Propagating the Pothos plant, Epipremnum aureum, using water is a widely favored method due to its simplicity and high success rate. The transparency of the water allows for direct observation of root development throughout the process. This technique offers a clean, straightforward way to multiply your houseplant collection, requiring only a few basic items. Water-rooted cuttings are often displayed in glass vessels as appealing indoor decorations.
Preparing the Pothos Cuttings
Successful propagation relies on the proper selection and preparation of the stem material. You must focus on locating the plant’s node, which is the small, slightly raised bump found along the vine where a leaf emerges and where new root growth is genetically programmed to begin. This node, sometimes accompanied by a small brown aerial root, contains the undifferentiated cells necessary for developing water roots.
To prepare the cutting, you must use a sterilized cutting tool, such as sharp scissors or pruning shears, to prevent the introduction of pathogens to the plant’s open wound. Make a clean, angled cut on the vine about half an inch below the identified node. This angled cut maximizes the surface area for water absorption while also protecting the node itself.
The cutting should possess at least one healthy leaf above the node, with the node submerged below the water line. Any leaves that would fall beneath the water surface must be removed, as submerged foliage will quickly rot and contaminate the water, potentially causing the cutting to fail.
Establishing the Water Environment
Once the cutting is prepared, the next focus is creating an optimal environment for it to initiate root growth. A small, clean vessel, preferably made of glass, is ideal for this purpose because it allows you to monitor the water level and root progress. The vessel’s size should be sufficient to submerge the node without allowing any leaves to touch the water.
While tap water is generally acceptable for this process, it is best practice to let the water sit out for 24 hours before use, allowing chlorine to dissipate. The water temperature should be room temperature or slightly warmer to encourage metabolic activity within the cutting.
The placement of the vessel significantly influences the speed of root development. The cutting needs bright, indirect light, such as near an east-facing window or several feet away from a south-facing one, to support photosynthesis without scorching the leaves. Stagnant water quickly loses oxygen, which is necessary for healthy root formation, so the water must be refreshed at least once every week to keep the environment clean and oxygenated.
Managing Root Growth and Transplanting
After placing the cutting in the water, new roots will typically begin to emerge from the submerged node within two to four weeks, though this timeline can vary based on light and temperature conditions. These initial roots are specialized water roots—fine, white, and adapted to absorbing nutrients and oxygen directly from the water.
The cutting is ready to be moved into soil once the water roots have reached a length of approximately one to three inches. Delaying the transplant beyond this point can make the transition more challenging, as the roots become more fragile and less adapted to a terrestrial environment.
Moving the water-grown roots to soil requires gentle handling to prevent damage to the delicate root structure. Prepare a small pot with a well-draining potting mixture, creating a sufficiently large hole for the roots before placing the cutting. Immediately after planting, water the soil thoroughly to settle the mix around the roots. Maintain a consistently moist environment for the first one to two weeks to help the water roots acclimate and develop the robust characteristics needed for long-term growth.