10 Best Plants That Grow in Water: Easy Indoor Gardening Guide

2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): The Ultimate Water-Growing Vine

Oh boy, if there’s one plant I could write about all day, it’s Pothos! After growing these beauties in water for over a decade, I can tell you they’re basically the superheroes of the indoor plant world. Let me share what I’ve learned from propagating literally hundreds of these gorgeous vines.

Varieties That Thrive in Water

My first water-grown Pothos was a simple Golden Pothos, but that quickly snowballed into what my family likes to call my “vine addiction.” Now I’ve got every variety imaginable growing in glass jars around my home. The Marble Queen is stunning with its creamy variegation, while the Neon Pothos adds these incredible pops of bright chartreuse that honestly look like they’re glowing.

Propagation: Easier Than Making a Cup of Coffee

Here’s my foolproof method for propagating Pothos in water (and trust me, I’ve refined this through plenty of trial and error):

1. Cut a piece with at least 3-4 leaves
2. Snip just below a node (those little brown bumps on the stem)
3. Remove the bottom leaf nearest to the cut
4. Pop it in water, keeping the leaves above the surface
5. Place in bright, indirect light

The magic usually happens within 2-3 weeks when you’ll start seeing those pristine white roots emerging. It’s like watching a tiny underwater garden grow!

Air-Purifying Powerhouse

Let’s talk science for a second. NASA studies actually showed that Pothos is one of the best air-purifying plants out there. I’ve got one in my classroom, and I swear the air feels fresher. It helps remove indoor pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene – pretty impressive for a plant that’s happy growing in nothing but water!

Water Growth Patterns and Maintenance

Growing Pothos in water has some interesting quirks. The leaves tend to grow slightly smaller than their soil-grown cousins, but they develop this gorgeous glossy sheen that’s absolutely stunning. Here’s my maintenance routine:

• Change the water every 1-2 weeks
• Use room temperature water (they hate the cold!)
• Keep the jar clean and algae-free
• Trim any yellow or brown leaves promptly
• Add a drop of liquid fertilizer every 6-8 weeks

One cool thing I’ve noticed is that water-grown Pothos develops these fascinating crystalline-looking roots that are actually quite beautiful in clear glass containers. They’re like nature’s own art installation!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes you’ll notice leaves turning yellow or the growth slowing down. Don’t panic! Usually, it’s just time to refresh the water or move your plant to a brighter spot. The biggest mistake I see people make is putting these guys in direct sunlight – that’s a big no-no! Bright, indirect light is your friend here.

Ready to level up your water garden with something a bit more sophisticated? Click next to learn about the Chinese Evergreen – a plant so beautiful and resilient, it makes Pothos look like a high-maintenance diva! And let me tell you, the colors on these babies will make your jaw drop.