Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is naturally a vining plant, directing its energy toward extending long, trailing stems. A bushy appearance, characterized by dense foliage and multiple short, outward-growing stems, requires altering this natural habit. The objective is to encourage the plant to branch out laterally rather than stretch its vines downward. This shift relies on manipulating the plant’s growth mechanisms and environment.
Strategic Pruning for Lateral Growth
The primary technique for transforming a vining pothos involves interrupting apical dominance. This hormonal process occurs when the main stem’s growing tip produces auxin, suppressing lateral buds. Cutting the main growing tip eliminates this inhibitory hormone source.
This forces the plant to redirect energy toward activating dormant buds located at the nodes. New growth points emerge from these nodes, splitting the vine into multiple new stems and multiplying the active growing points.
Use clean, sharp shears to cut just above a leaf node, the joint on the stem where a leaf emerges. Cutting above the node stimulates new lateral growth from that point. Pruning should occur during the active growing season, typically spring through early fall.
Prune the vines back significantly, removing up to one-third of the plant’s total mass in a single session. This heavy pruning resets the plant’s growth habit and promotes a substantial flush of new, dense foliage. Regularly repeating this action maintains the desired shape.
Increasing Density by Replanting Cuttings
The material removed during pruning can be repurposed to increase the overall density and fullness of the planter. Rooting the stem cuttings and placing them back into the original pot increases the number of individual plants. Each cutting must contain at least one node, as this is the point where new roots will form.
There are two primary methods for rooting these cuttings.
Water Propagation
Place the cuttings in a jar of clean water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. This allows you to monitor root development. Cuttings are ready for planting once the new roots reach a length of approximately two to three inches.
Direct Soil Planting
Alternatively, plant the cuttings directly into the soil of the main pot. Insert the node end of the cutting a few inches into the soil, keeping the soil consistently moist until roots establish. This approach eliminates the need for transplanting from water.
Once rooted, strategically place the new plants around the edges or in any bare patches of the pot. This technique immediately fills empty space at the soil level, which often looks thin as the original vines trail. These new plants will mature and add to the container’s bushy appearance.
Optimizing Light for Compact Foliage
Internode spacing, the distance between leaves on a pothos stem, is regulated by light intensity. Low light causes the plant to stretch its stems (etiolation) to lengthen the internodes, resulting in a sparse, “leggy” appearance.
To encourage a compact, bushy habit, place the pothos in an area that receives bright, indirect light. Position the plant near an east or north-facing window, but shield it from direct sunbeams. Adequate light prevents stretching, leading to shorter internode spacing.
Shorter internode spacing means leaves grow larger and more closely clustered, creating a fuller and denser canopy. Consistent bright, indirect light maintains the bushiness achieved through pruning and propagation.