Living in a small apartment doesn’t mean you have to give up on greenery. In fact, some of the most beloved houseplants thrive in tight spaces—and pothos is one of them. Known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is incredibly easy to grow, even if you don’t have access to a balcony or garden.
This plant is perfect for beginners and urban dwellers because it’s low-maintenance, fast-growing, and easily propagated. If you’ve always wanted to grow your own pothos from scratch, here’s how to successfully germinate it—even from the corner of a studio apartment.
Why Pothos Is Ideal for Small Apartments
Pothos checks all the right boxes for apartment living:
- It tolerates low light
- It doesn’t demand frequent watering
- It grows happily in soil or water
- It thrives in jars, glasses, or compact pots
- It purifies indoor air
Better yet, you don’t need a garden, grow light, or green thumb to propagate it. All you need is a healthy vine, a bit of patience, and a windowsill.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, gather a few simple items:
- A healthy pothos vine (from an existing plant or a cutting)
- Clean scissors or pruning shears
- A glass jar, small vase, or repurposed container
- Clean tap or filtered water
- Optional: a small pot and indoor potting mix for later transplanting
Step 1: Take a Cutting from a Healthy Vine
To propagate pothos, you’ll need a section of vine with at least one node (the small bump where a leaf joins the stem). That’s where roots will emerge.
Using clean scissors, snip a 4–6 inch piece of stem just below a node. If you want to make several plants, cut multiple pieces—each should have at least one leaf and one node.
Pro tip: Avoid cuttings with damaged or yellowing leaves. Healthy green leaves and plump stems are best.
Step 2: Prepare the Cutting for Water Propagation
Gently remove the leaf closest to the bottom of your cutting so that the node is exposed. This area should be the part that goes into water.
Place the cutting in a small jar filled with room-temperature water, ensuring that only the node (not the leaves) is submerged. Set the jar near a window that gets bright, indirect light. A bathroom shelf, kitchen counter, or bedroom windowsill can all work well.
Step 3: Keep the Water Fresh
Water propagation doesn’t require soil, but it does require cleanliness.
- Change the water every 2–3 days to prevent bacteria buildup
- Rinse the jar occasionally
- Avoid placing the jar in direct sunlight to prevent overheating
Roots will begin to form in 1 to 2 weeks. Within 3 to 4 weeks, the roots should be long and strong enough for transplanting.
Step 4: Transplanting to Soil (Optional)
You can keep your pothos growing in water indefinitely, but it will eventually need nutrients that plain water can’t provide. For longer-term growth, it’s best to move the plant to soil.
Here’s how to transplant:
- Choose a small pot with drainage holes—compact enough to fit on your windowsill or shelf.
- Fill it with indoor potting mix or a blend of peat, perlite, and compost.
- Gently place the rooted cutting into the soil, burying the roots and leaving the leaves above the surface.
- Water thoroughly and allow any excess to drain.
Step 5: Daily Care in a Small Space
Now that your pothos is planted, here’s how to care for it in an apartment setting:
- Light: Bright, indirect sunlight is ideal, but pothos can tolerate low-light corners.
- Watering: Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again. In water, top up the level as needed.
- Temperature: Pothos prefers temperatures between 65–85°F (18–29°C). Avoid cold drafts from windows.
- Humidity: Normal room humidity is fine, though occasional misting helps in dry environments.
Pothos adapts well to its surroundings, so whether it sits on a bookshelf, hangs in a window, or grows along a curtain rod, it will thrive with minimal effort.
Step 6: Make the Most of Vertical Space
In a small apartment, vertical space is your best friend. Use wall planters, macramé hangers, or floating shelves to display your pothos. As it grows, you can train its vines to climb or trail, turning even a blank wall into a lush green feature.
Final Thoughts
Germinating pothos in a small apartment isn’t just possible—it’s incredibly easy. This plant’s forgiving nature and stylish appearance make it a favorite among city dwellers and beginners alike. With a little care, a glass of water, and a sunny spot, you can turn a single vine into a living, growing centerpiece that thrives in even the smallest of spaces.
So go ahead—snip a cutting, place it in water, and watch your indoor jungle come to life.
