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| How To Propagate Pothos in 2023 |
How To Propagate Pothos
And, of course, I had been constantly propagating my pothos as I love to see them everywhere around my home, even on the kitchen shelves! Now, I have pothos in soil (in pots) and water (in glasses and small, round-shaped aquariums) around different corners of my home!
Well, here's one of the pothos pictures taken by me on September 01, 2021:
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| How To Propagate Pothos in 2023 |
If you're someone looking for the answers on how to propagate pothos, you have come to the right place! In this post, I am going to talk in detail about pothos, including the problems beginners face, everything about its care, and of course pothos propagation. So hang around till the end, where I have included tons of FAQs.
Pothos are known by various names like money plant, devil's ivy, and silver vine. But it’s also sometimes mistakenly called Variegated Philodendron. Although both of them belong to the same family - Araceae, pothos belongs to the genus Epipremnum while Philodendrons belong to the genus Philodendron. Well, these are scientific or botanical jargon, for those who might be interested!
Learning how to propagate pothos not only saves you money but also guards you against the inconvenience of visiting nurseries. You can get loads of plants for yourself and even give out some of them as gifts. Pothos have gorgeous leaves and low upkeep needs, they are one of the best houseplants for beginners.
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Plant lovers will love this technique because it’s totally free and you get more pothos than you bargained for. Pothos propagation is necessary if your plant is getting a bit leggy or you’re simply looking for more plants. I have been propagating my devil's ivy simply because I wanted more of these gorgeous plants :)
Pothos produce winding vines that run across the sides of a pot or container. The common variety is golden pothos. It is a fun plant to decorate your space. It is popular because it can be easily maintained even by those who have a hard time saving the plant. The pothos works well with less lighting and little water. One of the houseplants that will forgive you when you forget to water.
How To Propagate Pothos
Pothos Cutting Propagation
Perhaps the easiest way to learn how to propagate pothos is to use cuttings. Pothos propagation begins at the root node on the stem at the branch of the leaf or branch. These little bumps on the stems of the rooting pothos are responsible for giving us new pothos.
The first step is to determine the desired length for the vine. Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the stem just below the best visible leaf node you want to leave. It helps because the vines can be quite long.
The next step is to make smaller cuts. Some plant owners prefer to take root and make whole stems. Personally, I prefer smaller cuts. I have found that it takes a very long time and often does not produce plants. Also, long cuts can lag behind establishing rooting back into the soil after a while in the water.
Cut along the stem to make many individual leaves. Cut off the top and bottom of all leaf stalks, leaving a small piece of the vine at the bottom of the leaf stalk. Always watch out for the small brown bumps on the vine. They are called nodes and are where new roots are formed. As previously explained, cutting does not take root, so you do not want to cut without nodes.
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How To Propagate Pothos In Water
The next step is to use glasses. I prefer small-sized glasses to spread my pictures. However, it should be noted that the size of the glasses you use depends not only on the size of the cut but also on your personal preferences. Look around and see what works best for cutting your photos!
The next step is to fill the container with water. Place the cut in water so that the tip of the cut is submerged in water. Again, make sure the cut is submerged in water and the node is covered. If the node is above the water level, it will not take root.
The setup is now complete. Put the cuttings in a bright and warm place and let the roots grow. It is advisable to check the cutting condition every few days. Also, do not forget to change the water in the glass and replace it with clean water. It is important to change the water, as fresh oxygen provides water to the cuttings. You also don't want to cut your photos by standing in rotten water.
How To Propagate Pothos
Planting Propagated Pothos Cutting
Do not rush to move the pothos cuttings to the soil. I personally would like to leave my pothos cuts in water until I have at least 1 inch of roots. The great thing about propagating the pothos in water is that you can see them grow differently than when they grew in the soil. Difference? Yes, I like the little roots that are white and gorgeous :)
In most cases, you will end up with roots a little longer than 2 inches, because almost all cuts wait until 2 inches. Some roots will be longer than others because they don't all grow at the same rate. But I like them to be 2-3 inches long.
As a caveat, keep in mind that the longer the roots stay in the water, the more difficult it will be to adapt when transplanting into the soil. It's a good idea to plant a few cuts that reach 2 inches while waiting for the remaining cuts to get there.
