Do I Need to Cut Pothos to Plant in Water?

Pothos is a popular houseplant due to its easy care and beautiful foliage. It is also known as devil's ivy, hunter's robe, or ivy arum. Many people like to propagate their pothos plants by rooting them in water. But the question is, do you need to cut pothos to plant in water?

Why Propagate Pothos in Water?

First, let's understand why people propagate pothos in water. There are several reasons for that:

Pothos propagates readily through stem cuttings.

Water propagation is simple and easy to do at home, even for beginners.

You can see the roots growing and monitor the progress of the propagation.

Many people prefer propagating in water, as it takes less effort and is more visually interesting than propagating in soil. However, it's important to remember that pothos can be rooted in both water and soil.

Do You Need to Cut Pothos to Plant in Water?

In short, yes, you need to cut pothos to plant in water. Pothos propagation involves taking a stem cutting from the mother plant and placing it in a container filled with water. The cutting should have at least one node or leaf joint to allow for the growth of roots. The node is where the leaves and roots emerge from the stem.

The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long, and it's best to take it from a healthy, mature plant. You can use sharp, sterile scissors or pruning shears to make a clean cut. Make sure to cut just below a leaf node and remove any leaves that will be submerged in water.

How to Propagate Pothos in Water

After you've cut the pothos stem, it's time to propagate it in water. Here are the steps to follow:

Fill a clean, clear container with water. The container should be deep enough to cover the bottom nodes of the cutting.

Place the pothos cutting in the water, making sure the bottom nodes are submerged. You can use rocks or marbles to weigh down the stem if needed.

Place the container in a well-lit area, but away from direct sunlight. Pothos likes bright, indirect light, and too much sunlight can damage the plant.

Change the water every few days to prevent the growth of algae and bacteria. You can also add a drop of liquid fertilizer to the water to promote root growth.

After a few weeks, you should start seeing roots growing from the nodes. Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transplant the cutting into soil.

When transplanting into soil, make a hole in the soil and gently insert the roots. Cover the roots with soil and water lightly. Keep the soil moist but not too wet, and place the new plant in a well-lit area. It may take a few weeks for the new plant to adapt to its new environment and start growing again.

Conclusion

Propagation is a great way to increase your plant collection and add more greenery to your space. Pothos is an easy plant to propagate, and rooting in water is a fun and rewarding process. Remember to cut pothos to plant in water and provide the right conditions for growth. With a little patience and care, you'll have a thriving pothos plant in no time.