Whether your Pothos (*Epipremnum aureum*) is climbing a moss pole or trailing across your bookshelf, these vines can get seriously long—we’re talking several feet! To keep your leafy friend from literally taking over your living room, you’ll want to give it a little trim every now and then.
- ## Pruning 101: Tools and Technique
The great news is that Pothos is incredibly resilient. It’s one of those plants that’s almost impossible to “mess up” with a pair of scissors. That said, you still want to aim for a clean, smooth cut. If you notice the stem is getting crushed rather than sliced, move your scissors down a bit and try again. To get the best results, always use a sharp blade. To keep your plant healthy and prevent the spread of any nasty germs, make sure your tools are:
- Clean
- Disinfected
A Quick Safety Note
Keep in mind that Pothos is technically toxic. It’s a good idea to wear gloves while pruning, as the sap can irritate sensitive skin.
Why give it a haircut?
Unlike some finicky houseplants, a Pothos doesn’t *need* a haircut to stay healthy, but there are a few good reasons to grab the shears:
- It’s outgrowing its space
- It needs a “glow up”
- You’re dealing with pests
Managing Space
With the right light and care, a Pothos can grow 12 to 20 inches a year. If you have yours hanging from a high shelf or a plant pedestal, those vines might eventually start trailing across the floor. When they get too long for your liking, just snip them back to whatever length fits your room.
Aesthetics and Bushiness
If you see dead or yellowing leaves, feel free to pluck them off to keep the plant looking fresh. Don’t worry if you miss a few, though—the plant will eventually drop them on its own.
Pro tip: If your Pothos is looking a bit “leggy” or thin and you want it to grow back bushier, make your cut right above a leaf node (that little bump where the leaf meets the stem).
Pest Control
If you spot common houseplant pests like spider mites or mealybugs, a “hard prune” is often the best move. Cutting back the affected vines quickly can help stop the infestation from spreading to the rest of your plant collection.
When is the best time to prune?
You can technically trim a Pothos any time of year. However, spring is the absolute best time. This is when the plant is entering its peak growing season, so it’ll bounce back and grow new leaves much faster. Plus, spring is the perfect time to take those cuttings and propagate them to start new baby plants!
