How to Propagate a Pothos in Water
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The Pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum) or “Devil’s Ivy” is one of the most popular house plants out there and one of the easiest to propagate. Their popularity stems from their low level of care, vining qualities and range of colors. The Pothos is happy with a wide range of light, even that dark corner you can’t get anything to grow in, are lax about your watering habits, and can subsist with or without fertilizer. Possibly the best part is that it is so easy to propagate. I have been handing out starters to friends for the last five years I have had my Pothos and have now added variegated and neon versions to my collection. Propagations also make a great decoration piece. I have apothecary vases in my kitchen with different plants hanging from them and a few “propagation stations” to show off my growing plant babies.
How to Care for Your Pothos
As I mentioned, the Pothos is tolerant of many light levels. The only way it is going to be unhappy is in bright, direct sunlight that can burn the leaves. Avoid placing directly in front of a South window but otherwise you should be fine. If your leaves start to show signs of bleaching or burning, then move to a shadier location.
Pothos are happiest in 60-80℉ but don’t mind an open window or drafty areas like some do. Fertilization is minimal with these. I try to feed them a couple times throughout the growing season.
Watering is pretty simple. I do the good ole finger test. Stick your finger in the soil and make sure the top two inches of soil have dried out before watering again. Since my Pothos are hanging, it can be hard to assess the soil so I have taken to using glass globes to ensure even watering over the week.
How to Propagate Your Pothos
Alright the reason we all are here today, propagation. Pothos have nodes along their stems, little bumps essentially, and these will be what produces the roots. I wait to propagate until my Pothos grows too long or I want to thicken the top up. There are two ways to propagate Pothos, via water or soil. I prefer via water as I think it has the highest amount of success for this particular plant. Also I love the look of roots growing in water.
Find the Nodes
These are what the nodes look like. When cutting your stem make sure there are nodes near the cut as these will be where the roots grow.
Cut the Vine
Some people like to propagate single leaf sections but I find those can sometimes fail. I suggest cutting at least a 6” section, with multiple leaves along the stem. Make sure to use freshly cleaned clippers or scissors.
Remove Leaves
Remove the leaf that is closest to the end. The end goes in water so you need enough empty stem to stick in a vase.
Place in Water
Depending on the length of your cuttings, the weight of the leaves can pull it out of the water. I like to use tubes or apothecary vases to prevent this from happening since they have narrow openings.
Wait For Roots
After about a month you can plant your Pothos. I like it to have a couple inches of multiple roots before I plant it. If you wait too long it can have a hard time taking to the soil, if you plant it too soon it might not make it.
Pot the Roots
I like to plant my Pothos back into the same pot to make it thicker or give away the cuttings.
