The Pothos plant, Epipremnum aureum, is a popular houseplant known for its glossy, heart-shaped leaves and vigorous, trailing growth habit. This fast-growing vine, often called Devil’s Ivy, can produce stems that quickly extend several feet, creating a lush, cascading appearance. While rapid growth is desired, it requires intentional management to maintain the plant’s health and aesthetic appeal indoors. Understanding how to prune, propagate, and arrange these vines allows owners to shape the plant to fit their space.
Strategic Pruning for Health and Shape
Pruning is necessary for Pothos, not only to manage length but also to encourage a fuller, denser appearance near the pot. When vines grow excessively long, the foliage can become sparse and “leggy,” particularly on parts of the stem further from the light source. Removing a portion of the vine redirects the plant’s growth hormones to dormant buds closer to the plant’s crown.
To prune effectively, always use clean, sharp shears to make a precise cut, minimizing stress and the risk of introducing pathogens. Locate a node, which appears as a small bump on the stem where a leaf or aerial root emerges. Cut the vine just above this point. Making the cut above a node ensures the remaining stem segment will initiate new growth, often sprouting two new vines.
For general shaping, remove up to 10 to 20 percent of the longest vines at a time to avoid shocking the plant. To rejuvenate a very leggy plant, cut the vines back drastically, leaving stems with at least two nodes above the soil line. This severe cutting forces the plant to concentrate energy on developing new, bushier growth, resulting in a more robust and visually appealing plant.
Turning Cuttings into New Plants
The material removed during pruning does not need to be discarded, as Pothos is one of the easiest plants to propagate using stem cuttings. Each cutting must contain at least one node, as this specialized site develops new roots and shoots. Cuttings can be taken from a long vine by sectioning it so each piece has one leaf and one node, or by simply taking the tip of a healthy vine.
Water propagation is the most popular method because it allows visual monitoring of root development and is straightforward for beginners. Submerge the node end of the cutting in clean water, ensuring no leaves are underwater, which could lead to rot. Roots typically begin to form within one to three weeks. The water should be refreshed every few days to maintain oxygen levels and prevent bacterial growth.
Alternatively, cuttings can be planted directly into a well-draining soil mixture. This method produces roots immediately adapted to a terrestrial environment, though development may take longer (typically three to six weeks). Using a rooting hormone powder on the node before planting can enhance success. Maintaining high humidity around the cutting, such as by covering it with a clear plastic bag, can accelerate rooting.
Once roots reach two to four inches in length in water, the new plants are ready to be potted into soil. This transition encourages healthier, long-term growth.
Creative Ways to Display Long Vines
For the vines you choose to keep, there are several ways to manage their length and incorporate them into interior design. One popular method is training the Pothos to grow upward, mimicking its natural climbing habit. This involves securing the vines to a vertical support like a moss pole or a trellis, using the plant’s aerial roots for anchorage.
When Pothos is allowed to climb, the leaves on the ascending vines often increase in size, resulting in a more mature and dramatic appearance. You can also guide the vines along walls or furniture using small, discreet adhesive hooks or clips. This technique allows for artistic arrangements, such as outlining a window frame or creating a living green border across a shelf.
For the classic look, letting the vines trail and drape freely from a high shelf or hanging basket is the simplest display option. Place the plant where it receives bright, indirect light from above to prevent the vines from stretching toward a single light source, which causes legginess. Ensure the draping vines are not resting on high-traffic floors or near heat sources, which can damage the leaves and stem tips.