Since the Pothos (botanical name *Epipremnum aureum*) doesn’t typically bloom as a houseplant, you won’t be finding any seeds to plant. But don’t worry! You don’t have to miss out on growing new baby plants. This popular leafy beauty is incredibly easy to propagate using cuttings.
The Best Timing
Technically, you can propagate a Pothos any time of year. However, if you want the best results, aim for springtime. The longer days and extra sunlight give these houseplants the energy boost they need to kickstart new growth.
Taking Your Cuttings
You’ll want to take “tip cuttings” from the ends of the vines. To give your new plant the best start in life, only take cuttings from a healthy, vibrant mother plant. Your cuttings should:
- Have at least three to four leaf nodes (those little bumps where leaves grow)
- Be between 3 and 6 inches long
If you’re looking to start a whole bunch of new plants at once, you can cut off a longer vine and snip it into several smaller sections based on the criteria above.
Rooting Your Cuttings
There are two main ways to get those roots growing:
- Planting directly in a pot
- The water glass method
For both methods, I recommend making a diagonal cut at the bottom of the stem. This extra surface area really helps speed up the rooting process. You should start seeing those first tiny roots in about four to seven days!
Potting Method
If you’re planting your cutting straight into soil, make sure you use a pot with a drainage hole. Here’s the game plan:
- Fill your pot with a high-quality seed-starting mix.
- Stick the bottom end of the cutting about an inch deep into the soil.
- Mound a little soil around the base and press down gently to keep it steady.
- Mist the soil with a spray bottle.
- Place a clear plastic bag or dome over the pot to create a mini-greenhouse.
- Find a spot that’s around 68°F (20°C), bright, but out of direct sunlight.
- Give your cutting some fresh air every two days and mist it if the soil feels dry.
Once you see roots peeking out of the drainage hole, your young Pothos is ready for a permanent home. From here on out, water it like a mature plant. Just hold off on fertilizing until it’s about a year old.
The Water Glass Method
This is a fan favorite because you get to watch the magic happen! Here’s how to do it:
- Fill a clear glass with filtered or room-temperature water.
- Make sure the water level covers the bottom leaf node by at least an inch.
- Place the cutting in the glass.
- Put it in a warm, bright location (just like the potted cuttings).
- Change the water every two days to keep it fresh.
Once the roots are about an inch long, you can transplant your Pothos into soil or continue growing it in hydroponics.
