The Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a widely favored houseplant prized for its striking, often variegated, heart-shaped foliage. Its popularity stems from its resilient nature and adaptability to various indoor conditions, earning it the nickname “Devil’s Ivy.” Propagating this plant in water is a highly successful and simple method, allowing growers to easily multiply their collection. This guide provides clear instructions for successfully rooting Golden Pothos cuttings in water.
Essential Tools and Cutting Selection
Gathering the necessary tools before making any cuts can increase the success rate of propagation. A clean, sharp cutting instrument is necessary, as a jagged cut can hinder root formation and make the plant susceptible to rot. Sterilize the blades of your scissors or shears with a 70% isopropyl alcohol solution to prevent the transmission of bacteria or plant diseases.
Identifying a viable cutting requires locating a node, a small bump found on the stem where a leaf meets the vine. This node contains the tissue necessary for roots to emerge, making its inclusion necessary for successful propagation. The ideal cutting should be a stem segment four to six inches long and contain at least one to two nodes. Some growers choose to use rooting hormone, a powder or gel, to encourage faster root formation.
Step-by-Step Water Rooting
Once the cutting is prepared, set it up in a suitable water environment to stimulate root growth. The cut should be made cleanly just below a node, and any leaves that would sit below the water line must be removed. Submerged leaves will quickly decay, fouling the water and creating bacteria that can cause the cutting to rot.
Place the prepared cutting in a clean glass jar or vessel filled with room-temperature water, ensuring at least one node remains fully submerged. A clear container allows for easy monitoring of root development and water clarity. The cutting will root best when placed in a location that receives bright, indirect light, as this provides the energy needed for photosynthesis without scorching the leaves.
During the rooting phase, the water should be changed weekly, or at least every two weeks, to replenish the oxygen content required by the developing roots. Regular changes also help prevent the buildup of algae or harmful pathogens. Roots typically begin to appear within a few weeks, starting as small, whitish bumps on the submerged nodes. The cutting is ready to be moved to soil once the roots are one to two inches long, though waiting until they reach two to four inches with some secondary branching is acceptable for a more established start.
Transplanting Rooted Cuttings to Soil
The transition from an aquatic environment to a soil medium is a delicate phase, as water-grown roots are structurally different from soil-grown roots. To minimize shock, a well-draining potting mix is necessary, often a blend of standard indoor potting soil amended with perlite. The use of a small pot, typically two to three inches in diameter, is recommended initially, as a large volume of soil can retain too much moisture and lead to waterlogging around the small root system.
When planting, the delicate new roots must be handled with care to prevent breakage. Gently create a hole in the moist soil large enough to accommodate the root ball without bending or crushing the roots, then lightly backfill the space. Immediately after planting, water the soil thoroughly until it drains from the bottom of the pot, which helps the soil settle and eliminates air pockets.
For the first few weeks following the transplant, the soil should be kept consistently moist to help the water-acclimated roots adjust. This temporary period of higher moisture is necessary to prevent the fragile roots from drying out before they can fully establish themselves. Place the newly potted plant in the same bright, indirect light conditions it enjoyed during the rooting phase to encourage continued growth.