How To Propagate Pothos- Your Easy Guide To More Plants

Are you looking to grow your indoor plant collection without spending extra money, or maybe you just want to give your existing green friend a fresh, fuller appearance? Well, making new pothos plants from pieces of an older one is a very simple and rewarding thing to do. This particular kind of plant, sometimes called devil's ivy, is known for being one of the least demanding houseplants around, so it's almost perfect for folks just starting out with plant care or even those who have been doing it for a while. You can really get a lot of joy from seeing tiny new plant parts begin to sprout and take hold.

The good news is that starting new pothos plants is quite straightforward, and there are a couple of popular ways to go about it. Most people find that putting little snipped bits of the plant into water is the simplest path, as you get to watch those tiny anchor strands develop right before your very own eyes. Yet, some folks prefer putting those same plant pieces directly into soil, which also works out well. No matter which way you pick, getting more of these lovely trailing plants for your home, or even to give to friends, is a truly satisfying thing to do.

This guide will walk you through the whole process, showing you how to get new pothos plants going and how to look after them properly. We'll cover how to trim your existing plant, what parts to snip for new growth, how to get those little plant pieces to sprout in water, and what to do when it's time to put them into a pot with dirt. We'll also touch on a few things that might sometimes keep your plant pieces from growing new roots, so you can avoid those little bumps in the road.

Table of Contents

Getting Started with Pothos Propagation

Making new pothos plants is, in some respects, one of the easiest plant tasks you can take on. These plants are known for being quite forgiving and not needing a lot of fuss. If you have an older plant that's looking a bit stretched out or bare in places, or if you just want more green around your home, this is a perfect project. It's a wonderful way to expand your plant family without any cost, just by using bits from a plant you already have.

The process of making new plants is, basically, like creating a copy of your existing plant. This means the new plant will have the same qualities as the one you took pieces from. It's a simple, quick, and very inexpensive way to add more greenery to your living space. You might even find yourself with enough extra plants to trade with friends or give as thoughtful gifts.

Why Try How to Propagate Pothos?

So, why would someone want to make new pothos plants? Well, there are a few really good reasons. For one, it lets you grow your collection of plants for free. Instead of buying another plant, you can just use a bit from one you already own. This is a pretty neat trick for anyone who loves plants but also likes to save a little money.

Another reason is to help your existing plant look its best. Pothos plants tend to grow quite fast, and sometimes their vines can get long and a little sparse, or "leggy," as plant people say. Trimming these long bits off isn't just about making new plants; it also encourages the original plant to put out new leaves closer to its base, which makes it look fuller and more lush. It's like giving your plant a fresh haircut that makes it feel better and look healthier, actually.

Also, making new plants can be a way to bring an older plant back to life. If your pothos is looking a bit tired or less vibrant, taking some pieces and starting them fresh can give you a new, lively plant. It’s a very satisfying feeling to watch those little pieces turn into thriving green additions to your home.

The Most Common Way - How to Propagate Pothos in Water

When it comes to making new pothos plants, putting them in water is by far the most popular and simple way to do it. It’s incredibly easy, and you get the added fun of watching the tiny anchor strands develop right there in a clear jar. This method makes it really simple to keep an eye on the progress of your plant pieces.

Many people prefer this method because it's so straightforward. You just snip a piece, put it in water, and wait. After a few weeks, or maybe up to two months, those little plant pieces will have enough growth strands to be moved into a pot with soil. It’s a pretty hands-off approach once you get the initial setup done.

This method is also quite forgiving, which is great for beginners. Pothos plants are known for their ability to grow even without soil for a time, which makes them a really good choice for water-based propagation. It's a very common and successful way to grow new plants, especially for types like satin pothos or golden pothos.

What You Need to Begin Your Pothos Propagation Adventure

To get started on your quest to make more pothos plants, you really don't need much. The good news is that most of what you’ll use you probably already have lying around your house. You’ll want a clean pair of scissors or a sharp knife, something to hold water like a glass jar or a bottle, and of course, your existing pothos plant.

You might also consider having some rooting powder on hand, though it's not strictly necessary for pothos, as they often do well without it. However, if you want to give your plant pieces an extra little boost, or if you're trying to get them to grow faster, a tiny bit of this powder can sometimes help. It's a small extra step that some plant enthusiasts like to take.

For when your new plant pieces are ready to move into a pot, you’ll want some fresh potting mix and a container with drainage holes. Having these things ready before you start can make the whole process smoother and more enjoyable, you know? It's always a good idea to be prepared.

