Learn how to propagate pothos in water or soil with this beginner-friendly guide. Includes tips, pictures, and expert advice from Ashley Scott.
Hi there, fellow plant lovers! I’m Ashley Scott, and with over 10 years of gardening experience, I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite projects with you: propagating pothos. If you’re new to gardening or just want to grow your indoor plant collection, you’re in the right place. Pothos, often called Devil’s Ivy, is a super easy houseplant to propagate, making it perfect for beginners. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about propagate pothos, from cutting the stems to caring for your new plants. Let’s dive in!
What is Pothos Propagation?
Propagation is the process of creating new plants from an existing one, and with pothos, it’s a breeze. You take cuttings from a healthy plant and encourage them to grow roots—either in water or soil. Once rooted, you can pot them up or keep them in water for a stunning display. Pothos is so forgiving and thrives in various conditions, which is why it’s a go-to for plant enthusiasts like me. Plus, propagating pothos saves money and lets you share plants with friends!
How to Propagate Pothos in Water
One of my favorite ways to propagate pothos is in water—it’s simple and lets you watch the roots grow, which is so satisfying. Here’s how I do it:
- Pick a healthy pothos plant with vibrant stems and at least 4-5 leaves.
- Using clean scissors, cut just below a node (the little bump where leaves and roots grow).
- Remove the bottom 1-2 leaves so the node is exposed.
- Pop the cutting into a jar of room-temperature water, ensuring the node is submerged but leaves stay dry.
- Place it in bright, indirect light—direct sun can cause algae in the water.
- Swap out the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh.
- In 2-4 weeks, you’ll see roots sprouting. When they’re a few inches long, you can move them to soil or leave them in water.
I love how to propagate pothos in water because it’s visual and great for beginners. Once, I got roots in just 10 days during a hot summer—pretty exciting!
Tip: Use separate jars for multiple cuttings to avoid overcrowding and disease.
For more on water-based plant care, check out my article on Watering Houseplants over at USA Garden Hub.
How to Propagate Pothos in Soil
If you’d rather skip the water step, you can propagate pothos in dirt directly. Here’s the process:
- Take a cutting like you would for water propagation—below a node.
- Fill a small pot with well-draining soil (I use peat moss and perlite).
- Make a hole in the soil with your finger.
- Optional: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to speed things up.
- Plant the cutting so the node is buried.
- Water lightly and cover with a plastic bag for humidity.
- Keep it in bright, indirect light and moist (but not soggy) soil.
- Roots should form in 4-6 weeks.
How to propagate pothos in soil is great if you want to avoid transplanting later. I find water easier for beginners since you can see the roots, but soil works well too.
Where to Cut Pothos to Propagate
Wondering where to cut pothos to propagate? It’s all about the node—that small brown bump on the stem where leaves attach. Roots grow from here, so cut about 1/4 inch below it with sharp, clean scissors. I’ve messed this up before by cutting too far from the node, and it just didn’t work. Get it right, and you’re golden!
For a deeper dive into pruning, the University of Florida IFAS Extension has great info on pothos care.
Can I Propagate Pothos Without Leaves?
Yes, you can propagate pothos without leaves, but it’s trickier. As long as the cutting has a node, roots can grow. Leaves help with photosynthesis, though, giving the cutting energy to root faster. I’ve tried leafless cuttings, and they worked, but it took longer. Stick to at least one leaf if you can.
How Long Does It Take for Pothos Cuttings to Root?
The rooting time depends on your method. For how to propagate pothos in water, expect roots in 2-4 weeks. In soil, it’s more like 4-6 weeks. Warmth and light speed things up—my summer cuttings rooted crazy fast, while winter ones took their sweet time. Patience is key!
The Missouri Botanical Garden offers a solid pothos profile if you’re curious about its growth habits.
Best Conditions for Propagating Pothos
To make propagating pothos a success, set up the right environment:
- Light: Bright, indirect light—no direct sun, which can burn leaves or heat water too much.
- Temperature: 65-85°F (18-29°C) is ideal; warmer spots boost rooting.
- Humidity: Higher humidity helps, especially for soil. Use a plastic bag or tray.
- Water: For water propagation, keep it fresh and at room temp.
I’ve found a sunny windowsill (not too direct) works wonders.
The American Horticultural Society has excellent propagation advice too.
Caring for Pothos Cuttings After Propagation
Once your cuttings root, treat them like any pothos. For water-propagated ones, transplant to soil when roots hit 2-3 inches—use a well-draining mix and water well. Keep them in bright, indirect light and avoid overwatering (pothos hate soggy feet). They’re so versatile—I love letting mine trail from shelves!
The Royal Horticultural Society shares handy houseplant care tips.
Conclusion
Propagating pothos is a fun, rewarding way to grow your collection or share plants with friends. Whether you go with water or soil, it’s all about healthy cuttings, good conditions, and a little patience. I hope this guide inspires you to try it out—let me know how it goes or ask me anything in the comments. Happy gardening!
For more plant inspo, visit Clemson Cooperative Extension.
