Since the Pothos (botanical name *Epipremnum aureum*) rarely, if ever, blooms when kept as a houseplant, you won’t be finding any seeds. Instead, we rely on vegetative propagation. One of the coolest ways to do this is by growing “layers” or runners. It takes a little bit of patience, but it’s a super reliable method!
Choosing the Right Runner
To get the best results, you’ll want to pick a starting plant that is:
- Healthy and mature.
- Already sporting some nice, long vines.
The real secret here? Look for vines that have visible aerial roots (those little brown bumps along the stem). These are the “MVP” of the propagation process.
How Layering Works
Unlike cuttings, which you snip off right away, layering keeps the runner attached to the mother plant until it has grown enough roots to survive on its own. Think of it like a safety net!
Once you’ve picked out a healthy vine, you’re going to guide a section with aerial roots into some soil or expanded clay pebbles.
The Clay Pebble Method
For this version, you’ll need a second pot filled with expanded clay (hydroculture). Place it right next to your main plant and tuck the vine into the pebbles.
The Soil Method
If you prefer soil, you can either prep a small separate pot with potting mix or—if your main pot is big enough—simply loop the vine back down onto the surface of the mother plant’s soil. Just make sure there’s enough “real estate” for the new roots to take hold.
Securing the Runner
To make sure the vine actually stays put and makes good contact with the ground, you’ll need to pin it down. You can use:
- Hairpins
- A small piece of bent wire (like a paperclip)
Pin the section with the aerial roots down, but make sure the tip of the vine is pointing upward so it can keep growing toward the light.
Caring for Your New Addition
Once it’s pinned, give it a little water. If you’re using a separate pot, keep the soil or clay pebbles lightly moist. You don’t need to worry too much about special fertilizers yet, because the mother plant is still doing most of the heavy lifting and providing nutrients!
Separating and Potting On
Once the runner has established its own root system, it’s time to cut the cord. Usually, you’ll know it’s ready when you see brand-new leaves starting to sprout. If it’s already in its own pot, you can let it stay there until it grows into a sturdy young plant. If you rooted it in the mother plant’s pot, you should carefully repot it into its own home once it’s separated.
From here on out, treat it like a grown-up Pothos! Make sure your new plant baby is in a bright, warm spot to help it thrive.
