How to Cut Pothos: A StepbyStep Guide to Propagation

How to Cut Pothos?

To cut pothos, you will need a sharp knife or pair of scissors and a glass cup or vase.

Start by taking a cutting from the original plant, ensuring that it has at least one leaf and a few nodes.

Place the cut end of the cutting in water, making sure it is fully submerged.

Change the water every few days to prevent microbial growth.

Pothos cuttings usually start forming roots in about 10 days.

If you leave the cuttings in water for too long, they may have difficulty adapting to soil.

Alternatively, you can propagate pothos in soil by directly placing the cuttings into potting soil and adding rooting hormone to increase success rates.

Lightly moisten the soil and wait for the plant to root within a few months.

Key Points:

  • Gather necessary materials: sharp knife or scissors and a glass cup or vase
  • Take a cutting from the original plant with at least one leaf and a few nodes
  • Submerge the cut end of the cutting in water and change the water every few days
  • Pothos cuttings will begin forming roots in about 10 days
  • Do not leave cuttings in water for too long, as they may have difficulty adapting to soil
  • Alternatively, propagate pothos in soil by placing cuttings in potting soil with rooting hormone, lightly moisten soil and wait for rooting within a few months


Did You Know?

1. Did you know that pothos, also known as devil’s ivy, is non-toxic to both humans and pets? This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to add a touch of greenery to their home without worrying about accidental ingestion.

2. When it comes to cutting pothos, it’s interesting to note that the plant’s cuttings can be propagated in both soil and water. This versatility allows for various methods of propagation and gives plant enthusiasts the freedom to experiment and find the technique that works best for them.

3. Pothos plants possess a unique adaptation that enables them to survive in low light conditions. They have large, heart-shaped leaves that help maximize the capture of available light. Furthermore, the plant can adapt its leaf structure to effectively absorb even the tiniest amounts of light in a process known as “shade response.”

4. The pothos plant is believed to have air-purifying qualities, making it an excellent choice for improving indoor air quality. Studies have shown that this plant can help remove harmful toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, providing a breath of fresh air in enclosed spaces.

5. Pothos plants are known for their resilience and ability to thrive in a variety of environments. They can survive in waterlogged soils, low humidity, and even neglect. In fact, pothos has been nicknamed the “cubicle plant” due to its ability to flourish in the often challenging office environment, with artificial lighting and limited care.

Propagating Pothos In Water: Step-By-Step Guide

Pothos, with its beautiful, trailing vines, is a popular indoor houseplant known for its low-maintenance nature and ability to be easily propagated. One of the simplest ways to propagate Pothos is by using water.

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To get started, you will need:

  • Sharp knife or scissors
  • Glass cup or vase
  • Pothos plant

First, select a healthy vine from the original plant that has several leaves attached to it. Using a clean and sharp knife or scissors, cut the vine just below a node, which is where the leaf attaches to the stem. The cutting should be around 6 to 8 inches in length.

Next, fill a glass cup or vase with water. Ensure that the vessel is clean and free from any contaminants that could harm the cutting. Place the cut end of the Pothos vine into the water, making sure that at least one node is submerged. The leaves should not be in the water.

Now, find a bright spot in your home that receives indirect sunlight. Place the glass cup or vase near this light source, but avoid direct sunlight as it can be too harsh for the cutting. The Pothos cutting will begin to form roots in about 10 days.

Improving the text:

Pothos, with its beautiful, trailing vines, is a popular indoor houseplant known for its low-maintenance nature and ability to be easily propagated. One of the simplest ways to propagate Pothos is by using water.

To get started, you will need:

  • Sharp knife or scissors
  • Glass cup or vase
  • Pothos plant

First, select a healthy vine from the original plant that has several leaves attached to it. Using a clean and sharp knife or scissors, cut the vine just below a node, which is where the leaf attaches to the stem. The cutting should be around 6 to 8 inches in length.

Next, fill a glass cup or vase with water. Ensure that the vessel is clean and free from any contaminants that could harm the cutting. Place the cut end of the Pothos vine into the water, making sure that at least one node is submerged. The leaves should not be in the water.

Now, find a bright spot in your home that receives indirect sunlight. Place the glass cup or vase near this light source, but avoid direct sunlight as it can be too harsh for the cutting. The Pothos cutting will begin to form roots in about 10 days.

Importance Of Changing Water For Pothos Cuttings

When propagating Pothos cuttings in water, it is important to regularly change the water. This is necessary to prevent the growth of bacteria and maintain a healthy environment for root development.

To change the water, follow these steps:

  1. Carefully remove the Pothos cutting from the glass cup or vase.
  2. Discard the old water.
  3. Thoroughly rinse the vessel to eliminate any residue or impurities.
  4. Fill the cup or vase with fresh, room temperature water.
  5. Place the Pothos cutting back into the water.

Consistently changing the water will create a clean and oxygenated environment, which promotes healthy root growth and overall plant development.