Separate cuts with sufficiently long roots and cuts that do not. Cuts with not long enough roots and cuts without roots should be put back into the water until roots are formed. Again, patience is key.
How To Propagate Pothos
Planting and Growing Pothos Cuttings
Pothos can be successfully grown in all-purpose soils. Pick each of the rooted cuttings and begin placing them around the edges of the pot.
Reach out and add soil whenever necessary to keep the cuttings upright. Fill the center of the pot with cuttings and add more soil if necessary.
Water slowly and thoroughly until water runs out of the bottom of the pot. This is the recommended method for watering most plants.
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How to Propagate Pothos in The Ground
When learning how to propagate pothos, you may want to consider soil propagation. Some people prefer soil spread to water spread. If you are a beginner, you may want to try both methods and find out which one works best for you.
Soil propagation for pothos begins the same as water propagation. But instead of putting the pothos in the water, we use soil. Take the pothos cuttings and keep them on the rooting hormone.
Then put them on the ground. Ensure that the soil remains moist at all times. For best results, keep your rooting pothos out of direct sunlight as well.
Caring for Your Propagated Pothos Plants
If you did your propagation right, your new pothos plants should be healthy. Place the pots in a place where they have enough light. Take care of them as you would any other pothos plant.
How To Propagate Pothos
Common Mistakes Beginners Make During Propagation
Pothos is one of the easiest plants to propagate, but neither method is guaranteed. There are several issues or mistakes that can hinder root growth or a successful transplant. Take a look at the below-mentioned mistakes most beginners commit:
1. Cut the stem in the wrong place
Pothos roots grow from nodes on the stem, where the leaves emerge. For roots to grow, one of the nodes along the stem must be in water or soil.
If you leave too much of the stem under a node hanging above the water, it won't take root. Likewise, if a cutting has leaves at the top and no nodes at the bottom, the roots won’t grow.
2. Forgot to change the water
Roots can grow in water because oxygen is present. Oxygen levels get depleted in the stale water. Without oxygen, like humans, the roots will eventually suffocate and die.
Moreover, standing water can also attract bacteria and other pests or diseases that inhibit growth or cause cuttings to rot. Keep your cuttings healthy by changing the water every few days or when the water looks dirty.
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| How To Propagate Pothos in 2023 |
3. Not enough light
This is one of the fundamental mistakes committed by beginners. Plants need sunlight for photosynthesis to produce energy. In absence of sunlight, photosynthesis is hampered. This leads to low energy levels and the untimely death of the plant.
Having said that, pothos are very resilient. They can survive in less light than other houseplants, but it grows best in a bright spot with direct sunlight at all times. In low light conditions, plants may take much longer to develop roots or may not grow roots at all.
4. Taken cuttings from old/damaged vines
To increase your chances of success, it is best to take stems from healthy, vigorously growing vines. This indicates that the transport system within the stem is functioning properly and roots can grow.
When the stem is old and partially damaged, the plant struggles to take root. Even if the roots do grow, they may not be as strong or healthy as those from better cuttings. Root growth requires a lot of energy. So, make sure to choose a stem that can handle the job!
5. Lack of warmth
Pothos plants are tropical and prefer warm environments with high humidity. These conditions are best suited for rapid growth, especially during the height of the growing season, spring and summer.
If breeding in cold rooms or in winter, slow or no growth is expected. Always place your glasses or pots in the warmest room in your home, or use a heating mat for cooler areas.
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| How To Propagate Pothos in 2023 |
6. Transplanted too late
The roots of cuttings growing in water are slightly different from those growing in soil. They are finer, more delicate, and perfect for getting everything you need with just water. The longer you let these roots grow, the harder they will adapt to life in the soil.
Transplanting too late can cause transplant shock (usually indicated by yellowing of the leaves) or prevent the cuttings from taking root properly in the soil. Transplant after the roots have grown at least 1 to 2 inches, and don't leave it out for more than a few months to avoid transplant problems later.
