Can Pothos Grow Underwater? The Truth Revealed

By Sophia Martinez · January 23, 2026

Yes, pothos cannot grow fully submerged underwater long-term, but its roots and lower stems can survive in water indefinitely if properly maintained. While pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is commonly grown hydroponically—with roots in water and leaves above the surface—true underwater growth leads to oxygen deprivation, rot, and eventual plant death. This article explores the science behind pothos water tolerance, optimal hydroponic care, and common misconceptions about aquatic growth.

Understanding Pothos and Water: What You Need to Know

Pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, is one of the most popular houseplants due to its hardiness and low maintenance. It's often seen growing in water-filled jars on office desks or kitchen windowsills. However, a common misconception is that pothos can thrive fully submerged like aquarium plants. The truth is more nuanced.

How Pothos Grows in Water

Pothos adapts well to hydroponic environments where roots are submerged but leaves remain above water. In this setup, the plant develops specialized water roots that absorb nutrients and moisture efficiently. These roots differ from soil roots in structure and function, allowing for long-term survival in water culture.

Pothos roots can live indefinitely in clean, aerated water
Leaves must stay above water to prevent rot and allow photosynthesis
Fully submerging foliage causes oxygen starvation and decay
Hydroponic pothos still requires light, nutrients, and occasional maintenance

Can Pothos Survive Fully Submerged? The Science

True underwater growth—where both leaves and stems are covered—is not sustainable for pothos. Unlike aquatic species such as Anubias or Vallisneria, pothos lacks the physiological adaptations needed for submerged photosynthesis and gas exchange.

Why Submersion Fails

When fully underwater, pothos faces several critical issues:

Oxygen Deprivation: Leaves cannot perform gas exchange effectively underwater.
Rot Development: Moisture trapped against leaf tissue promotes fungal and bacterial growth.
Chlorophyll Breakdown: Without proper air exposure, chloroplasts degrade over time.
Stunted Growth: Even short-term submersion slows metabolic activity significantly.

Condition	Average Survival Time	Root Health	Foliar Damage Onset	Growth Rate
Roots in water, leaves above	Indefinite (with care)	Healthy, white, branched	None	Moderate
Partially submerged (stems under)	2–6 weeks	Yellowing, slimy	1–3 weeks	Declining
Fully submerged	7–14 days	Rotted, blackened	Within 72 hours	Negative (decline)

Table data source:1, 2

The data clearly shows that while pothos tolerates root submersion, full immersion drastically reduces survival time and health. Plants kept with leaves above water maintain strong root systems and steady growth, whereas fully submerged specimens deteriorate rapidly due to anaerobic conditions and tissue breakdown.

Best Practices for Growing Pothos in Water

While pothos can't grow underwater, it excels in hydroponic setups when managed correctly. Follow these guidelines for success:

Choosing the Right Container

Use clear glass or plastic bottles/jars to monitor root development
Ensure neck opening allows stem passage while keeping leaves dry
Avoid narrow openings that restrict airflow around the base

Water Quality and Maintenance

Change water every 7–10 days to prevent stagnation
Use filtered or dechlorinated tap water
Maintain pH between 6.1 and 6.5 for optimal nutrient uptake
Add liquid houseplant fertilizer monthly at 1/4 strength

Light and Placement

Provide bright, indirect light (10,000–20,000 lux)
Avoid direct sunlight which encourages algae growth
Rotate container weekly for even growth

Common Misconceptions About Underwater Pothos

Despite widespread myths, pothos is not an aquatic plant. Some influencers show pothos thriving in fish tanks or underwater displays, but these setups often mislead viewers.

Misconception: "Pothos makes great aquarium plants."
Truth: It may survive temporarily, but will decline and pollute water as leaves rot.
Misconception: "If roots grow in water, the whole plant can live there."
Truth: Roots adapt; aerial parts do not.
Misconception: "Submerged pothos helps oxygenate water."
Truth: It consumes oxygen underwater and releases minimal O₂ only if exposed to light and air.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pothos and Water Growth

Can I put pothos in a fish tank?

No, you should not fully submerge pothos in a fish tank. While some people suspend pothos above aquariums with roots dipping into water—a method known as "aquaponics"—the leaves and stems must remain dry. Fully submerged pothos will rot, degrade water quality, and potentially harm fish.

How long can pothos live in water?

Pothos can live indefinitely in water as long as only the roots are submerged and basic care is followed. Regular water changes, adequate light, and occasional nutrient supplementation support healthy, long-term growth.

Do pothos need soil if grown in water?

No, once adapted to water, pothos does not require soil. After initial cutting propagation, the plant develops water-specific roots that absorb nutrients directly from the solution, making it fully capable of thriving without any soil medium.

Why are my pothos leaves turning yellow in water?

Yellowing leaves in water-grown pothos typically indicate poor water quality, lack of nutrients, insufficient light, or early signs of rot. Ensure weekly inspections, change water regularly, provide bright indirect light, and add diluted fertilizer monthly to prevent deficiencies.

Can pothos grow in tap water?

Yes, pothos can grow in tap water, but it's best to let chlorinated water sit out for 24 hours before use or use a filter to remove chlorine and heavy metals. High levels of chlorine or fluoride may damage sensitive root tips over time.