Growing Pothos In Water—a simple yet stunning way to bring nature indoors! Let’s learn the steps, along with some after-care tips!
Does the thought of Growing Pothos in Water worry you? This easy-to-follow guide will provide you with the exact steps to hydroponic Pothos cultivation, a method that not only enhances your indoor aesthetic but also purifies the air, that too, without the fuss of soil!
Here‘s A List Of Philodendrons That You Can Grow In Water
Why Grow Pothos in Water?
Growing Pothos in water offers several advantages, making it an attractive option for indoor gardeners. Here are a few prominent ones:
- Firstly, growing pothos in water eliminates the mess of soil and the extensive care it demands.
- Water-grown pothos are low maintenance—you won’t have to stress about regular soil upkeep or the balance between over or underwatering. It’s the perfect option for anyone wanting an easy-care green buddy.
- Growing Pothos in water allows for more flexibility in terms of placement. Without the need for soil, you can place them in all sorts of cool spots, like hanging glass vases or jars. This adds a stylish touch to any room, blending nature with your home’s look.
- Soil can harbor pests and diseases, but growing Pothos in water significantly reduces the risk of these issues. This means fewer worries about these common plant problems, making it a neater option, especially indoors.
- Additionally, if you are interested in hydroponic systems, this method could be a simple, fun intro to more advanced hydroponic setups.
How to Grow Pothos in Water?
Growing Pothos in Water is straighforward and involves some basic steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide for you:
Things You’ll Need:
- Healthy Pothos plant with at least one stem to propagate.
- Clean scissors or gardening shears for making the cuttings.
- A clear glass jar, bottle, or vase
- Room temperature water
- Balanced, liquid fertilizer
Steps to Grow Pothos in Water:
#1. Select a Healthy Pothos Plant
Begin with a healthy Pothos plant. Look for one with bright green leaves and strong stems, as these are more likely to adjust well to new environments.
#2. Prepare the Cutting
Use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or a knife. Find a stem section with 4 to 6 leaves and several nodes (those little bumps where leaves and roots spring from). Make a cut just below a node, strip the lower leaves, and keep a few at the top. This helps the plant focus on growing roots.
#3. Choose the Right Container
Opt for a clear container, like a glass jar, to let sunlight reach the roots and let you keep an eye on growth. Make sure it’s clean to ward off bacteria.
#4. Fill with Water
Fill your container with room-temp water. Rainwater or distilled water are best since tap water’s chemicals can be harsh on the plant. If you are using tap water, let it sit overnight to allow chlorine to dissipate.
#5. Place the Cutting
Put the cutting in the container in a way that the node is completely submerged in water. Ensure that the leafy part of the cutting is above the water line to prevent rot. The roots will eventually grow from the submerged node.
#6. Monitor the Light and Temperature
Set the container somewhere with bright, indirect sunlight to avoid leaf burn. Do remember that overhead heat or the direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves. Pothos thrives in moderate temperatures, around 70-90°F (21-32°C), so try to maintain this range in the rooting phase.
Now sit back and watch your pothos send out roots which might take somewhere between 3-6 weeks. Patience is key here, so make sure you give your pothos its own sweet time to grow.
Care Tips to Grow Pothos in Water
The trick in successfully growing pothos in water lies in its after care. Here are some expert tips for you:
- Make sure to change the water in your plant’s container weekly to keep bacteria at bay and keep oxygen flowing to the roots. If the water starts looking muddy or discolored, that’s your cue to switch it out. Inspect the roots thoroughly for any unhealthy signs while doing so.
- After a month or so, consider adding a water-soluble fertilizer at a quarter of its recommended strength every 4-6 weeks. This little nutrient boost is something plain water just can’t provide.
- Keep an eye out for new roots sprouting in a few weeks. Healthy roots are firm and white. If you notice any slimy or brown roots, trim them off, as this could be a sign of rot.
- Pruning your Pothos regularly will encourage it to grow more lush and bushy. Just make sure to leave a few leaves on each stem to avoid plant stress.
- If you’re growing several water plants, don’t bunch them up too close together. They need good air flow around them to help prevent pests. Plus, you can wipe leaves with a damp cloth every other week to remove the dusty layer, making it easier for your plant to photosynthesize.
Best Fertilizer for Growing Pothos in Water
To get your Pothos thriving in water, go for a balanced, liquid, water-soluble fertilizer. Look for one that’s equally rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are great for both leaf and root growth.
When fertilizing your Pothos, mix the liquid fertilizer with water at a ratio of 1:6 to 1:4, meaning one part fertilizer to six or four parts water. This diluted mix is just right—it gives your plant the nutrients it needs without being too strong.
Your Pothos will love a little fertilizer treat every 4 to 6 weeks, especially when it’s growing actively in spring and summer. Do remember that fertilizer should be introduced into the medium only after the visible growth of roots. When you’re adding that diluted fertilizer to its water, just pour it in slowly and carefully around the plant. Make sure not to disturb the roots—they’re doing their important work down there!