Another way to prevent transplant shock is to slowly introduce the growing medium into the water. When the roots are ready, add 1 teaspoon of coconut coir or perlite to the soil daily until the cup is full. This will allow the roots to slowly adapt to the new conditions and prevent shock.
7. Be patient, give more time
Propagation might be easy, but it's certainly not fast. It takes at least 4 weeks for the roots to reach the transplant stage, and it may take longer. One needs to be a patient observer when dealing with plants.
Don’t be impatient and expect results in a week or two. Give them a little more time, love, and care. Well, if you don't see any growth after a month, you may have another problem, but don't worry about the one before that.
Voila! You just learned how to propagate pothos!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related to Pothos Propagation
Where do I cut a pothos to propagate it?
To propagate a pothos, you can cut a stem just below a leaf node (the point where the leaf attaches to the stem). The stem should be at least a few inches long and have a few leaf nodes on it. Make sure to use a clean, sharp knife or scissors to make the cut. It's also a good idea to sterilize your cutting tool before using it to prevent the spread of any diseases.
Once you have made your cut, you can either place the cutting directly into soil or water, or you can root it in water before planting. To root the cutting in water, fill a jar with water and place the cutting in the water so that the leaf nodes are submerged. Place the jar in a well-lit location, but not in direct sunlight, and wait for roots to form. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to the soil.
It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and to provide the cutting with plenty of indirect light. With proper care, your pothos cutting should begin to grow and establish itself in its new location.
Where can I buy pothos from?
Is it better to propagate in water or soil pothos?
Propagating in water is generally a simpler and quicker process, as it allows you to easily monitor the progress of root growth and to change the water as needed to prevent it from becoming stagnant. It also reduces the risk of rotting, as the roots are not sitting in damp soil.
On the other hand, it can be more difficult to transition cuttings that have been propagated in water to the soil, as the roots can become fragile and may not have the same ability to absorb nutrients as they would if they had been grown directly in the soil.
Propagating in soil, on the other hand, allows the cutting to develop a stronger root system more quickly, as it has access to the nutrients and water it needs to grow. However, it can be more challenging to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and there is a greater risk of the cutting rotting if the soil is too damp.
Ultimately, the best method for you will depend on your personal preference and the resources you have available. Both methods can be effective for propagating pothos, so you can choose the one that works best for you.
How long does it take for pothos cuttings to root in water?
The length of time it takes for pothos cuttings to root in water can vary depending on several factors, including the size and health of the cutting, the temperature and humidity of the environment, and the amount of light the cutting receives. In general, pothos cuttings will begin to produce roots within a few weeks to a couple of months when propagated in water.
To encourage root growth, make sure to keep the water clean and fresh, and replace it every few days to prevent it from becoming stagnant. It's also important to provide the cutting with plenty of indirect light, but not direct sunlight, as this can cause the water to heat up and may lead to the cutting rotting.
Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to the soil if you wish. It's important to handle the roots gently and to plant the cutting at the same depth as it was in the water. Water the soil well and keep it moist but not waterlogged to help the cutting establish itself in its new location. With proper care, your pothos cutting should begin to grow and thrive.
Can you put cuttings straight into soil?
Yes, you can put cuttings straight into the soil without rooting them in water first. This is a method known as direct soil propagation. To do this, simply prepare a pot or bed with well-draining soil and water it well. Then, take your cutting and remove any leaves from the lower half of the stem. This will help to reduce the risk of rotting, as the leaves will not be in contact with the soil.
Next, make a small hole in the soil with a pencil or your finger, and gently insert the cutting into the hole so that the leaf nodes (the points where the leaves attach to the stem) are buried. Make sure the cutting is planted at the same depth as it was in its original location. Gently pat down the soil around the cutting to secure it in place, and water the soil well.
It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and to provide the cutting with plenty of indirect light. With proper care, your cutting should begin to grow and establish itself in its new location. It may take a few weeks to a few months for roots to form, depending on the plant and the conditions.
Can you put pothos cuttings directly into the water?
Yes, you can put pothos cuttings directly into water to propagate them. This is a method known as water rooting. To do this, fill a jar or vase with water and place the cutting in the water so that the leaf nodes (the points where the leaves attach to the stem) are submerged. Make sure the water is clean and fresh, and replace it every few days to prevent it from becoming stagnant.
