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How to Grow Money Plant in Water – No Soil Needed

Money plant (also known as pothos or devil’s ivy) is one of the easiest and most beautiful plants you can grow at home, even if you don’t want to deal with messy soil. All you need is water, a healthy cutting, and a little care. With its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves, money plant not only looks stunning but is believed to bring good luck and positive energy into your space.

How to Grow Money Plant in Water
Image credit to Faisal Turabi / Lush Spaces

Why Grow Money Plant in Water?

Growing money plant in water has many benefits. It’s super low-maintenance, mess-free, and perfect for indoor spaces. Water-grown plants are easier to monitor—you can see the roots develop, spot any issues early, and enjoy a cleaner setup with no soil pests. Plus, glass containers filled with water and green vines add a modern, stylish touch to your home or office.

Image credit to Unlimited Greens

How to Choose and Prepare the Cuttings

Pick a healthy stem — Choose a stem that has at least 2-3 nodes (the small bumps where leaves or roots grow).

Make a clean cut — Use sharp, clean scissors or pruners to cut just below a node. This encourages root growth.

Remove lower leaves — Strip off leaves near the cut so they don’t sit in water and rot.

Image credit to YouTube

The Right Water and Container

  • Container: Use glass bottles, jars, or vases so you can easily see the roots. Any size works, but narrow necks help hold stems upright.
  • Water: Tap water is fine, but let it sit for 24 hours to allow chlorine to evaporate. Rainwater or filtered water is even better.
  • Change water: Replace the water every 7-10 days to keep it fresh and oxygen-rich.
Image credit to Celebrated Nest

Best Conditions for Growing Money Plant in Water

  • Light: Place the jar in bright, indirect light. Avoid harsh afternoon sun that could scorch the leaves.
  • Temperature: Money plant loves normal room temperature (18°C – 30°C).
  • Position: Windowsills, work desks, kitchen counters—all work great as long as they get filtered light.
Image credit to Epic Gardening

How to Keep Your Water-Grown Money Plant Healthy

  • Watch the roots: Healthy roots are white or pale in color. If they turn brown or slimy, rinse them gently and change the water.
  • Trim as needed: If the vines get too long, trim them back. You can use the trimmings to grow new plants.
  • Fertilize lightly: Once a month, add a drop of liquid houseplant fertilizer to the water (optional but helpful).
  • Clean the jar: Wash the jar during water changes to prevent algae build-up.
Image credit to My Tasteful Space

Styling Ideas for Your Money Plant in Water

  • Use vintage glass bottles or mason jars for a rustic touch.
  • Try modern test-tube holders for a minimal, chic look.
  • Group several jars together at different heights for a fuller display.
  • Add small pebbles or marbles to the jar bottom for extra visual interest.
Image credit to Celebrated Nest

Common Problems and Quick Fixes

ProblemCauseSolution
Yellow leavesToo much direct sun, or old leavesMove to indirect light, trim old leaves
Brown rootsDirty water or algaeRinse roots, change water more often
No root growthLow light or poor cuttingShift to brighter spot, try a new cutting
Image credit to Empress of Dirt

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