Growing Golden Pothos in Water for 3 Years – Complete Care Guide

If you think houseplants can’t survive without soil, think again. Growing golden pothos in water is not just possible – it’s a simple hydroponic method that can keep your plant thriving for years when cared for properly. This easy, low-maintenance approach transforms one of the most popular houseplants into a stunning, soil-free display that fits any interior.

After experimenting for several years, I discovered how resilient and adaptable this plant truly is. My own golden pothos has been living in a hydroponic setup for over three years, developing lush roots and vibrant variegated leaves without ever being potted in soil. In this guide, I’ll share exactly how to achieve the same results – from choosing the right jar and water type to lighting, fertilizing, and long-term maintenance.

If you’re growing your plant in soil, don’t miss my complete guide – Golden Pothos Care: All You Need to Know.

Before we dive deeper into the full care guide, here’s a quick look at my Golden Pothos journey – from the early stage when the roots got stuck in the jar to how it looks today, thriving after years in water:

Can Golden Pothos Really Live in Water Forever?

Yes – if you provide balance between light, oxygen, and nutrients. Pothos roots can fully adapt to a water environment, absorbing what they need directly through their root system. The key to growing golden pothos in water successfully is keeping the conditions consistent, oxygen-rich, and avoiding overfertilization.

I actually didn’t plan to grow my golden pothos hydroponically at all. It started when my large soil-grown plant began yellowing one winter due to air conditioning. To save it, I took a few healthy cuttings and placed them in a glass jar with one small stone to keep them upright. I intended to plant them later, but months passed – and the roots had grown so beautifully that they were stuck with the stone inside the jar. At that point, I decided to leave them in water permanently, and to my surprise, they continued to thrive. Three years later, that same plant is still healthy, lush, and over 5 feet long.

What You Need to Grow Pothos in Water

To begin growing golden pothos in water, all you need is a transparent glass container, clean water, and a bright location with indirect sunlight. A clear jar or vase allows you to monitor root development and ensure proper oxygen exchange. Filtered or rainwater is ideal since it’s free from chlorine and fluoride, but if you use tap water, let it sit for a day before adding it to the jar.

A stable temperature between 65–85°F (18–29°C) is best for root health, so keep your setup away from air conditioners or heating vents. You can place a few decorative pebbles at the bottom to support the stems and prevent them from floating. That’s really all the equipment you need – the rest comes down to light, consistency, and the right watering routine. If you want to know more about humidity and temperature for houseplants – and why they’re so important for healthy growth – read my full article Humidity and Temperature for Houseplants.

Light & Water Requirements When Growing Golden Pothos in Water

Once your hydroponic setup is established, the most important step is keeping conditions stable rather than making frequent adjustments. Golden pothos thrives in bright, indirect light, ideally near a west or east-facing window where it receives several hours of gentle sunlight each day. Too little light can cause slow growth and fading variegation, while direct, harsh sunlight may heat the water and damage both leaves and roots. If your space is darker, a small LED grow light positioned nearby can help maintain healthy photosynthesis year-round. Read more about Light Requirements for Houseplants: The Secret to Thriving Indoor Plants.

When it comes to watering, stability is again the key to success. Avoid changing all the water at once, as that can disturb the balanced environment that develops around the roots. Instead, simply top up the jar as water evaporates and replace about half of it every few weeks. This gentle routine keeps oxygen levels steady and helps beneficial microorganisms thrive naturally.

The quality and temperature of the water also play a big role in long-term success. Growing golden pothos in water works best when you use filtered, rain, or dechlorinated tap water at room temperature – ideally between 65–85°F. Sudden temperature changes or cold drafts can cause shock and leaf yellowing, so avoid placing the jar near air conditioners, heaters, or open windows during winter.

With consistent care and balanced conditions, your pothos will adapt beautifully to life in water. Expect strong roots, glossy leaves, and long, trailing vines that remain healthy and vibrant year after year.

Fertilizing Pothos Grown in Water

When growing golden pothos in water, fertilizing becomes an essential part of maintaining healthy, continuous growth. Since there’s no soil to provide nutrients, the plant relies entirely on what you add to the water. Use a liquid fertilizer formulated for indoor green plants, but always dilute it to half strength before adding it to the jar. This gentle dose provides enough nourishment without overwhelming the roots.

