The Pothos plant, commonly known as devil’s ivy (Epipremnum aureum), is a highly favored houseplant due to its resilience and attractive trailing vines. Its popularity is also rooted in the ease with which it can be manipulated for growth and reproduction. Cutting the Pothos vine is a common practice done for two primary purposes: to propagate new, separate plants or to prune the existing “mother” plant to encourage a more desirable shape and maintain its health.
Understanding the Pothos Node
The success of any Pothos cutting depends entirely on locating the node, which is the plant’s reproductive structure. This node appears as a small, swollen bump or ridge along the vine where a leaf stalk emerges from the stem. This area contains dormant cells (root primordia) that are genetically programmed to develop into new roots when placed in a suitable environment.
In nature, these nodes also produce aerial roots that allow the Pothos to cling to surfaces as it climbs. Every successful cutting must include at least one node, as the section of vine between two nodes, called the internode, cannot produce new roots. Identifying the node is the foundational step before making any cut.
Precision Cutting for Propagation
Propagating new Pothos requires a precise cut to ensure the cutting has the best chance of survival and rooting. Select a healthy vine segment that is 4 to 6 inches long, containing two to three leaves and at least one node. The cut must be made about one-quarter to one-half inch below the target node.
Cutting directly below the node preserves the root primordia and provides a small stem buffer against rot. A cut made too far below the node leaves an unnecessary length of stem prone to decay. Conversely, cutting too close to or above the node risks damaging the root-producing cells, making the segment non-viable. Always use clean, sharp scissors or shears wiped with rubbing alcohol to prevent introducing pathogens.
Pruning for Maintenance and Fullness
Pruning serves a different purpose than propagation, focusing on the health and aesthetic of the existing plant. Long and sparse Pothos vines are often called “leggy,” usually resulting from the plant seeking more light. To encourage a fuller, bushier appearance, cut the vine back to stimulate new growth closer to the base.
The correct location for a maintenance cut is just above an existing leaf or junction point. When the vine is severed, the plant’s energy is redirected, forcing new lateral shoots to emerge from the dormant auxiliary buds located at the node just below the cut. This technique creates a branching effect, resulting in denser foliage over time. Perform heavy pruning during the plant’s active growing season (spring to early fall) to allow for quicker recovery.
Immediate Post-Cut Care
Once the cutting is made, immediate care steps must be taken to support the formation of a new root system. Before placing the cutting in a rooting medium, gently remove any leaves that would be submerged in water or buried in soil. This prevents the foliage from decaying and introducing bacteria or rot to the vulnerable nodes.
There are two primary methods for rooting: water and soil. Water propagation is popular because roots typically form within three to six weeks, allowing for easy observation. However, these water-specialized roots are fragile and can lead to transplant shock when moved to soil. Soil propagation, often aided by rooting hormone powder, produces sturdier roots immediately adapted to a terrestrial environment, though rooting takes slightly longer (four to six weeks). Regardless of the method chosen, place the cuttings in an area with bright, indirect light to encourage robust root development.