How long until pothos cuttings root in water?
Written by
Nguyen Minh
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.The process of propagating pothos in water begins with understanding rooting timelines. In my studio, cuttings under grow lights typically root for about 10 days, while cuttings on the kitchen counter take about 3 weeks in ambient light. Keeping conditions stationary is the most important factor - consistency eliminates delays that can occur with the environmental swings.
Light & Temperature
- Bright indirect light (6-8 hours daily)
- 65-75°F (18-24°C) ideal for cellular activity
- Avoid drafts and sudden temperature drops
Node Care
- Submerge 2-3 nodes per cutting
- Trim leaves near nodes to prevent rot
- 45-degree angle cuts increase surface area
The water should be changed every 5-7 days to reintroduce oxygen to the water and to limit any bacteria buildup. I use filtered room-temperature water, chlorinated water can burn the root tips. If you notice cloudy water you should do the following immediately: rinse the roots, scrub the jars out using vinegar, then start a new jar with boiled and cooled water.
Stagnant Roots
- Add aquarium air stone for oxygenation
- Dip nodes in honey (natural rooting aid)
- Shift to warmer location
Algae Prevention
- Use opaque containers to block light
- Add activated charcoal to water
- Avoid overfilled jars
The faster you multiply, the greater the rewards are. My very slowest cutting took me 37 days, which taught me to be patient. Once roots reached 2 inches, I could either transition to the soil, or I could just keep it in water and continue to prosper - either way, you have a living heirloom, which increased joy every time I would cut a node and take a cutting to propagate and give away.
Read the full article: How to Propagate Pothos in 3 Simple Steps
