase of water, expecting lush, trailing vines. Instead, you get… nothing. No new leaves, no root growth, maybe even a bit of yellowing. It’s a common story, and if you’re reading this, you’re likely living it.

I promise you, it’s not you, and your money plant isn’t being stubborn on purpose. The issue of why money plant is not growing in water almost always comes down to a few simple, often-overlooked details. You have the power to turn that stagnant cutting into a thriving centerpiece.

In this complete guide, we’ll walk through everything together, just like two friends chatting over a cup of tea in the garden. We’ll pinpoint exactly what’s holding your plant back, cover a step-by-step revival plan, and share some pro tips to encourage explosive growth. Let’s get that money plant growing!

The Foundation: Are You Setting Your Money Plant Up for Success?

Before we dive into the troubleshooting, let’s go back to the very beginning. Sometimes, the problem starts right at day one. A strong start is half the battle won, so let’s make sure your foundation is solid. This is one of the most important why money plant is not growing in water tips I can offer.

Choosing the Right Cutting

Not all cuttings are created equal! For the best chance of success, select a healthy, vibrant stem from a mature mother plant. Look for a piece that is about 4-6 inches long and has at least 3-4 leaves. Avoid any stems that look yellow, weak, or have signs of pests.

The Magic of the Node

This is the secret ingredient! A node is a small, brownish bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots grow. Your cutting must have at least one node, as this is where new roots will sprout. When you place your cutting in water, ensure at least one node is fully submerged. No node, no roots—it’s that simple!

Selecting the Perfect Vessel

While any glass jar will do, a clear one is fantastic for beginners because you can monitor root growth easily. However, a dark or opaque vessel (like an amber or green bottle) can actually be better in the long run. It helps to prevent algae from growing in the water, which competes with your plant for nutrients and can foul the water. Make sure the opening supports the stem, keeping the leaves out of the water.

Why Money Plant is Not Growing in Water: Diagnosing the 7 Core Issues

Alright, your setup is perfect, but you’re still wondering why money plant is not growing in water. Let’s play plant detective. We’ll go through the most common culprits one by one. I guarantee your plant’s problem is on this list.

1. The Water Problem: Quality, Temperature, and Stagnation

The water is your plant’s entire world—its source of stability, oxygen, and life. If the water isn’t right, nothing else will be.

  • Water Quality: Straight tap water can be tricky. It often contains chlorine or fluoride, which can be harsh on sensitive plant roots. Letting tap water sit out for 24 hours can help some of the chlorine evaporate, but filtered, distilled, or rainwater is always a superior choice.
  • Water Temperature: Plants dislike shocks. Using ice-cold water or placing the vase in a chilly spot can stun the roots and halt growth. Always use room-temperature water.
  • Stagnation: This is the biggest growth-killer! Stagnant water loses oxygen, which your plant’s roots need to breathe. It also becomes a breeding ground for bacteria that can cause root rot.

2. The Light Dilemma: Too Much or Too Little?

Money plants are famously adaptable, but they have a “Goldilocks zone” for light. Getting this wrong is a primary reason for stunted growth.

Too little light means the plant can’t photosynthesize effectively to produce the energy needed for new growth. Too much direct sunlight, on the other hand, can scorch the leaves and heat the water, stressing the plant out. The sweet spot is bright, indirect light. A spot near an east-facing window or a few feet back from a west-facing window is perfect.

READ MORE  Money Plant Growth Hacks In Room - 11 Secrets For Lush, Cascading

3. Nutrient Deficiency: When Water Isn’t Enough

Water provides hydration and oxygen, but it contains very few of the essential minerals a plant needs to build new leaves and stems. A new cutting has enough stored energy to sprout roots, but after a few weeks, it will need a little help. If your plant grew roots and then just stopped, a lack of nutrients is the likely suspect.

4. Root Health: Spotting and Preventing Rot

Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy plant. In water, they should look white or light tan and feel firm. If you notice your roots are turning brown, black, or feel mushy and slimy, you’re dealing with root rot. This happens when bacteria take hold in oxygen-deprived water and literally eat away at the roots, making it impossible for the plant to absorb water or grow.

5. The Cutting Was in Shock

Remember that being cut from the mother plant is a traumatic experience! It can take a cutting anywhere from one to four weeks to acclimate to its new environment and focus its energy on producing roots. A little patience is key here. If it’s only been a week, don’t panic!

6. Incorrect Water Level

It’s a small detail with big consequences. If the water level is too high and submerges the leaves or the majority of the stem, the leaves will rot and foul the water. If it’s too low and the nodes aren’t consistently underwater, roots won’t form. You want to keep the water level just high enough to cover the bottom one or two nodes.

7. Pest Problems (Yes, Even in Water!)

It’s less common, but pests like mealybugs or spider mites can still find their way to your water-based plant. They suck the sap from the leaves and stems, draining the plant of the energy it needs to grow. Inspect the undersides of leaves and the joints of the stem regularly.

