The pothos plant (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant prized for its trailing vines and adaptability. New growers often wonder if they can bypass water-rooting and place cuttings directly into the growing medium. Pothos can be successfully propagated directly in soil. While water propagation offers the visual satisfaction of watching roots emerge, the soil method is a highly viable alternative that simplifies long-term care.
The Case for Direct Soil Propagation
Choosing to root a pothos cutting directly in soil offers distinct advantages by eliminating the stress of environmental change later on. Roots that develop in water are structurally different from those grown in a solid medium, as they are adapted only to an aquatic environment. These water-roots are less effective at anchoring the plant and absorbing nutrients when transplanted into soil.
Propagating in soil bypasses this issue, encouraging the cutting to immediately develop the sturdier, specialized root hairs necessary for nutrient uptake and soil anchorage. This leads to a more resilient plant, often resulting in quicker overall establishment and growth. The plant avoids the “transplant shock” that often causes water-rooted cuttings to temporarily wilt or stall growth when moved to soil.
Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Cuttings
Successful soil propagation begins with selecting and preparing the cutting from a healthy mother plant. Use clean, sharp shears to take a cutting that includes at least one or two leaf nodes, the small bumps on the stem where roots naturally emerge. Each cutting should be about four to six inches long.
Remove any leaves that would be buried beneath the soil line, as these can easily rot once planted. Dipping the cut end of the stem into a powdered rooting hormone increases the success rate by stimulating root production and protecting the cutting from fungal pathogens. Allow the cut end to air-dry for a few hours to form a protective callous before planting.
To plant, use a pencil or your finger to create a small hole in the prepared soil mixture. Insert the cutting so that at least one node is fully covered by the soil. Gently firm the soil around the stem to ensure good contact with the medium, which is necessary for roots to begin forming.
Essential Soil Requirements for Rooting Success
The correct medium is essential for encouraging a cutting to root in soil without rotting. The mixture must provide the right balance of moisture retention, excellent drainage, and high aeration. A standard indoor potting mix is often too dense and should be amended to improve its structure.
A successful rooting medium combines one part standard potting mix with one part aerating amendments. This chunky, airy blend ensures that nascent roots receive oxygen, which prevents the anaerobic conditions that lead to stem rot.
Recommended Amendments
- Perlite
- Coarse sand
- Orchid bark
- Coco coir or sphagnum moss to enhance moisture retention
Maintaining a warm and consistently humid environment encourages root growth. Placing the potted cutting in a location with temperatures between 70°F and 80°F is ideal. Creating a miniature greenhouse effect by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or humidity dome will trap moisture, mimicking the plant’s native tropical conditions and aiding the rooting process.
Transitioning and Long-Term Care
After planting, the initial high-humidity environment must be maintained until the cutting develops a functional root system. This can take anywhere from four to six weeks. Consistent monitoring is necessary to prevent the soil from drying out entirely while also avoiding saturation. Keep the medium consistently moist, not soggy, which is a different watering requirement than for a mature pothos.
Signs of successful rooting include the emergence of new leaves or a gentle resistance when the stem is lightly tugged, indicating that roots have anchored the plant. Once new growth is visible, gradually reduce the humidity by occasionally lifting the plastic cover over a period of a week or two, allowing the cutting to acclimate to ambient room conditions. After this transition, the new plant can be moved to a regular watering schedule, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, similar to a mature pothos.