Feed your pothos about once every four to eight weeks, ideally right after refreshing part of the water. Avoid adding fertilizer to stagnant or cloudy water, as that can cause buildup and root damage over time. With a light, consistent feeding routine, your hydroponic pothos will maintain vibrant leaves, strong roots, and steady growth all year round.

Personally, I add water with diluted fertilizer whenever the jar is about half empty, and in over three years of growing golden pothos in water, this method has kept my plant perfectly healthy and thriving.

Cleaning and Maintenance

Regular maintenance is key to growing golden pothos in water successfully, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Clean, oxygen-rich water keeps the roots healthy and prevents unpleasant odors or decay. If your jar has a wide opening, you can gently clean the inside every few months using a soft brush or cloth to remove algae buildup. However, if the roots are dense or the container shape makes cleaning difficult, there’s no need to disturb them too often – stability is more important than perfection.

My own pothos has been in the same jar for years, and the roots are completely stuck around a decorative stone inside. Algae naturally developed on the glass, but it hasn’t caused any problems at all. Once every couple of months, I take the entire jar to the shower and rinse it gently with lukewarm water. I let the stream wash through the roots to remove any accumulated debris, black particles, or dead roots. This quick rinse keeps the water fresh and the root system clean without shocking the plant.

If your pothos ever develops excessive algae or cloudy water, refresh part of the water and make sure the jar isn’t in direct sunlight. A bit of green on the glass is normal and even beneficial, but if it starts to cover the roots completely, light cleaning will help restore balance. With minimal maintenance, growing golden pothos in water can remain simple and rewarding, allowing your hydroponic plant to stay beautiful and healthy for years.

Common Problems and Solutions when Growing Golden Pothos in Water

Even though growing golden pothos in water is simple, a few minor issues can appear over time. Most are easy to fix once you recognize the cause and act quickly. Here’s how to handle the most common ones.

Yellowing leaves
This usually happens due to old water, poor lighting, or sudden temperature changes. Refresh part of the water, move your pothos to a brighter spot with indirect light, and make sure it’s not too close to an air conditioner or heater.

Slimy or brown roots
If the roots start looking soft or brown, it’s often a sign of stagnant water or too much fertilizer. Rinse them gently under lukewarm water, trim any damaged parts, and refill the jar with clean water. Use only diluted fertilizer every few weeks to prevent buildup.

Algae buildup on glass
Some algae are normal, but excessive growth usually means the jar is getting too much direct sunlight or leftover fertilizer. Move it slightly away from the window and wipe the outer glass if needed. A bit of green on the glass won’t harm your plant.

Slow or weak growth
This often happens when light or nutrients are lacking. Add a small amount of diluted fertilizer and ensure your plant receives several hours of bright, indirect light each day.

Cloudy or foul-smelling water
When water becomes murky or smells bad, there are likely decaying roots or trapped debris inside. Rinse the jar, remove any dead roots, and refill it with fresh water. Always keep the jar open to allow proper oxygen exchange.

Golden pothos are remarkably forgiving plants. Once you maintain consistent light, clean water, and gentle feeding, growing golden pothos in water becomes effortless. With the right balance, your hydroponic setup will stay healthy and vibrant year after year.

Curious about how to propagate Golden Pothos in water? Watch my video below to see the full process step-by-step:

Click here to watch the video on YouTube

Benefits and Final Thoughts | Growing Golden Pothos in Water

One of the greatest benefits of growing golden pothos in water is how simple and elegant it is. You eliminate the mess of soil, reduce the risk of pests, and get a clear view of the root system as it grows and adapts. The transparent jar becomes part of the design — a living, self-sustaining decoration that fits beautifully in any room.

This method is also ideal for busy plant lovers. With no soil to dry out, watering becomes effortless, and the plant’s steady growth creates a calm, minimal aesthetic. It’s a perfect example of how nature thrives when given balance – light, oxygen, and gentle care.

After more than three years, my golden pothos growing in water continues to flourish in its hydroponic setup, proving that stability matters far more than frequent changes. If you maintain clean water, indirect light, and a simple feeding routine, growing golden pothos in water will reward you with lush leaves and long, cascading vines for many years to come.

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