Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a highly popular houseplant known for its forgiving nature and vigorous vining growth. While many people choose to root cuttings in water, direct soil propagation is a reliable method that acclimates the new plant to its permanent medium immediately. This approach bypasses the shock of transplanting water-grown roots, often leading to a faster transition to active growth. By following a few specific steps, you can successfully multiply your pothos collection using this straightforward technique.
Selecting and Preparing the Pothos Cutting
Successful propagation relies entirely on identifying and including the plant’s growth point, called the node. Nodes are specialized areas on the stem, visible as small bumps or nubs where leaves and aerial roots emerge. These points contain meristematic cells, which are essentially plant stem cells capable of differentiating into new root tissues.
Use a sharp tool, such as a pair of pruning shears or scissors, that has been sterilized with rubbing alcohol to prevent the introduction of pathogens. Make a clean, angled cut on a healthy vine, aiming about one-half inch below a node. Each cutting should ideally be 4 to 6 inches long and contain at least two to three nodes to maximize the chances of successful rooting.
The leaves that would be buried beneath the soil surface must be carefully removed. Leaves submerged in the potting mix will decompose quickly, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi that can cause stem rot before roots have a chance to form. Ensure that at least one node remains fully exposed at the bottom of the cutting for planting and that two or three leaves are left above the soil line to perform photosynthesis.
Choosing the Right Soil Mix and Container
The term “dirt” is often used interchangeably with soil, but standard garden soil is too dense for successful houseplant propagation. Pothos cuttings require a light, airy, and well-draining potting mix that allows for oxygen exchange around the vulnerable new roots. A suitable blend can be created by amending a standard indoor potting mix with coarse materials like perlite or orchid bark.
This modified mix prevents compaction and ensures that excess water drains away quickly, which is essential for preventing root rot. A good ratio involves combining one part potting mix, one part perlite, and one part orchid bark to achieve the necessary chunkiness and aeration. The container itself must have drainage holes at the bottom to allow water to escape freely.
For newly rooted cuttings, selecting a small container is preferable, such as a 4-inch pot, rather than a large one. Using a pot that is too large holds an excessive volume of soil, which takes too long to dry out and increases the risk of the cutting sitting in soggy conditions. The small container helps regulate moisture levels, creating a more stable environment for initial root development.
Step-by-Step Direct Soil Planting
Once the cutting and soil are ready, the planting process begins. Applying a powdered or gel rooting hormone to the exposed node section can significantly increase the success rate and speed up root development. The hormone contains auxins, which signals the meristematic cells in the node to rapidly specialize into root tissue.
Fill the chosen small pot with the well-draining soil mix. Instead of pushing the delicate stem directly into the soil, use a pencil or a small dowel to create a pre-dug hole in the center of the potting mix. This technique prevents the rooting hormone from being wiped off and avoids crushing the tender tissues of the node.
Place the cutting gently into the prepared hole, ensuring that the node, which is the rooting site, is fully submerged beneath the soil surface. Once the cutting is positioned correctly, gently firm the soil around the stem base with your fingers to secure it upright.
Essential Care for New Root Growth
Immediately after planting the pothos cutting, the soil should be watered thoroughly until the excess moisture drains from the bottom of the pot. This initial soaking settles the soil around the stem and provides the necessary moisture to initiate the rooting process. Following this first deep watering, allow the top inch or two of the soil to dry out before watering again to prevent oversaturation.
The cutting requires bright, indirect light to fuel the energy-intensive process of growing new roots. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch the leaves and stress the cutting, while low light conditions will slow growth significantly. An ideal location is near an east or west-facing window, or a few feet away from a south-facing window.
Maintaining high humidity around the cutting is helpful because it reduces the rate of water loss through the leaves while the plant lacks roots to absorb moisture. This can be achieved by placing a clear plastic bag or a humidity dome over the pot to create a miniature greenhouse effect. After approximately four to six weeks, you can check for root establishment by gently tugging on the stem; resistance indicates that new roots have anchored the plant in the soil.