It's important to provide the cutting with plenty of indirect light, but not direct sunlight, as this can cause the water to heat up and may lead to the cutting rotting. You can place the jar or vase in a well-lit location, such as on a windowsill, to provide the cutting with the light it needs to grow.
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months for roots to form on a pothos cutting when propagated in water. Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cutting to the soil if you wish. It's important to handle the roots gently and to plant the cutting at the same depth as it was in the water. Water the soil well and keep it moist but not waterlogged to help the cutting establish itself in its new location. With proper care, your pothos cutting should begin to grow and thrive.
What is the fastest way to root pothos?
To root pothos cuttings, you can follow these steps:
Cut a 4-6 inch stem from a healthy pothos plant using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, which can be purchased at a garden center or online. This will help stimulate root growth.
Fill a small pot with well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil and perlite or vermiculite.
Plant the pothos cutting in the soil, making sure that the cut end is buried and the leaves are above the soil line.
Water the soil thoroughly and place the pot in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity.
It may take several weeks or even a few months for roots to form. You can check for roots by gently tugging on the base of the cutting. If it resists, it has likely rooted.
Some people have had success rooting pothos cuttings in water, but this method can be more unpredictable and may result in a lower success rate. Using rooting hormone and planting the cutting in soil generally provides the best chances of success.
Should you let pothos callus before propagating?
It is generally not necessary to let pothos callus before propagating. Callusing is a process that occurs when a plant's cut cells seal off and form a protective layer over the wound, which helps to prevent infection and water loss. While it can be beneficial for some plants to callus before propagating, it is not a requirement for pothos.
To propagate pothos, you can simply cut a stem from a healthy pothos plant and follow the steps I outlined in my previous message to root the cutting in soil or water. It is important to use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to make the cut, as this will help to minimize the risk of infection. You should also dip the cut end of the stem in the rooting hormone to stimulate root growth.
Once you have propagated the pothos cutting, it is important to keep the soil consistently moist and to place the pot in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight. With proper care, your pothos cutting should begin to root within a few weeks to a few months.
Can I plant a pothos cutting without roots?
It is generally not recommended to plant a pothos cutting without roots, as the cutting will not have an established root system to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Without roots, the cutting is more likely to wilt and die.
To propagate pothos, it is best to take a 4-6 inch stem cutting from a healthy pothos plant and root it in soil or water. To root the cutting in soil, you can follow these steps:
Cut a stem from a healthy pothos plant using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears.
Remove the lower leaves from the stem, leaving only a few leaves at the top.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, which can be purchased at a garden center or online. This will help stimulate root growth.
Fill a small pot with well-draining soil, such as a mix of potting soil and perlite or vermiculite.
Plant the pothos cutting in the soil, making sure that the cut end is buried and the leaves are above the soil line.
Water the soil thoroughly and place the pot in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
Keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. Mist the leaves occasionally to increase humidity.
It may take several weeks or even a few months for roots to form. You can check for roots by gently tugging on the base of the cutting. If it resists, it has likely rooted. Once the cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into your garden.
Why do cuttings fail?
There are several reasons why plant cuttings might fail to root and grow. Some common causes of failure include:
Poor timing: Some plants are more difficult to root at certain times of the year, such as during periods of extreme heat or cold.
Insufficient moisture: Cuttings need to be kept consistently moist in order to root successfully. If the soil or water dries out, the cutting may wilt and die.
Poor rooting environment: Cuttings need bright, indirect light and high humidity in order to root properly. If the environment is too dark or too dry, the cutting may fail to root.
Disease or pests: Plant cuttings can be vulnerable to pests and diseases, which can interfere with root development and cause the cutting to fail.
Improper cutting technique: Using dirty or dull scissors or pruning shears can increase the risk of infection and make it more difficult for the cutting to root.
Insufficient rooting hormone: Some plants may benefit from the use of the rooting hormone, which can stimulate root growth. If a cutting is not treated with rooting hormone, it may have a lower success rate.
By following proper techniques and providing the right conditions, you can increase the chances of success when propagating plant cuttings.
