Pothos can grow well with its roots in aquarium water. The plant stays above the tank while the roots hang below. This gives you green vines without planting them in the gravel.
The setup is simple. Start with a healthy pothos cutting that has at least one node. A node is the small joint where a leaf or root can grow.
Remove any leaf that would sit under water. Put the bare node and lower stem in the tank. Keep the leaves above the water line.
Do not bury the whole cutting in aquarium sand or gravel. The roots need room to spread. The stem also needs support so it does not slip into the tank.
Keep new roots away from a pump or filter intake. Long roots can reach moving parts. Trim them when needed, but leave enough healthy root growth to feed the plant.
Give the leaves bright, soft light. Avoid strong hot sun. Watch the plant for yellow leaves, soft stems, or dark roots. Those signs can mean the plant is under stress.
Start With a Good Cutting
Pothos is easy to start from stem cuttings. UF/IFAS notes that pothos roots readily from cuttings and can even root in water. Their golden pothos guide is a useful plant reference.
Cut just below a node with clean snips. If you need a small tool for the job, a pair of plant pruning snips makes clean cuts easy. Rinse the stem before it goes into the tank.
Hold the Plant Above the Water
You can rest the vine on the tank rim or use a holder. An aquarium plant holder can keep the stem steady while the roots hang in the water.
If you want a different leaf pattern, Marble Queen pothos is another form of the same easy indoor vine. Variegated plants may need more light to keep their pale markings bright.
Keep the Roots Clear
Check the roots each time you clean the tank. Move them away from the intake. You can trim very long roots with clean scissors. Do not let a thick root mass block water flow.
Healthy houseplants still need regular checks. Our guide to fungus gnats in houseplants explains why wet growing media can cause trouble when you also keep potted plants near the aquarium.
Give the Leaves Light
The roots may live in water, but the leaves still need light and air. Bright, indirect light is a good place to start. Keep the foliage out of the tank and wipe dust from the leaves when needed.
If you enjoy easy indoor plants, our houseplant collection guide has simple ways to manage light, water, pests, and space. You can also compare the different watering needs in our succulent care guide.
A Simple Aquarium Plant
Pothos does not need a complex aquarium setup. Keep the roots in the water, keep the leaves above it, and keep the vine in good light. Check the roots and filter often. With those few steps, the plant can add a soft green edge to the tank.