Adding a touch of green to your home or office can be a great way to add a touch of life and vitality to an otherwise drab setting.
If youre looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care for plant to do just this, then pothos is the perfect choice! But, how does one propagate pothos? In this step-by-step guide, well cover the basics of what pothos is, what supplies youll need, how to cut the stem, growing the roots, transferring to soil, and finally, how to care for your new pothos plant.
Lets get started!.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a vining houseplant that is easy to propagate.
To propagate pothos, start by carefully cutting a stem from the parent plant just below a node.
Make sure to use sharp, sterilized scissors or a knife for the best results.
Then, place the stem in a cup of water and wait for roots to form.
Once the roots are several inches long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot of soil.
Make sure to keep the soil moist, but not soggy, and your new pothos should start to grow quickly.
What is Pothos?
Pothos, also known as devils ivy, is a classic and popular houseplant known for its beautiful lush foliage.
It is a vining plant, meaning it grows upwards and looks best with support like a trellis or moss pole.
Pothos is a hardy plant, making it an ideal choice for even beginner plant owners, and it is known to be very low maintenance.
It is tolerant of low light situations and is drought tolerant, meaning it can survive long periods of time without water.
Pothos has a trailing habit and can grow up to 8 feet in length.
It comes in a variety of colors and leaf shapes, including variegated, solid, and even neon varieties.
Propagating pothos is a great way to create more plants for free and is relatively easy to do.
Gather Supplies
Propagating pothos is an easy and rewarding process, but it is important to have the right supplies in order to get started.
The most important items to have on hand are a pair of sharp, clean scissors, a cup for water, and a pot and soil for planting.
Additionally, a rooting hormone can help to speed up the process, but is not necessary.
Make sure to use sterilized scissors to avoid the risk of introducing any diseases to the plant, and use a cup that is deep enough to cover the entire stem.
When selecting a pot, it is best to choose one with good drainage and a soil mix that is well-aerated.
Finally, be sure to place the pot in a bright, indirect location for optimal growth.
Cutting the Stem
Propagating pothos is a relatively easy and rewarding process.
To get started, begin by cutting a stem with at least two leaves near a node.
Ideally, you’ll want to choose a stem with healthy looking foliage that is free of any signs of disease or pests.
Using a sharp pair of scissors, cut the stem as close to the node as possible.
Make sure to cut in a clean, straight line to give the cutting a good start.
Once the stem is cut, strip off any lower leaves that are below the node.
These leaves will not be needed for the propagation process.
Placing the Cutting in Water
Propagating pothos is a great way to create beautiful, lush plants with minimal effort.
An important part of propagating pothos is placing the cutting in water.
To begin, cut a stem with at least two leaves near a node, then strip off any lower leaves.
Make sure to use a clean, sharp knife or pair of scissors when making the cut.
Once the stem is cut, place it in a clean cup or jar of water.
You can also use a vase or other decorative container if desired.
Make sure the container is deep enough to keep the stem submerged.
Change out the water every few days to keep it fresh and free of bacteria.
The cutting should begin to form roots within a few days.
As the roots grow longer, they will need more room to develop.
When they reach a few inches in length, its time to transfer the cutting to a pot with soil.
Make sure the soil is well-draining and kept in a bright, indirect location.
With regular watering and care, the pothos will soon be thriving and growing.
Growing the Roots
Growing the roots of a pothos plant is an important step in the propagation process.
To grow the roots, start by cutting a stem with at least two leaves near a node.
This will be the cutting that youll be propagating.
Strip off any lower leaves to expose the node, as this is where the roots will form.
Place the cutting into a cup of water and change out the water every few days.
Roots will slowly begin to form and grow.
Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to a pot with soil.
Make sure to keep the cutting in a bright, indirect location, as too much direct sunlight can damage the fragile roots.
With regular watering and care, your pothos will soon be thriving and growing.
Transferring to Soil
When the roots have grown a few inches long, it’s time to transfer your pothos cuttings to soil.
You’ll need a pot with drainage holes and a potting soil designed for houseplants.
Fill the pot with soil, and make a hole in the center with your finger or a spoon.
Place the pothos cutting in the hole and fill in the sides with soil.
Gently press down on the soil to ensure it is firmly around the cutting.
The soil should be damp but not soggy when you transfer the cutting, so be sure to water it before transferring.
You’ll also want to water the cutting after transferring it to the pot.
Once you’ve transferred the cutting, place it in a bright, indirect location.
This will give the cutting the light it needs to grow, without too much direct sunlight, which can damage the leaves.
When caring for your newly transferred pothos, make sure to water it regularly.
The soil should be damp but not soggy, so check it every few days to make sure it’s not too dry.
You’ll also want to check the soil for any pests or diseases, and treat them if necessary.
With regular care, your pothos should soon be thriving and growing.
Watering and Care
Watering and care are essential for propagating pothos.
Once the roots have grown a few inches long, the cutting can be transferred to a pot with soil.
It’s important to use a potting soil that is well-draining and contains a mix of organic matter, such as compost.
The soil should be moist but not soggy, so it’s best to water when the top inch has dried out.
Too much water can cause root rot, so use caution when watering.
The pot should also have drainage holes to prevent water from pooling in the bottom.
Pothos prefer bright, indirect light, so a south- or east-facing window is ideal.
If the plant is placed in direct sunlight, the leaves may burn or become discolored.
This can also occur if the air is too dry, so it might be necessary to mist the leaves occasionally.
It is also important to fertilize the plant regularly.
Use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for houseplants, and be sure to dilute it to half-strength before applying.
Fertilizer should be applied every two to four weeks during the growing season, then reduced to every six to eight weeks in the winter.
By following these steps, pothos can be propagated successfully and will soon be thriving and growing.
With regular watering and care, the plant will develop lush foliage and become a beautiful addition to any home.
Final Thoughts
Propagating pothos is a rewarding process that, with the right supplies and steps, will result in lush foliage and a thriving plant.
Now that you’ve learned how to propagate pothos, why not give it a try? With a bit of effort, you can have your own beautiful pothos in no time.