Pothos roots can be trimmed, which is a common and beneficial practice for houseplant maintenance. This procedure is often done as an alternative to continually moving the plant into larger containers. Root pruning helps manage the overall size of the plant, especially when you wish to keep it in its current decorative pot. The process serves to refresh the root system, encouraging the development of new, more efficient roots that better absorb water and nutrients.
Defining When Root Trimming Is Necessary
Root trimming becomes necessary when a pothos plant exhibits signs of being pot-bound, meaning the root system has completely filled the available soil space. One indicator is seeing a dense mass of roots circling the inside perimeter of the pot when the plant is gently removed. You may also notice roots pushing out through the drainage holes.
The plant’s above-ground growth can also signal root congestion. Growth may become stunted, or the plant might fail to produce new leaves despite adequate light and fertilization. When watering, the water may sit on the surface or run immediately straight through the soil, indicating the dense root ball prevents proper moisture absorption. Pruning the roots alleviates this congestion, allowing for better aeration.
The Proper Method for Pothos Root Pruning
The process begins by carefully removing the pothos from its container to expose the compacted root ball. Gently loosen the outer layer of roots with your fingers or a hand cultivator to detangle the mass. This action helps to free some of the older, circling roots and prepares the structure for pruning.
Using a clean, sharp tool like a sterilized knife or pruning shears, trim the root mass. A general guideline is to remove no more than 20% to 30% of the entire root ball’s volume, focusing on the dense, matted exterior and any overly long roots. First, cut away any roots that appear brown, mushy, or brittle, as these are likely dead or suffering from rot. Immediately repot the plant back into its original container or a new one of the same size, using fresh, well-draining potting mix to replace the removed volume.
Post-Trimming Care and Recovery
After the roots have been trimmed and the pothos has been repotted, it requires specific aftercare to minimize transplant shock and encourage recovery. The plant should receive a deep, thorough watering immediately following the repotting to settle the new soil around the pruned roots. This initial watering is crucial for re-establishing contact between the root hairs and the fresh potting medium.
For the following weeks, adjust the watering frequency to account for the reduced root mass, as the plant will temporarily absorb less moisture. Allow the soil to dry slightly more than usual between waterings to prevent the trimmed, healing roots from sitting in overly saturated conditions. Place the plant in bright, indirect light. Successful recovery is signaled by the appearance of new leaf growth, which may begin within a few weeks as the rejuvenated root system becomes active.