Pothos is arguably the easiest houseplant to propagate because of the flexibility it provides. You can root cuttings in water, soil, or even just moist sphagnum moss with minimal care. Pothos is so eager to grow that it succeeds in almost any conditions with minimal care and maintenance.
Propagating Pothos in Water
Look for stems with several nodes, as these contain the root-forming cells that make propagation so successful.
Cut 4- to 6-inch sections just below a node using clean scissors. Each cutting should have at least one node and 2-3 leaves. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent them from rotting.
Water propagation is a foolproof method for growing pothos and is the most common. Place the cuttings in a clear container filled with room-temperature water, ensuring that the nodes are submerged but the leaves stay above the water.
Roots typically appear within a week, growing rapidly in the following days. Change the water every few days to keep it fresh and prevent bacterial growth.
Once roots reach 1-2 inches long, you can transplant to soil. However, many people enjoy keeping pothos in water permanently. If you do, just change the water regularly and add liquid fertilizer occasionally.
Propagating Pothos in Soil
For direct soil propagation, source for and cut healthy stems as described above. Plant your cuttings in moist potting mix, burying the nodes but keeping leaves above soil level. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks while the roots establish. This method eliminates transplant shock and often results in stronger plants.
Pothos also propagates through layering while still attached to the parent plant. Pin a long vine to the soil surface of the same pot or a nearby pot, ensuring nodes make contact with moist soil. The vine will root at the nodes while still receiving nutrients from the parent plant. Once rooted, you can cut the connection and have a new plant.