How do you make pothos fuller?
There are a few ways to make a pothos plant fuller and lusher:
Prune the plant regularly: Pothos plants will grow more full and dense if you prune them regularly. To prune, use clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears to cut back any long or leggy stems. Cut back the stems to a point where there are two or three leaves. This will encourage the plant to produce more foliage and become fuller.
Repot the plant: Pothos plants will grow more full if they have room to spread out in a larger pot. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current pot, and repot the plant using a well-draining soil mix.
Fertilize the plant: Pothos plants will grow more full and healthy if they are fertilized regularly. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 20-20-20 formula, and follow the instructions on the label for the appropriate amount to use. Fertilize the plant every month or two during the growing season.
Provide the right growing conditions: Pothos plants thrive in bright, indirect light and high humidity. Make sure the plant is getting enough light and moisture, and consider misting the leaves regularly to increase humidity.
By following these tips, you should be able to encourage your pothos plant to grow fuller and lusher.
Do you cut above or below the node?
When taking stem cuttings to propagate a plant, it is generally recommended to cut just below a node. Nodes are the points on a stem where leaves or buds are attached. Cutting just below a node allows you to include a leaf or bud in the cutting, which can help to increase the chances of success.
To take a stem cutting:
Choose a healthy stem that is about 4-6 inches long and has several leaves or buds.
Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a diagonal cut just below a node.
Remove any leaves or buds from the lower half of the cutting.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, which can be purchased at a garden center or online. This will help stimulate root growth.
Plant the cutting in soil or water, making sure that the cut end is buried and the leaves or buds are above the soil line.
Water the soil or keep the water level consistent in the container, and place the cutting in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
By cutting just below a node and following these steps, you should be able to successfully propagate your plant using stem cuttings.
Can you propagate pothos from just a stem?
Yes, pothos can be propagated from stem cuttings. To propagate pothos from stem cuttings, follow these steps:
Choose a healthy stem that is about 4-6 inches long and has several leaves or buds.
Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a diagonal cut just below a node.
Remove any leaves or buds from the lower half of the cutting.
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone, which can be purchased at a garden center or online. This will help stimulate root growth.
Plant the cutting in soil or water, making sure that the cut end is buried and the leaves or buds are above the soil line.
Water the soil or keep the water level consistent in the container, and place the cutting in a warm, bright location, but out of direct sunlight.
It may take several weeks or even a few months for roots to form. You can check for roots by gently tugging on the base of the cutting. If it resists, it has likely rooted. Once the cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into your garden.
By following these steps, you should be able to successfully propagate pothos from stem cuttings.
How long does a pothos live for?
Pothos plants (Epipremnum aureum) are generally long-lived and can thrive for many years with proper care. They are relatively low-maintenance plants that are well-suited to life as houseplants, and they can also be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates.
Pothos plants can grow to be quite large, with vines that can reach up to 10 feet or more in length. They are known for their attractive, heart-shaped leaves that are typically variegated with shades of green, yellow, and white.
To keep your pothos plant healthy and long-lived, be sure to provide it with bright, indirect light and well-draining soil. Water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize the plant every month or two during the growing season with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Pothos plants are also prone to pests, such as aphids and mealybugs, so be sure to keep an eye out for any signs of infestation and treat them as needed.
With proper care, your pothos plant can live for many years and provide you with long-lasting beauty and enjoyment.
Conclusion: How To Propagate Pothos
In conclusion, propagating pothos plants from stem cuttings is a simple and rewarding process that can allow you to grow new plants from existing ones. By following a few basic steps, you can successfully propagate pothos and add more of these beautiful, low-maintenance plants to your collection.
With proper care, it may take several weeks or even a few months for roots to form. You can check for roots by gently tugging on the base of the cutting. If it resists, it has likely rooted. Once the cutting has rooted, you can transplant it into a larger pot or into your garden.
By following these steps, you can enjoy the beauty and ease of pothos plants in your home or garden. Happy propagating!
Do you already have pothos in your home? Did you propagate pothos in your home using this guide? How has been your experience with pothos propagation? Please let us know in the comments section below, we would love to hear from you!
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