Pothos is a classic tropical plant, loved for both indoor and outdoor settings. It’s famously easy to grow and requires minimal care. If you’re looking to expand your collection, the good news is that propagating pothos is really easy.
I’ve been growing several varieties of pothos and have successfully propagated quite a few. Today, I want to share how you can easily propagate pothos to make your plants look lush and full.
How to Propagate Pothos in Water
I’ve tried both soil and water propagation, and while both methods work well, I’ve found water propagation to be a bit easier. In my hot climate, it’s easy for cuttings in soil to dry out if they’re neglected for even a day or two. Water propagation, on the other hand, keeps the cuttings consistently moist, ensuring successful root growth. It also makes it easier to monitor their progress, especially if you use a clear vase or container.
Materials Needed
- Knife/Pruner – Whenever cutting plants, using blades sterilized with alcohol is good practice to avoid spreading disease.
- Vase – A see-through vase is ideal so you can monitor the roots for disease and growth.
- Rooting Hormone(optional) – The base of the stem can be dipped in rooting hormone to increase the chances of roots growing but either method will work without it.
Step 1: Take a Cutting
If you want a full and bushy look, take multiple cuttings and plant them together. I prefer taking longer cuttings because the stem has more length to sit securely in the vase and stay submerged in water. Shorter cuttings can be harder to keep in place, especially if they still have a lot of foliage.
Step 2: Prepare Cutting
Take your cutting and let it sit for around 10 minutes while the cut wound scabs over and dries. This will help prevent the stem from rotting. I like will strip away any leaves on the bottom of the cutting where I intend for it to be submerged in water. At this point you can dip the bottom of the cutting in rooting hormone if you wish.
Step 3: Place Cutting in Water
Place the cutting in water and keep it in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight. I like to submerge about 8 cm of the stem in water to make sure it stays moist as the water level drops. Since plant roots need oxygen, it’s a good idea to change the water occasionally to reintroduce oxygen and prevent root rot. Don’t worry too much about this though, just change it whenever you remember.
Step 4: Monitor
Wait until you see a decent system of roots developing before transplanting. While I’ve had success transplanting with very few roots, for the best results, I recommend waiting until you notice secondary roots branching off the primary ones. Once the roots look established, you can transplant the cutting into a pot.
How to Propagate Pothos in Soil
The steps for propagating Pothos in soil are similar to water propagation, but instead of using a vase, you’ll need a pot with soil. Select a good-quality potting mix that retains moisture without becoming waterlogged. Keep the soil consistently moist but not too wet or you might get root rot.
Pothos is a hardy plant and usually propagates more easily in soil compared to many others. If you’re in a warmer climate, it will help to put a lid or plastic bag loosely over the pot to create a mini greenhouse effect. This added humidity can speed up the propagation process.
FAQ
How Long Does It Take to Propagate Pothos?
You should see roots developing in about a month, with secondary roots establishing themselves a few weeks after that. Overall, I would say around 6–8 weeks, and your plant will be ready to transplant.
When to Propagate Pothos
I would say spring, when the plant will be stimulated to grow, and the mother plant will recover new growth from your cuttings faster.
Conclusion
Propagating pothos is a simple and easy way to expand your plant collection or make your existing plants look fuller and more vibrant. Whether you choose water or soil propagation, following these easy steps will ensure success. Remember to monitor the root development and keep the stem moist during the process.
