How to Propagate Pothos & Philodendrons in Water

Why Water Propagation Works So Well

Water propagation is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to multiply your plant collection. Pothos and Philodendrons are two of the best candidates — they root quickly, tolerate water well, and give you a front-row seat to watch new roots emerge. All you need is a healthy cutting, a clean glass of water, and a bright spot away from direct sun.

What You'll Need

• A healthy Pothos or Philodendron plant
• Clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears
• A clear glass or jar
• Room-temperature water (filtered or tap water left out overnight)
• A bright, indirect light spot

Step-by-Step: How to Take a Cutting

1. Choose a healthy stem with at least 2–3 leaves and one or more nodes (the small brown bumps where roots will grow).
2. Cut just below a node — this is where the roots will emerge. Make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle.
3. Remove lower leaves so no foliage sits below the waterline, which can cause rot.
4. Place the cutting in water, ensuring at least one node is submerged.
5. Set in bright indirect light — a windowsill with filtered light is ideal.

Caring for Your Cutting

Change the water every 5–7 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated. You should see roots beginning to emerge within 1–3 weeks depending on the season and light levels. Pothos tend to root faster than Philodendrons, but both are reliable propagators.

When to Transfer to Soil

Once roots are 1–2 inches long, your cutting is ready to pot up. Use a well-draining potting mix and keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks as the plant adjusts from water to soil. Avoid letting it dry out completely during this transition period.

Best Varieties for Water Propagation

• Golden Pothos — the easiest beginner propagator
• Marble Queen Pothos — slower growing but stunning variegation
• Heartleaf Philodendron — fast-rooting and forgiving
• Brasil Philodendron — vibrant variegation, roots readily in water
• Neon Pothos — bright chartreuse color, roots in 1–2 weeks

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• No node on the cutting — a cutting without a node will never root. Always check before cutting.
• Direct sunlight — this promotes algae growth in the water and can stress the cutting.
• Leaving leaves in water — submerged leaves rot quickly and foul the water.
• Transferring too early — wait until roots are at least 1 inch long for the best success rate.

Ready to grow your collection? Shop our Pothos collection and Philodendron collection to find your next propagation project.