How to Plant Pothos Cuttings

Pothos, also known as devil's ivy, is a popular houseplant due to its easy-going nature and lovely trailing vines that look great in any room. While pothos plants can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings are the easiest and fastest way to create new plants. Here's how to plant pothos cuttings and get your own thriving pothos plants.

Preparing the Cutting

1. Start with a healthy plant

Choose a healthy pothos plant from which to take stem cuttings. Look for a plant with at least a few inches of growth above the soil line and healthy leaves.

2. Choose a stem for cutting

Select a stem that is at least 4 to 6 inches long with a few leaves on it. The stem should be healthy and without any signs of pest infestation or disease.

3. Cut the stem

Use a sharp, sterilized pair of scissors to cut the stem just below a node (where leaves emerge). Cut at a 45-degree angle to expose more of the stem for rooting.

4. Remove lower leaves

Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving two to three leaves at the top. This helps reduce water loss and allows the plant to focus on rooting instead of supporting excess leaves.

Planting the Cutting

1. Rooting in Water

Place the cutting in a clear glass or jar filled with clean water. Change the water every few days to prevent bacteria from forming.

2. Rooting in Soil

Dip the cut end of the stem into rooting hormone powder and place it in a pot with moist potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to create a mini greenhouse and mist regularly.

3. Waiting for Roots

If rooting in water, wait until roots are about 2 inches long before planting in soil. If rooting in soil, wait about 4 to 6 weeks before carefully removing the plastic bag and waiting for new growth to appear.

4. Transplant and Care

Once roots or new growth appear, transplant the cutting into a pot with potting soil and water thoroughly. Pothos plants prefer bright, indirect light and moderate watering (allow soil to dry out between waterings). Fertilize with a water-soluble fertilizer every 2 to 3 months during the growing season.

In conclusion, planting pothos cuttings is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to create new plants from an existing one. With a little patience and care, you can enjoy the beauty of pothos plants in your home or office. Happy planting!