I got a pothos from lowes... Can I plant it on my aquarium if i just rinse it well?

Rocky998 said:

@Byron, I know you have a more scientific outlook on things... What do you think about this guide?

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Waste of time. I have written frequently that a couple of years ago Rhonda Wilson who authored the planted tank column in TFH said that any chemical actually strong enough to kill snails, snail eggs or algae would undoubtedly harm the plant. Given that these are not "problems" to begin with, but are the result of the natural laws of biology, botany and chemistry in the aquarium, proper maintenance and stocking avoids these issues or keeps them under control. Nature, not chemicals.

I do not think it is accident that my approach to fish keeping over 30+ years has been the primary reason I have had so few fish problems.

Alright. I took three cuttings and I'm doing a small experiment. I have one with all tank water, one with all tap (plus a bit of dechlorinator), and then a tank/tap water mix (plus some dechlorinator)
Here's a photo:

I took a look quickly, saw the lawn and thought "Wow. He has duckewweed problems!"

I need new glasses.

I have been told to dip cuttings in root hormone, wait a few minutes and them put them in out of tank water. I don't think I've done it with Pothos.

GaryE said:

I took a look quickly, saw the lawn and thought "Wow. He has duckewweed problems!"
I need new glasses.

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GaryE said:

I have been told to dip cuttings in root hormone, wait a few minutes and them put them in out of tank water. I don't think I've done it with Pothos.

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I heard that as well but I don't even know what root hormone is and I've seen people do it without root hormones as well just fine.

Rocky998 said:

I heard that as well but I don't even know what root hormone is and I've seen people do it without root hormones as well just fine.

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for most aroids at least, rooting hormones are not neccesary.
only for stuff like trees will you need rooting hormone

Interested to see the results of your little experiment, keep us updated!

CaptainBarnicles said:

Interested to see the results of your little experiment, keep us updated!

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I definitely will!!


Also, should I be changing the water for the pothos every day, or every other day?
I've read that either work but I was wondering what is best...

Rocky998 said:

I definitely will!!


Also, should I be changing the water for the pothos every day, or every other day?
I've read that either work but I was wondering what is best...

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If it was me I think I would just do top ups rather than changing the water...but what do you think Rocky? Its your experiment. Try it out on another cutting and see what happens!

CaptainBarnicles said:

If it was me I think I would just do top ups rather than changing the water...but what do you think Rocky? Its your experiment. Try it out on another cutting and see what happens!

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Yah, but I heard you're supposed to keep it pretty fresh when their just cuttings... Idk lol
Maybe I'll wait until someone with a good amount of experience says what to do... Idk lol

Rocky998 said:

Yah, but I heard you're supposed to keep it pretty fresh when their just cuttings... Idk lol
Maybe I'll wait until someone with a good amount of experience says what to do... Idk lol

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tbh i just top it up because apparently, pothos secretes rooting hormones into the water itself.

i've tried to prop passionfruit before, and the only one who survived was the one that was in an old prop jar with an old pothos prop.
the 30 others in soil and commercial rooting hormone all died, and the one by itself in water died aswell

For the past few months I have had the Swiss cheese monstera in my 125. It has taken them a little bit to get used to just being in water instead of dirt, but they are starting to finally take off. I got some holders for them off of Etsy so that the roots can sit in the water comfortably. I do know it's a little bit more evaporation in my tank, but I also notice a lot less nitrates. Compromise I am willing to take. You can see one of the holders and this latest video I took of the 125 when I was cleaning out the matten filter.

There are a variety of different plants you can use. I like the monstera because it doesn't vine like the pothos does. My other alternative was a calla lily. All I did with the plants was to rinse all of the dirt and any fertilizer that was in the dirt off of the roots, making sure to get all of it off. There is no other cleaning that you should be doing to the roots or the leaves especially not a bleach dip nor vinegar or anything else that could damage the roots.

Good luck and do remember that it will take a little bit for the plant to get used to being only in water. Like I said I've had mine for a couple months now and it's about how long it's taken for them to get used to being in water.

Only day 2 and there is already noticeable changes!

They're standing up taller trying to face the light it's the nodules you want to be watching

CaptainBarnicles said:

They're standing up taller trying to face the light it's the nodules you want to be watching

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Yes, but the new leaves are forming better and there is some new growth as well!
I am watching the nodules. No roots yet but that's to be expected...

Rocky998 said:

Alright. I took three cuttings and I'm doing a small experiment. I have one with all tank water, one with all tap (plus a bit of dechlorinator), and then a tank/tap water mix (plus some dechlorinator)
Here's a photo:
View attachment 317226

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Some sources recommend dipping briefly in vinegar when no rooting hormone is available. I haven't had any problem rooting pathos without rooting hormone, but a vinegar dip might help. Try adding a vinegar dipped cutting to your experiment.