Propagating Pothos: A Beginner’s Guide to Growing and Reproducing One of the Easiest Houseplants

Houseplants have become more popular than ever, as they bring life and color into our homes while also improving air quality. Among the many houseplants that are well-loved by beginners and experts alike is the pothos. Known for its attractive trailing vines and easygoing nature, pothos plants are relatively low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions. In addition, propagating pothos is a simple and rewarding process that can help you fill your home with even more greenery. Here’s everything you need to know about propagating pothos.

What is Pothos?

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a tropical vine that is native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the same family as other popular houseplants such as philodendrons and monsteras. Pothos is known for its heart-shaped leaves, which can range from solid green to variegated with yellow, white or silver patches. The plant grows quickly and can reach up to 10 feet in length if given enough space and support. Pothos is often grown as a hanging plant, but it can also be trained to climb up a trellis or moss pole.

Why Propagate Pothos?

There are several reasons why you might want to propagate your pothos plant:

• To create new plants for yourself or to give away as gifts to friends and family
• To refresh an old or leggy plant by pruning it back and propagating the cuttings
• To propagate a variegated pothos and preserve its unique coloring, as variegation can sometimes fade over time

How to Propagate Pothos

Propagating pothos is a straightforward process that can be done in a few different ways.

Propagation via Stem Cuttings in Water

This is perhaps the most common method of propagating pothos. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a healthy, mature pothos plant and identify the stem that you’d like to propagate. Look for a stem that has at least four leaves and some aerial roots growing from it, as these will make it easier for the cutting to root.
2. Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem just below a node (the spot where a leaf meets the stem). The cutting should be around 4-6 inches long.
3. Remove the bottom leaves from the cutting, leaving only two or three at the top. This will allow the cutting to focus its energy on growing roots rather than supporting leaves.
4. Fill a jar or vase with water and place the cutting in it so that the bottom inch or so is submerged. Make sure that no leaves are touching the water, as this can cause them to rot.
5. Place the jar or vase in a bright, warm location but out of direct sunlight. Change the water every few days or whenever it starts to look murky. After a few weeks, you should start to see roots forming from the base of the cutting.
6. Once the roots are a couple of inches long, you can transplant the cutting into soil. Use a pot that is slightly larger than the cutting and fill it with fresh, well-draining potting soil. Plant the cutting so that the roots are covered but the leaves are above the soil line. Water well and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the plant becomes established.

Propagation via Stem Cuttings in Soil

If you prefer, you can also propagate pothos by rooting stem cuttings directly in soil:

1. Follow steps 1-3 as outlined above.
2. Fill a small pot with fresh, well-draining potting soil. Moisten the soil lightly but don’t soak it.
3. Make a small hole in the soil using a pencil or your finger and insert the cutting into it. Gently firm the soil around the stem to hold it in place.
4. Water the cutting well and cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or dome to increase humidity. Place the pot in a bright, warm location but out of direct sunlight.
5. After a week or so, check the cutting for roots by gently tugging on it. If it resists, roots have formed and it’s safe to remove the plastic covering. If not, re-cover the pot and check again in a few days.
6. Once the cutting has rooted, you can remove the covering and treat the new plant as you would a mature pothos.

Propagation via Division

If your pothos plant has become large and bushy, you can divide it into smaller plants to propagate it. Here’s how:

1. Carefully remove the entire plant from its pot and shake off any excess soil so that you can see the roots.
2. Gently pull apart the stems and roots, separating them into smaller clumps. Each clump should have at least a few stems and some roots.
3. Plant each clump in its own pot filled with fresh, well-draining potting soil. Water well and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged until the plants become established.

Tips for Successfully Propagating Pothos

Regardless of the method you choose, here are a few tips to help ensure success when propagating pothos:

• Choose a healthy parent plant with no signs of disease or pests.
• Use clean, sharp tools to make your cuttings.
• Be patient – it can take several weeks for cuttings to form roots and begin growing.
• Provide plenty of bright, indirect light and avoid direct sun, which can scorch the leaves.
• Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, as too much water can cause the cuttings to rot.
• Consider using a rooting hormone powder or gel to encourage faster and stronger root growth.

A healthy pothos in a brown pot

Propagating pothos can be a fun and simple way to expand your indoor garden and create new plants to share with others. By following the tips and techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to grow healthy, thriving pothos plants from stem cuttings or division. Whether you’re a seasoned plant lover or just starting out, pothos is a great choice for anyone looking to add some greenery to their home.

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