- Pothos are usually propagated in water, but can also be propagated in soil.
- A clear glass vessel for water propagation is best for monitoring root development.
- Pothos cuttings and grown plants prefer bright, indirect light and slightly moist potting soil.
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Pothos is not only one of the most popular houseplants, it's also one of the easiest to maintain and propagate. To give this plant a haircut and share its green bounty with loved ones, there are two methods to propagate it: in water and in soil.
Mary Jane Duford, gardening expert and founder of the gardening blog Home for the Harvest, shares her best propagation tips, including how to troubleshoot any problems so you can successfully grow bundles of new pothos.
What to know before propagating
To successfully propagate pothos, Duford recommends choosing a healthy mother plant that has been grown in nutrient-rich soil and watered consistently. This mother plant should also be growing vigorously and free of any pests and plant diseases. Pausing fertilization for a week or two before taking cuttings will allow for a clean slate for new cuttings.
Duford also suggests propagating during pothos' most actively growing season, which is in the spring and summer, when days are longest and provide ample light for photosynthesis.
"During these seasons, the stems of the plant are actively growing buds already, meaning that the cutting has the energy to focus on growing new roots," says Duford.
Method 1: Propagating pothos in water
The most common method to propagate pothos is in water. Small glass vases, jars, and test tubes are frequently used as vessels to propagate a pothos cutting, usually sat on a sunny windowsill for adequate light exposure and space for the plant to vine or trail.
1. Gather propagation supplies
Duford recommends first disinfecting a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears in a diluted bleach or alcohol solution, allowing it to dry for a couple of minutes before using. Then, choose a glass vessel — the longer the better to give roots room to grow — and add fresh water to fill it up at about 60 percent.
2. Choose and trim the cutting
"Look for young stems/vines with healthy tips," says Duford. "It's common to choose three to five stems for each new planter that will be potted up later, as multiple stems are generally potted up together." Duford suggests taking a cutting between 2 and 5 inches, depending on the size of the mother plant.
While gently holding the main vine, cut just below a node at a 45-degree angle. The node is the spot where a stem is growing from the vine. Once you have the cuttings you want to propagate, place them on a clean cloth or paper towel.
3. Optional: Dip the cuttings
"Dip the ends of your pothos cuttings in rooting hormone before placing each in a container of clean water," says Duford. While this step is optional, Duford recommends it to those new to propagating houseplants.
4. Transfer cuttings into water
"You can place each stem in its own container or group a half dozen stems in a larger container, as long as the cuttings are not crowded and air circulation is good," says Duford. To monitor root growth, choose a glass vessel that is see-through.
5. Move the cuttings to a location with bright indirect light
"Cuttings tend to root best when the leaves receive filtered sunlight or artificial light that's not too close to the cuttings," says Duford. "Keep the growing pothos cuttings out of direct sunlight and at least a foot or two away from plant lights to avoid foliage burn."
6. Monitor the plants every few days
Duford suggests changing out the water and looking for signs of root development over the next two to four weeks. "Remove and dispose of any cuttings that look unhealthy, as in yellow or mushy," says Duford.
7. Optional: Transfer new plants to potting soil
Fortunately, pothos can live and thrive in water, so keeping the new plant in its glass jar is fine as long as the water is changed frequently and liquid fertilizer is added in the spring and summer.
To pot a new pothos, Duford suggests taking about three rooted cuttings for a 4-inch wide pot, or five cuttings for a 6-inch wide pot, using indoor houseplant potting mix, and watering once every seven to ten days.
Method 2: Propagating pothos in soil
While water propagation is the go-to method for growing pothos, soil propagation can be an equally successful method. This method is preferred for those who wish to skip the transfer step from glass vessel to planter pot. However, unlike water propagation, soil propagation does not allow for clear root growth monitoring, and these methods cannot be combined.
To propagate a pothos cutting in soil, follow steps one through five from the water propagation method. Then, Duford instructs filling the bottom third of a planter pot with indoor houseplant mix, particularly one containing coco coir or perlite which are great for proper drainage.
Then, place the cuttings into the pot, holding them up while carefully filling up the rest of the pot with soil. Make sure to leave about a half-inch space at the top. Water the new plant thoroughly until water comes out of the pot's drainage hole.
Lastly, place the plant in a location with bright, indirect light and water it every seven to ten days, making sure the soil is kept evenly moist and never soggy.
Troubleshooting pothos propagation
Propagation via water or soil may not always go exactly as planned, which is why it's important to know how to look for signs of trouble and how to fix and avoid any issues. Understanding the best tips for success will also help keep a consistent care routine and level of accountability.
- How long does propagation take? Roots will begin developing between two to four weeks. If you're transferring cuttings from water to a planter pot, roots will be long enough between a month and two months.
- What do yellow leaves mean? "Leaves can turn a bronze yellow color if placed in direct sunlight," says Duford. Soft, yellow leaves can also indicate an odd or improper cut. Duford suggests removing these leaves and adding them to a compost pile.
- What do brown leaves mean in soil propagated pothos? "Pothos propagated in soil can eventually develop root rot if the soil is saturated with water," says Duford. "The roots of pothos plants require not only access to moisture but also access to fresh air." To keep a consistent level of moisture, stick your finger into the soil — if dirt sticks, there's no need to water your plant, but if dirt doesn't stick, it's time to give your plant a drink.
Insider's takeaway
Monitoring root growth, changing the water, and liquid fertilizer can allow for successful water propagation, while nutrient-rich soil and consistent moisture can allow for successful soil propagation. Through either method, pothos cuttings can turn into lush houseplants that trail upwards or cascade down in any indoor space.
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