Step-by-Step- How to Propagate Pothos Cuttings

The process of making new pothos plants from pieces is pretty simple once you know the few steps involved. It starts with your existing plant, which is where you'll get your new plant pieces from. You want to pick a long, healthy vine that has several leaves on it.

First, you'll want to snip a piece from your plant. Look for a part of the vine that has at least one "node." A node is that little bump on the stem where a leaf or a new root would normally come out. It’s usually right below where a leaf attaches to the stem. You want to make your cut about half an inch below one of these nodes. Each piece you snip should have at least one leaf and one node, but having two or three nodes on each piece can be even better for growth.

Once you have your snipped pieces, you’ll want to remove any leaves that would be submerged in water. Leaves that sit in water can rot, and that’s not good for your new plant. Then, simply place your prepared plant pieces into a jar or glass filled with clean water. Make sure the node is covered by the water, as that’s where the tiny anchor strands will start to appear.

Now comes the waiting part. You’ll want to put your jar in a spot that gets some bright, but not direct, sunlight. Change the water every few days, or at least once a week, to keep it fresh and clean. Over the next few weeks, you’ll start to see those little white growth strands forming. They grow pretty quickly, so keep a close eye on them. Once they are a few inches long, your new plant pieces are ready to be moved to a pot.

Can You Propagate Pothos in Soil Too?

Yes, you can absolutely put your new pothos pieces directly into soil instead of water, too. This is another simple way to make new plants, and some people actually prefer it because it skips the step of moving the plant from water to dirt later on. It's super easy to get new pothos plants going in soil.

If you choose this way, you'll prepare your plant pieces just like you would for water, by snipping them below a node and taking off any lower leaves. Then, you can dip the cut end into some rooting powder, if you have it. This isn't a must-do, but it can sometimes help encourage those tiny anchor strands to form a bit faster or stronger in the soil.

After that, you just poke a small hole in some fresh potting mix in a pot, and gently place your plant piece in it, making sure the node is buried. Lightly pat the soil around it to keep it steady. Water it well, but don’t let the soil get soggy. Keep the soil consistently a little damp, but not soaking wet. This method also works really well for making new pothos plants.

Taking Care of Your New Pothos Plants

Once your new pothos plants have developed good anchor strands, whether in water or soil, it's time to help them settle into their new homes. If they were in water, gently transfer them to a pot filled with good quality potting mix. Make sure the pot has drainage holes so extra water can escape.

Pothos plants are pretty laid-back when it comes to care. They don't need a lot of special attention. A good rule of thumb for watering is to let the top inch or so of the soil dry out before you give them another drink. They are quite forgiving if you forget to water them now and then, so you don't have to worry too much about missing a day. They typically tolerate drying out every once in a while.

These plants like bright, indirect light, so a spot near a window that doesn't get harsh, direct sun all day is usually perfect. They are known for being one of the lowest maintenance houseplants you can find, which is why so many people love them. Just keep an eye on them, give them a drink when the soil feels dry, and watch them grow.

Are There Any Common Issues When You Propagate Pothos?

While making new pothos plants is generally quite simple, it's true that sometimes things don't go exactly as planned. Even though pothos is one of the easiest plants to start new growth from, neither the water method nor the soil method is absolutely guaranteed to work every single time. There are a few little things that can sometimes get in the way of those tiny anchor strands growing or the new plant taking hold successfully.

One common issue is using plant pieces that aren't healthy enough to begin with. Always pick a vine that looks strong and has good, vibrant leaves. If the plant piece is weak or diseased, it might not have the energy to put out new growth. Another thing that can happen is the water getting dirty or the soil staying too wet, which can cause the plant piece to rot instead of growing anchor strands. Changing the water often or making sure the soil drains well can help avoid this.

Sometimes, the time of year can also play a role. While you can make new pothos plants in the cooler months, the process might take a little longer. For the quickest and best results, it's generally a good idea to try this project during the warmer times of the year, like spring or summer, when plants are naturally putting out more new growth. This is when your plant pieces will likely grow the fastest.

Knowing how to make new pothos plants correctly means you can keep adding to your indoor garden for free, and also help your existing pothos plant look its best by trimming off those longer, sparser bits. It's a truly fulfilling experience, whether you're growing new plants for your own home or sharing them with others. You get to watch the tiny new growth appear, which is a pretty wonderful thing to see.

How to Propagate Pothos Plants | Reality Daydream

How to Propagate Pothos Plants | Reality Daydream

How to Propagate a Pothos Plant : 6 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables

How to Propagate a Pothos Plant : 6 Steps (with Pictures) - Instructables

How To Propagate: The Golden Pothos (The Short Version) | by Matty

How To Propagate: The Golden Pothos (The Short Version) | by Matty

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