Your Step-by-Step Revival Plan: A Complete Care Guide

Feeling more confident now that you’ve likely identified the issue? Excellent! Now for the fun part: fixing it. This simple why money plant is not growing in water care guide will get your plant back on track.

  1. Start Fresh: Gently take your plant out of its container. Give the roots a very gentle rinse under lukewarm water. If you see any slimy or black parts on the stem or roots, carefully snip them off with clean scissors.
  2. Clean the Home: Thoroughly wash the vase or jar with soap and water to remove any bacterial film or algae buildup. Rinse it well to make sure no soap residue is left.
  3. Provide Premium Water: Refill the clean vase with room-temperature filtered water, rainwater, or tap water that has been left out overnight. Place your cutting back in, ensuring the node(s) are submerged but the leaves are not.
  4. Change Water Religiously: This is a non-negotiable best practice. Change the water completely every 3-5 days. This replenishes oxygen and prevents bacteria from taking over. If the water looks cloudy before then, change it immediately.
  5. Find the Sweet Spot for Light: Move your plant to a location where it receives plenty of bright, indirect light. If you can comfortably read a book in that spot during the day without turning on a lamp, it’s probably perfect.
  6. Introduce a Gentle Nutrient Boost: Once your plant has a few healthy roots (at least an inch long), it’s time for a snack. Add a very diluted liquid fertilizer. Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer at about 1/4 of the recommended strength. Add this tiny amount to the water once every 4-6 weeks. Don’t overdo it!

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Money Plant Care

Part of being a great gardener is caring for our planet, too. The good news is that growing plants in water is inherently low-impact. Here are a few ways to embrace sustainable why money plant is not growing in water practices.

Use Rainwater: Nature’s Best Drink

Collecting rainwater is a fantastic, eco-friendly way to water your plants. It’s naturally soft, slightly acidic, and free of the chemicals found in tap water. Simply place a clean bucket or basin outside during a rain shower. Your money plant will thank you for it!

Repurpose Glass Jars and Vases

You don’t need to buy a fancy new vase. Look around your home for glass jars from pasta sauce, pickles, or jam. A thorough cleaning is all they need to become a stylish and eco-friendly why money plant is not growing in water solution. This reduces waste and gives old items a beautiful new purpose.

READ MORE  How To Grow Money Plant At Home From Cutting – A Foolproof Guide

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

Let’s address some of the most frequent visual cues your plant might be giving you. This is a quick reference for the most common problems with why money plant is not growing in water.

  • Problem: Yellowing Leaves.

    The Fix: This is often the first sign of trouble. It can mean too much direct sun, nutrient deficiency, or the beginnings of root rot. Check the roots first! If they look healthy, try moving the plant to a spot with less direct light and consider adding a diluted fertilizer if you haven’t already. It can also be an old leaf dying off naturally, so if it’s just one, simply remove it.
  • Problem: Slimy Stem or Roots.

    The Fix: This is a clear sign of bacterial growth and impending root rot. Immediately follow the “Step-by-Step Revival Plan” above. Clean everything, trim the rot, and commit to changing the water more frequently.
  • Problem: No New Growth at All.

    The Fix: This points to a lack of energy. The culprit is usually either insufficient light or a lack of nutrients. Assess the light situation first. If it’s in a good spot, and it’s been over a month with established roots, it’s time to introduce a diluted fertilizer.
  • Problem: Leggy, Stretched-Out Stems.

    The Fix: Your plant is literally reaching for more light! The long spaces between leaves (called internodes) are a classic sign of etiolation. Move your plant to a brighter location to encourage more compact, lush growth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Growing Money Plants in Water

How often should I really change the water for my money plant?

The golden rule is every 3-5 days. For a brand new cutting, you might even do it every 2-3 days to keep conditions pristine. If you wait a week or more, you’re inviting bacteria and depriving the roots of essential oxygen, which is a key reason why money plant is not growing in water.

Does my money plant need fertilizer if it’s growing in water?

Yes, eventually. While a cutting can survive for a while on stored energy, it cannot thrive long-term in water alone. Once it has a healthy root system, a very diluted liquid fertilizer (1/4 strength) every 4-6 weeks provides the micronutrients it needs for lush, new growth.

Can I use regular tap water for my money plant?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Tap water often contains chlorine and other minerals that can build up and harm the plant’s delicate roots over time. The best practice is to let tap water sit out for 24 hours before use, or better yet, use filtered water or rainwater.

Your Path to a Thriving Water-Grown Money Plant

See? It’s not so mysterious after all! The journey of figuring out why money plant is not growing in water is simply a process of observation and gentle correction. You’ve now got a complete checklist and a solid action plan.

Remember the key takeaways: provide clean, oxygenated water; find that bright, indirect light sweet spot; and offer a little food once the roots are established. More than anything, be patient and observant. Your plant will give you clues, and now you know exactly how to read them.

So go on, give your money plant the fresh start it deserves. You’ve got this. Happy growing!

Rimon Chowdhury
Latest posts by Rimon Chowdhury (see all)

Similar Posts