Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is a popular, resilient houseplant known for its trailing vines. Propagating Pothos is a simple process that allows you to create new plants from a small section of the parent vine. This method, which involves taking a cutting and encouraging root growth, is an effective way to multiply your collection or revitalize an overgrown plant. Success depends entirely on making the precise cut in the correct location on the stem.
Identifying the Propagation Node
The specific location for a successful Pothos cutting is a structure called a node, the point on the stem where the plant’s growth potential is concentrated. You can locate a node by finding the slightly swollen bump on the vine where a leaf or leaf stalk is attached or has previously fallen off. This area is visibly distinct from the smooth section of the vine between leaves, known as the internode.
The node contains dormant meristematic tissue, which are undifferentiated cells capable of developing into new roots. Pothos vines often have small, dark bumps, which are pre-formed aerial root nubs that quickly develop into functional roots when submerged in a rooting medium. Since this tissue is localized at the node, making a cut anywhere else along the internode will result in a stem section that cannot produce roots and will eventually decay. Therefore, every viable cutting must include at least one node to ensure the plant has the necessary biological engine to start a new life.
Proper Cutting Technique
Once a healthy node is identified, the cutting must be executed carefully to prevent damage and infection. Always use clean, sharp tools, such as pruning shears or scissors, and sterilize them with rubbing alcohol to avoid transmitting pathogens. The ideal position for the cut is approximately a half-inch to one inch below the node intended for rooting.
Cutting slightly below the node maximizes the length of stem available for the new roots to emerge while also ensuring the node itself remains intact. While a straight cut is acceptable, making the cut at a 45-degree angle can slightly increase the surface area for water absorption and root emergence. For a cutting to have the best chance of survival, it should contain a minimum of one node and one healthy leaf, as the leaf is necessary to perform photosynthesis and provide the cutting with energy. If the vine is long, you can create multiple cuttings, ensuring each has a single node and a surviving leaf.
Choosing a Rooting Medium
After making the cut, the next step is to place the cutting into a suitable medium to encourage root development. The two most common methods are rooting in water or rooting directly in soil. Water propagation is popular because it allows you to easily monitor root growth, which often begins within one to three weeks, providing visible progress. However, the roots that develop in water are structurally adapted to a liquid environment and can experience transplant shock when moved to soil later on.
Alternatively, you can root the cutting directly in a container filled with a well-draining potting mix. While rooting in soil may take slightly longer, typically four to six weeks before roots are established, the roots that form are naturally acclimated to a terrestrial environment. This eliminates the need for a stressful transition and results in a sturdier plant. For both methods, remove any leaves that would sit below the surface of the medium to prevent them from rotting and contaminating the rooting area.