  • Regularly change the water to prevent bacterial growth
  • Rinse the vessel thoroughly to remove any impurities
  • Use fresh, room temperature water for the cuttings

“By consistently changing the water, you create a clean and oxygenated environment for the Pothos cutting, promoting healthy root growth and overall plant development.”

How Long Does It Take For Pothos Cuttings To Root In Water?

The time it takes for Pothos cuttings to root in water can vary depending on various factors such as environmental conditions, the health of the cutting, and the Pothos variety. On average, it takes around 10 days for Pothos cuttings to start forming roots when propagated in water.

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During this time, it is essential to monitor the water quality and make sure it is changed every few days, as mentioned earlier. Neglecting to change the water regularly or using contaminated water can delay root development and even lead to the failure of the cutting to root properly.

However, it is important to note that if Pothos cuttings are left in water for an extended period, they may have difficulty adapting to soil once transferred. Therefore, it is recommended to transplant the cutting into soil once roots have formed to ensure a smooth transition.

Propagating Pothos In Soil: Step-By-Step Guide

Pothos propagation in soil:

In addition to water propagation, Pothos can also be propagated in soil. This method offers benefits such as increased nutrient availability and a relatively smooth transition for the cutting when transplanting.

To propagate Pothos in soil, begin by selecting a healthy vine from the original plant, just as you would for water propagation. Make a clean cut just below a node, ensuring the cutting is around 6 to 8 inches in length.

Prepare a small pot with well-draining potting soil. If desired, you can add a small amount of rooting hormone to increase the chances of successful rooting. Gently insert the cut end of the Pothos cutting into the soil, ensuring that at least one node is buried beneath the surface.

Place the pot in a location with indirect sunlight, maintaining a consistent temperature between 65°F to 85°F (18°C to 29°C). Keep the soil lightly moist by watering when the top inch becomes dry.

With regular care and patience, the Pothos cutting should begin to form roots within a few months. Once the roots have developed, you can gradually transition the plant to a larger pot or incorporate it into your existing houseplant collection.

Enhancing Success With Rooting Hormone For Water-Rooted Pothos Cuttings

When propagating Pothos cuttings in water, using rooting hormone can increase the chances of successful rooting. Rooting hormone contains growth-promoting substances that stimulate root development and improve the overall success rate of cuttings.

To use rooting hormone for water-rooted Pothos cuttings, follow the instructions provided by the product manufacturer. Generally, the process involves dipping the cut end of the Pothos cutting into the rooting hormone powder, ensuring that the powder sticks to the moistened cut area.

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After applying the rooting hormone, proceed with the water propagation method mentioned earlier. By incorporating rooting hormone, you provide additional support for root development, encouraging the cutting to establish a robust root system.

Ensuring Proper Moisture For Rooting Pothos Cuttings In Soil

Maintaining proper moisture levels is crucial when rooting Pothos cuttings in soil. The ideal moisture condition should be moist, but not overly saturated, to prevent rot and other moisture-related issues.

To ensure proper moisture for rooting Pothos cuttings in soil, examine the soil regularly and water when the top inch becomes dry. Use a gentle stream of water to prevent disturbing the soil and the developing roots of the cutting.

Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and hinder the success of the propagation. Proper moisture levels create an optimal environment for root development, supporting the cutting in establishing a healthy root system and eventual growth into a thriving Pothos plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you cut pothos so it keeps growing?

To encourage continuous growth in pothos, it is important to prune back the shoots by approximately two thirds. Interestingly, these trimmed shoots can further be utilized to propagate new pothos plants. However, achieving dense branching can be a bit challenging. Pruning directly at the leaf nodes can potentially assist the plant in developing a fuller and bushier foliage growth pattern. By implementing these techniques, you can maintain a healthy and thriving pothos plant.

How do you cut a pothos plant?

To successfully cut a Pothos plant, it is crucial to select a 4-6 inch section just below a root node, ensuring that it possesses at least two growth nodes and four or more leaves. Afterward, the cutting can be propagated either in water or soil; it is important to note that once the plant has started its growth, transferring it between these mediums can prove challenging.

Will pothos regrow after cutting?

Yes, pothos will regrow after cutting. By cutting the vine ¼ inch above each leaf, you stimulate the growth of new vines from the nodes where the leaves meet the vine. This pruning technique encourages the pothos plant to send out new vines, ensuring continued growth and vitality. Give it some time, and you’ll soon see new growth flourishing from the pruned areas.

How do you make pothos fuller?

To ensure a fuller growth of pothos, regular pruning is essential. Trimming the plant during both spring and fall seasons is highly recommended as it promotes new growth, eliminating long vines that contribute to a leggy appearance. By removing these unwanted tendrils, the pothos is encouraged to produce fresh foliage, resulting in a lusher and more robust appearance. Additionally, providing a supportive trellis or climbing structure can further enhance the plant’s fullness by allowing it to grow vertically and distribute its foliage evenly, creating a more voluminous and attractive display.

References: 1, 2, 3, 4

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