Discover Things You Can Add to Pothos Water for Fastest Growth. This guide shares easy tips to boost growth and keep your plant healthy.
Pothos is one of the most popular and easiest indoor plants to grow. Many people love growing it in water because it looks clean, stylish, and low-maintenance. But if your pothos isn’t growing as fast as you’d like, there are a few things you can add to the water to give it a healthy boost.
Things You Can Add to Pothos Water for Fastest Growth
1. Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
Hydrogen peroxide adds extra oxygen to the water, which helps roots grow faster and stronger. It also keeps the water cleaner by preventing harmful bacteria and algae. To use it, add one teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide to one cup of water. This mix can be used once every two weeks during water changes.
2. Liquid Fertilizer (Diluted)
Adding a few drops of liquid houseplant fertilizer every four to six weeks can help pothos grow faster in water. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 20-20-20, works best. It’s important to dilute it more than you would for soil use, as too much can harm the roots. Always use one-fourth of the recommended strength, and remember to change the water a few days after fertilizing to avoid salt buildup.
3. Used Aquarium Water
If you have a freshwater fish tank, don’t throw away the old water. It contains natural nutrients from fish waste that act like a gentle fertilizer. This water can help your pothos grow greener and faster. Just make sure it’s from a freshwater aquarium, not a saltwater one, and ensure the fish are healthy before using the water on your plants.
4. Banana Peel Water

Banana peels are rich in potassium and other minerals that support healthy plant growth. You can make a simple banana peel water by soaking chopped banana peels in a jar of water for one or two days. Strain the liquid before using it. Add this to your pothos container once every two to three weeks for an all-natural nutrient boost.
5. Rice Water (Uncooked or Cooked)
Rice water, whether from rinsing or boiling rice, contains minerals and vitamins that can help your pothos grow. Let the rice water cool completely before using it, and only mix in a small amount with clean, fresh water. It’s important not to let this water sit for too long because it can spoil easily. Change the water regularly to avoid any bad smells or mold.
6. Epsom Salt
Epsom salt provides magnesium and sulfur, both of which are important for chlorophyll production and healthy roots. To use it, dissolve one-fourth of a teaspoon in about a liter of water. This mix can be added to your pothos water once a month to support faster, greener growth.
7. Aspirin Water
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which can boost plant immunity and help with root development. Crush one aspirin tablet and dissolve it in a gallon of water. You can use this water once a month to help your pothos grow stronger and resist stress.
8. Green Tea (Very Diluted)

Used green tea bags can also be helpful. They contain trace minerals that are good for plants. Soak one used green tea bag in water for a few hours, then use this water to fill your pothos jar. Green tea water should be used only once a month to prevent the water from becoming too acidic.
9. Compost Tea (Very Light)
A very light compost tea can be a natural and gentle way to feed your water-grown pothos. Steep a small amount of compost in water for about 24 hours, then strain it well. Mix just a few spoonfuls of this compost tea into the fresh water for your plant. Avoid using too much, as this can make the water dirty and harm the roots.
10. Willow Water (Natural Rooting Hormone)
Willow branches contain natural rooting hormones that encourage faster root development. To make willow water, soak young willow twigs in warm water overnight. Use this water to refill your pothos container weekly. It’s especially helpful for pothos cuttings that are just starting to root.
11. Aspirin Water
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which can boost plant immunity and help with root development. Crush one aspirin tablet and dissolve it in a gallon of water. You can use this water once a month to help your pothos grow stronger and resist stress.