Pothos for Aquariums: The Houseplant That Works Like a Filter

If you want a simple, cheap way to make water gentler for shrimp and plants, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a quiet hero.

It doesn’t replace biological filtration, but it helps by eating nitrogen waste and excess nutrients—like a living pre-filter.

This guide shows where to put it, how to grow it, and what to expect.

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Why Pothos?

• Eats ammonia → nitrite → nitrate (as nutrients)

• Helps keep nutrient levels lower (less algae pressure)

• Easy to grow, very forgiving

• Roots become a grazing zone for shrimp (biofilm buffet)

• Works in tap-water treatment buckets and display tanks

Pothos won’t make hard water soft (GH/KH stay). It mainly reduces nitrogen waste and some dissolved nutrients.

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3 Ways to Use Pothos

1) In the Display Tank (Roots in Water, Leaves Above)

• Let the stems sit at the rim; hold with clips or a small pot.

• Keep leaves above water (pothos is not a true aquatic; submerging leaves rots them).

• Good for ongoing nutrient uptake and a natural look.

Steps

1. Rinse cutting, remove any soil.

2. Strip lower leaves so only nodes touch water.

3. Sit the cutting so nodes/roots are in water; leaves stay dry.

4. Provide indirect light (window or tank light spill).

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2) In a Sump / HOB / Rear Chamber

• Drape roots into the overflow, HOB chamber, or sump.

• Constant flow = steady nutrient supply.

• Hide the plant out of sight.

Tips

• Use a small light over the chamber if it’s dark.

• Check that roots don’t block impellers or overflow teeth (trim as needed).

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3) In a Tap-Water Treatment Container (Pre-Treatment)

• Hang pothos in your storage bucket with dechlorinated tap water.

• Combined with carbon cubes + aeration, this is a great “maximum care” pre-treatment (see your Tap Water Treatment draft).

Routine

• Let water sit 2–7 days with air stone + pothos.

• Use for water changes after temp-match.

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Setup & Care

Light

• Bright indirect light is ideal; avoid strong midday sun on leaves.

• In dim rooms, a small desk lamp (6–8h/day) works.

Flow & Oxygen

• Gentle movement around roots prevents slime and keeps them healthy.

• Air stone in containers = great.

Trimming

• Trim roots if they get too long or slimy.

• Clip stems to shape the plant; new nodes will root again.

Mounting Ideas

• Binder clips with soft padding on rim.

• Suction-cup plant holders.

• Small mesh pot wedged at the back.

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Safety Notes (Important)

• Keep leaves and stems out of reach of pets/kids—pothos is toxic if chewed.

• If using in HOB/sump, ensure roots don’t jam impellers or drains.

• Avoid fertilizer granules stuck in the nodes that touch your water—rinse cuttings first.

• Don’t fully submerge leaves; they’ll rot.

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What You Can Expect (Realistically)

Within 1–3 weeks

• Roots will extend; plant perks up.

• You may notice improved clarity and steadier nitrate.

Ongoing

• Slower algae pressure (because nutrients are being absorbed).

• Slightly lower TDS drift vs. not using any plant (by removing organics/nutrients), but GH/KH unchanged.

• Shrimp grazing on root biofilm.

Not magic

• Still do water changes.

• Still avoid overfeeding.

• Still keep a filter (especially for beginners).

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Common Mistakes & Fixes

Problem	Likely cause	Fix
Leaves yellowing	Too little light or nutrient-poor air side	Brighter indirect light; let roots access tank water flow
Slimy, smelly roots	Stagnant water / no flow	Add air stone or mild flow; trim roots
Leaves droop/rot	Leaves submerged or constantly splashed	Keep leaves fully above water
No growth	Very low light / very cold	Improve light; keep room ~22–28 °C
HOB rattling	Roots touching impeller	Trim roots; add guard

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Quick Q&A

Can pothos replace my filter?
No. Think of it as a nutrient mop, not a full filter. Keep a gentle filter for stability.

Will pothos lower pH or hardness?
Not significantly. It mainly uses nitrogen waste; KH/GH remain.

Can I put the whole plant underwater?
No—pothos is not a true aquatic. Only roots in water; leaves above.

Do I need special fertilizer for pothos?
Usually no in aquariums—your tank water provides nutrients. If grown in a dry pot, normal houseplant care applies (keep fertilizer out of tank water).

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Simple Starter Recipe (Copy This)

• 2–4 pothos cuttings

• Rinse well; remove soil and lower leaves

• Place nodes/roots in water (tank rim, HOB, sump, or storage bucket)

• Provide indirect light 6–8h/day

• Trim roots monthly; keep leaves dry

• Keep your regular water changes + filter maintenance

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Water Basics Series — Wander Within Life

1. Soft vs Hard Water
2. GH, KH & TDS — The Three Numbers
3. No RO, No Distilled: Can I Still Keep Shrimp?
4. Do We Really Need a Filter?
5. Filters for Shrimp Tanks — Flow • Intake • Media
6. How I Treat Tap Water Before It Enters My Aquarium
7. Pothos as a Natural Filter — Roots in Water, Leaves Above (You’re here)