Quick answer: To propagate a money plant (pothos) in water, cut a healthy vine just below a node, remove the lower leaves, and place the node in a glass of clean water in bright indirect light. Roots appear in 2–4 weeks; change the water weekly to keep it fresh.

What You Will Need

You need a healthy money plant, clean scissors, and a clear glass or jar of water. A transparent container lets you watch the roots develop and check water cleanliness, which makes water propagation especially satisfying for beginners.

Step-by-Step Propagation

Choose a healthy vine and cut a 10–15 cm section just below a node, the small bump where leaves and aerial roots emerge. Remove the lower leaves so they don't sit in the water and rot, then place the cutting in the glass with at least one node submerged. Set it in bright, indirect light.

Why the Node Matters

Roots grow only from nodes, not from bare stems or leaves, so every cutting must include at least one node below the waterline. This is the single most important rule of money plant propagation, and the reason some cuttings fail to root.

Caring for Cuttings in Water

Change the water every five to seven days to keep it oxygenated and free of algae. Top it up as it evaporates, and keep the glass out of direct sun, which heats the water and encourages algae. If your tap water is heavily chlorinated, a water conditioner or letting the water stand overnight can help.

Moving to Soil (Optional)

Once roots are 5–8 cm long, you can keep the plant in water permanently or pot it into well-draining soil for stronger growth. After transplanting, water lightly and feed during the growing season with a diluted fertilizer to help it establish.

Common Problems

Yellowing cuttings, mushy stems, or cloudy water usually mean the water is dirty or leaves are submerged. Refresh the water, trim any rot, and ensure only the node, not the foliage, sits below the surface.

Caring for the Mother Plant

Taking cuttings is also good for the parent money plant. Trimming vines just above a node encourages the plant to branch and grow bushier, so propagation and pruning go hand in hand. Always cut from a healthy, well-watered plant, and avoid taking too many cuttings at once so the mother plant can recover quickly and keep growing strongly.

Tips for Faster Rooting

A few simple tricks speed up rooting. Keep the glass in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, since warmth and light drive root growth. Use clean water and a clear container so you can monitor progress, and avoid disturbing the cutting once roots begin to form. With these conditions, most money plant cuttings root reliably within a few weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a money plant take to root in water?

Usually 2–4 weeks, depending on warmth and light. Roots form faster in bright, warm conditions.

Can a money plant live in water forever?

Yes. It can grow in water long-term, though it generally grows larger and faster in soil.

Why is my cutting not rooting?

The most common reason is a missing node. Make sure at least one node is submerged.

How often should I change the water?

Every five to seven days, to keep it fresh and oxygenated and prevent algae.

Should I add fertiliser to the water?

A few drops of heavily diluted feed can help once roots form, but plain clean water is fine for rooting.

Why is my water turning green?

That is algae, caused by light reaching the water. Use an opaque container or keep it out of direct sun.

Can I propagate money plant from a leaf?

No. You need a section of stem with at least one node; a single leaf will not root.