How to Root a Pothos Cutting (In Soil & Water)

Rooting a Pothos cutting is like magic for plant lovers. Whether you're new to the plant world or a seasoned plant parent, it’s one of those satisfying experiences where you can watch life sprout right before your eyes. Plus, Pothos are super adaptable, making them perfect for those who might not have the greenest of thumbs.

In this post, we'll walk through the steps of rooting Pothos cuttings in both soil and water. We'll cover everything from choosing the right cutting to giving it the best start in life. So grab your gardening shears, and let’s get going!

Choosing the Right Cutting

Selecting the right cutting is the first step in your Pothos propagation adventure. You want a healthy piece that gives your new plant the best chance to thrive. But how do you know which part of your Pothos to snip?

Look for a vine that's a good length, at least 4-6 inches long, with a few leaves on it. The most important thing is to have at least one node—this is the small nub where leaves and roots grow from. If you’re unsure what a node looks like, just look where the leaf meets the vine. That's your golden spot!

• Healthy Leaves: Check for vibrant, green leaves. Avoid any leaves with brown spots or damage.
• Nodes: Ensure you have at least one node on your cutting. More nodes mean more potential roots.
• Length: Aim for a cutting that is at least 4-6 inches long.

Once you’ve chosen your cutting, use a clean, sharp pair of scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a node. This will help prevent any bacterial infections and give your cutting a healthy start.

Rooting in Water

Rooting Pothos in water is a popular method because it’s simple and lets you see the roots develop, which is pretty cool. Plus, it’s a great way to decorate a space with a touch of green.

Setting Up Your Cutting

After you’ve snipped your cutting, remove the leaf closest to the cut end to avoid it rotting in the water. This exposes the node, where your roots will sprout from.

Next, fill a glass or jar with water. Tap water usually works fine, but if you're worried about chlorine or chemicals, let the water sit out for 24 hours before using it. Place the cutting in the water, ensuring the node is submerged.

Finding the Right Spot

Your cutting will need light to root, but it doesn’t want to be fried. A spot with bright, indirect sunlight is ideal. Too much direct sunlight can scorch the leaves and slow down the rooting process.

Change the water every week to prevent stagnation and bacteria build-up. You should start seeing roots in a couple of weeks, though it might take a bit longer depending on the conditions.

Rooting in Soil

While water propagation is a favorite, rooting Pothos in soil is just as effective and skips the step of transitioning the cutting from water to soil later on. Here's how to do it.

Preparing the Soil

Pothos aren’t picky about soil, but a well-draining mix will help prevent root rot. You can use a mix specifically for houseplants or make your own with potting soil, perlite, and a bit of peat moss.

Planting the Cutting

Dip the cut end of your Pothos cutting in rooting hormone, if you have it. This isn’t essential, but it can speed up root development. Make a hole in the soil with your finger or a stick and plant the cutting, ensuring the node is covered.

Water the soil lightly to settle it around the cutting, but don’t drench it. Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.

Creating the Right Environment

Place your potted cutting in a spot with bright, indirect light. Consistent warmth and humidity can also encourage root growth, so consider placing a plastic bag over the pot to create a mini-greenhouse.

Check the soil regularly, and water it when the top inch feels dry. With some patience, you’ll start to see new growth in a few weeks.

Common Challenges and Troubleshooting

Even though Pothos are forgiving, you might encounter a few hiccups along the way. Here’s how to tackle common issues.

Root Rot

Too much water can lead to root rot. If you notice your water-propagated cutting starting to look limp or the water getting cloudy quickly, it might be time to change the water more frequently or give the cutting a fresh start.

Slow Growth

If your cuttings are taking longer than expected to root, ensure they’re getting enough light. Sometimes moving them to a slightly warmer spot can also boost growth.

Pests

While pests aren't usually a problem with new cuttings, keep an eye out for any tiny invaders. Regularly changing the water and maintaining a clean environment will help keep them at bay.

Transplanting to Soil from Water

If you started your Pothos in water and have a nice root system going, it’s time to move it to soil. This transition can be a little nerve-wracking, but with gentle handling, your plant will adjust just fine.

Preparing the Pot

Choose a pot with good drainage, and fill it with your well-draining potting mix. Make a hole that can comfortably fit the root system of your Pothos cutting.

Planting the Rooted Cutting

Carefully remove the cutting from the water and gently shake off any excess water. Place it in the hole you made and cover the roots with soil. Press down lightly to remove air pockets.

Water the plant lightly to help it settle in. Keep it in a spot with indirect sunlight, and avoid overwatering as the plant adjusts to its new home.

Decorating with Your New Pothos

Once your Pothos is established, it’s time to have some fun with placement. Pothos are incredibly versatile and can add a touch of nature to any room.

• Hanging Baskets: Let those vines trail down for a dramatic effect.
• Shelves and Bookcases: Pothos can be the perfect accent to a cozy reading nook.
• Desktop Plant: A small Pothos pot can brighten up your workspace.

Mix and match with other plants to create an indoor jungle, or keep it simple with just a few choice pieces. The sky’s the limit!

Caring for Your Pothos

Now that you’ve rooted and potted your Pothos, keeping it healthy is the next step. These plants are low-maintenance, but a little care goes a long way.

Watering

Pothos prefer their soil to dry out a bit between waterings. Stick your finger in the soil; if the top inch is dry, it’s time to water. Overwatering is a common mistake, so err on the side of caution.

Light

While Pothos can tolerate low light, they’ll thrive in bright, indirect light. Too much direct sun can scorch their leaves, so avoid placing them on a south-facing windowsill.

Feeding

A balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every couple of months will keep your Pothos happy. You can skip fertilizing during the winter months when growth naturally slows down.

Experimenting with Varieties

If you’ve caught the propagation bug, why not try different Pothos varieties? Each has its unique charm and can add diversity to your collection.

• Golden Pothos: The classic with its green and yellow variegation.
• Marble Queen: Known for its striking white and green leaves.
• Jade Pothos: Deep green and perfect for a lush look.

Each variety can bring a different vibe to your space and can be propagated using the same methods you’ve mastered.

Final Thoughts

Rooting a Pothos cutting can be a fun and rewarding project for anyone looking to expand their plant collection. By following these steps, you'll have a thriving Pothos that's ready to brighten up your home.

At Cafe Planta, we're here to help you with all your plant needs. Whether you need advice or are looking for unique plant additions, feel free to reach out through email or connect with us on Instagram. We love sharing our passion for plants and helping you create a beautiful, thriving plant collection.