So you've got a Pothos plant. Maybe you've seen its long, cascading vines and thought, "I want more of that."
Well, you’re in luck. Pothos propagation is one of the easiest and most rewarding parts of being a plant parent. Not only can you create new plants for free, but you also encourage bushier, healthier growth on the mother plant. Plus, you’ll have plenty of new plants to share with friends and family.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from preparing your workspace to mastering five different propagation methods.
Preparing for Pothos Propagation
Before you start snipping, you need the right tools and a plan.
Tools and Materials You'll Need:
Essential Tools:
A pair of sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears is crucial. A clean cut prevents damage and disease.
Propagation Mediums:
- Water: Simple glass jars or vases work great.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix and pots with drainage holes.
- Sphagnum Moss: A popular medium for experienced propagators.
Optional Materials:
- Rooting hormone: Can speed up root growth.
- Plastic bag or humidity dome: To create a humid environment.
- Rubbing alcohol: To sterilize your tools and prevent the spread of pests and diseases.
Choosing the Right Cutting:
The key to successful propagation is a healthy cutting. Look for a robust, actively growing vine.
The most important part of your cutting is the node. This is the small bump on the stem where new leaves and roots will grow. For propagation to work, at least one node must be submerged in your chosen medium.
Step-by-Step Propagation Methods
There isn't just one way to propagate a Pothos. Here are five proven methods.
Method 1: Water Propagation (The Easiest Method)
This is the go-to method for beginners because it’s simple and you can watch the roots grow.
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Taking a Cutting: Use your clean shears to make a 4-6 inch cut at a 45-degree angle, just below a node. Make sure your cutting has at least 2-3 nodes.
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Preparing the Cutting: Carefully remove any leaves that would be submerged in the water. This prevents them from rotting and fouling the water.
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Placing in Water: Fill a clear jar or vase with fresh, room-temperature water. Submerge the nodes, keeping the leaves above the waterline.
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Care and Maintenance: Place the container in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Change the water once a week to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
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When to Plant: Wait until the roots are at least 1-2 inches long. Note that water roots are more fragile than soil roots. You'll need to transition your plant carefully to soil to avoid "transplant shock."
Method 2: Soil Propagation (Fastest Way to a Sturdy Plant)
This method can result in a more robust plant faster than water propagation because the roots grow accustomed to soil from day one.
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Taking a Cutting: Follow the same steps as water propagation, cutting just below a node.
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Applying Rooting Hormone (Optional): Dip the end of your cutting in rooting hormone. This can significantly speed up the rooting process.
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Planting in Soil: Fill a small pot with a well-draining soil mix. Create a small hole, then gently place the cutting inside, ensuring at least one node is fully buried.
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Care and Maintenance: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Place the pot in a spot with bright, indirect light. You can also create a humidity dome with a plastic bag to lock in moisture and heat.
Method 3: Sphagnum Moss Propagation (Popular with Experienced Propagators)
This method is an excellent alternative to soil, as sphagnum moss retains moisture well while still allowing for plenty of aeration.
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Preparing the Moss: Soak dried sphagnum moss until it's fully rehydrated. Squeeze out the excess water until it is just moist and fluffy.
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Taking and Placing the Cutting: Take a cutting with 3-4 nodes and remove the bottom leaves. Secure the cutting in the moist moss.
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Care and Maintenance: Keep the moss consistently moist. Place your cutting in a bright spot with indirect sunlight.
Method 4: Propagation by Division (For Mature Plants)
If you have a large, mature Pothos with multiple vines coming from the soil, you can divide it.
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Removing the Mother Plant: Gently remove the plant from its pot.
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Dividing the Root Ball: Carefully separate the plant into smaller sections by gently untangling the roots.
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Repotting: Plant each new, smaller section into its own pot with fresh soil.
Method 5: Layering (Propagating While Attached to the Mother Plant)
This method allows a new plant to establish roots while still getting nutrients from the mother plant.
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Finding a Vine: Choose a long, healthy vine with aerial roots (small bumps on the stem that look like they want to grow into roots).
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Securing the Vine: Lay a section of the vine (with a node) over a second pot filled with moist soil. Use a U-shaped pin or a bent paperclip to secure the vine to the soil.
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Separating the New Plant: Once the vine resists being tugged (indicating new roots have formed), use your shears to cut it away from the mother plant.
Caring for Your New Pothos Plant
Once your cutting has established roots, it needs proper care to thrive.
Transplanting from Water to Soil:
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Acclimating Roots: Water-grown roots are used to a liquid environment. To prevent transplant shock, keep the soil for your new plant moister than you normally would for the first few weeks. This helps the plant adjust to its new home.
Light and Watering Needs:
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Light: New Pothos plants, like their parent, need bright, indirect sunlight. Direct sun will scorch their delicate leaves.
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Watering: For the first few weeks, keep the soil consistently moist. After that, you can transition to allowing the top 1-2 inches of soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizing and Ongoing Care:
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When to Fertilize: Wait at least one month after planting before fertilizing.
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What to Use: A balanced houseplant fertilizer works best. Use it every 2-3 months during the spring and summer.
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Encouraging Bushier Growth: To make your plant fuller, you can prune the long vines. This encourages new growth from the nodes closer to the base.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Don't worry
Even the pros run into problems. Here's how to fix the most common ones.
Why Aren't My Cuttings Rooting?
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Lack of Light: Your cutting needs light to produce energy. Ensure it's in a bright, indirect spot.
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Water isn't Clean: If you're using water, change it weekly to prevent bacteria buildup.
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Cuttings aren't Healthy: Use only healthy, vigorous vines for propagation.
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Too Cold: Pothos like it warm. The ideal temperature range is 55-90°F (13-32°C).
My Cuttings are Rotting!
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Leaves in the Water: Always remove leaves that would be submerged in water to prevent rot.
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Overwatering in Soil: Caution against soggy soil. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings.
Enjoy Your New Pothos!
Pothos propagation is a rewarding journey that allows you to expand your plant family and connect with your green thumb. From a simple cutting to a flourishing plant, you'll be amazed at what you can achieve.
Happy propagating!