Even Beginners Can Propagate Pothos Plants Into New Plants
Ask any plant lover, and they'll tell you the closest thing that comes to magic is propagation! After all, what other real-life phenomenon involves making something out of (almost) nothing? And to make things even better, you don't even need a green thumb (or any special powers of the sort) to propagate pothos!
This sturdy plant flourishes in bright, indirect light but also adjusts admirably to low-light conditions, making it a flexible option for virtually any room. It's also unfazed by occasional neglect, making it perfect for beginners—although seasoned plant enthusiasts also cherish it! Plus, to start a new plant (which makes a great gift for plant lovers) all you need is a cutting of the low-maintenance indoor houseplant and a little faith! Whether your existing plant is getting a little out of control or you just want to fill your home with even more pothos, here's how to propagate pothos in a few easy steps.
Before you begin, there are two ways you can propagate pothos. You can choose to start in water or in soil. Propagating in water is one of the easiest ways to do it, but below you'll find directions for both! Note: you’ll have the best chances for success if you propagate during the plant’s growing season, which is spring to late summer.
How to propagate pothos in water?
You don’t need any fancy tools to propagate pothos in water. Simply have a sharp knife or scissors and a glass cup or vase. It only takes three steps to propagate pothos in water so this method is great for beginners!
Take a cutting of your pothos. Use a sharp knife or scissors to cut off a piece of plant from the end of the original plant. If you have a very long stem, you can cut it into a few pieces to root separately. Just make sure every section retains a few leaves and nodes, which is where the leaf attaches to the stem. Side note: The aerial root is that little brown bumpy thing along the stem; it’s what helps the plant climb when it’s growing in the wild, and it’s also where new roots may form when you’re propagating it.
Place the cuttings in water. Put the cut ends of the stems in a glass of water, making sure no leaves are submerged but that the node and aerial root are under water. Place the glass in a warm-ish room in bright, indirect light (not direct sunlight). Change the water every few days so microbes don’t affect growth.
Pot your rooted cutting. When they’re a few inches long, place your newly-rooted plant in fresh potting soil. Use a chopstick to make a hole in the soil, pop your cutting in, and press the soil around it. You can put multiple cuttings in the pot to make a full plant instantly. Keep the soil lightly moist (not soggy) the first few weeks, and keep the pot in bright indirect light. Remember: Not all cuttings will survive the transition from water to soil (that’s just nature!), so don’t feel bad if you have a few fails.
How long does it take for pothos to root in water?
After you trim the cuttings and place them in water, roots typically start to form in about 10 days. Once this happens you can pot your pothos in soil. Don’t procrastinate because the roots will have difficulty adapting to soil if you allow them to remain in water for too long.
How to propagate pothos in soil?
If you prefer an alternate method, you can jumpstart your new plant by placing cuttings directly into potting soil and adding a rooting hormone to the process. It’s generally not necessary because pothos is so easy to root in water. But if you’ve had bad luck getting water-rooted cuttings to thrive, you may want to add this step to increase your chances of success.
Start the same way with a stem cutting, dip the stem into water, then into the rooting hormone, shaking off excess. Make a hole in the potting soil, place the piece in the hole, and press the soil down around it. Keep the soil lightly moist and your plant should start rooting within a few months.
Will pothos grow back after cutting?
Yes, you can wield your scissors freely, knowing that pothos plants are quite resilient and can typically grow back after being cut! When you prune a pothos, new growth often emerges from the nodes below where you cut. Still, there are a few things to keep in mind when cutting your pothos.
For one, it's important to make clean cuts with sharp, sterile tools to minimize stress and promote healthy regrowth. You should also ensure that you don't cut off too many stems at once, as this can lead to overwatering and root rot due to the reduced rate of the plant's photosynthesizing abilities. Additionally, providing proper care such as adequate light, water, and nutrients can encourage robust growth after pruning!
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