Think Hilton Carter or Plant Queen. If you love an indoor jungle meets tropical oasis, then you need to know how to grow pothos. Beautiful climbing plants are key to aesthetics, and pothos vines are one of the best houseplants to create the look. What's more, pothos is a great climbing plant for beginners as it's easy to care for. This plant species generally thrives in low light conditions and can tolerate some neglect. Overall, it's easy to care for and even therapeutic when it comes to caring for your plants.
But how do you get started propagating a pothos? To further hone your pothos growing skills, we spoke to some plant pros. “Pothos is one of the easiest plants to propagate, and you can propagate it by inserting a stem in water or soil,” says Vladan Nikolic, plant expert and author of Mr. Houseplant. So whether you're just looking to add a few new houseplants here and there or want to create a full-on jungle indoors, follow our guide below to get started on your pothos propagation journey.
What you need to grow a pothos
A healthy pothos plant Pruning shears or scissors A container to hold water Potting soil A container with drainage holes
Propagating pothos is an easy DIY project.
Photo: Crystal Bolin/Getty Images
Step 1: Cut the existing pothos vines
Most plant propagation is started from a healthy stem of an existing plant, and pothos is no different. Start by finding a pothos stem with at least two or three full-sized, dark leaves. Avoid stems with yellowing leaves or new leaves just beginning to grow. Cutting the vine when leaves are still growing can put undue stress on the stem, making it harder for roots to sprout.
Where should I cut my pothos to grow more?
The stem you choose should have several nodes (the little bumps where roots will eventually emerge). “When propagating a pothos, make sure to cut just below a node,” says Autumn Hilliard Knapp, marketing coordinator and horticulturist at Perfect Plants Nursery. Use pruning shears or scissors to make the cut. “Nodes are important because these are where the plant will grow new roots, so look for healthy stems with several nodes for successful propagation.”
Step 2: Place the cutting in water or soil
Option 1: Propagating Pothos in Water
Once you have chosen the right stem, immerse the pothos cutting in a glass of water, making sure the leaves are above the water surface. This will give it all the nutrients it needs. “We recommend growing pothos in water and a glass container,” says Alfred Palomares, vice president of merchandising at 1-800-Flowers. “Keep the container in a location that receives bright or moderate indirect light so it can root.” Bright direct sunlight will help your new cuttings take root faster. Remember to change the water every few days to keep the plant in the right amount of minerals it needs to grow. Changing the water regularly also inhibits the growth of bacteria that can harm the plant.
Option 2: Propagating Pothos in Soil
If you don't want to grow it in water, you can grow it in soil instead. “Plant parents can cut the stem using the same steps as growing it in water,” says Palomares. Then, place the cutting in well-draining soil in a container with drainage holes. This allows water to move freely through the soil and prevents root rot. “Growing pothos in soil increases the odds of successful root development,” says Hilliard-Knapp. “Using a well-draining potting soil and keeping it constantly moist will encourage root growth.”
Step 3: Plant the rooted cutting in soil
If you grow it in water, you should transfer it to soil once it's rooted — that is, when you see at least 2 to 3 inches of new roots. Use well-draining soil and a small pot with drainage holes. After watering, move it back to the same spot with bright or moderate indirect sunlight. For the first week or two, you'll need to water it regularly to keep the soil evenly moist. Nikolic recommends watering it every other day.
FAQ
If you still have questions about propagating pothos, consider the following frequently asked questions.
Pothos vines can add a jungle feel to your interior.
Photo: Eveven Z/Getty Images
Are some pothos varieties more difficult to propagate than others?
In general, most types of pothos are easy to propagate. “Certain varieties, such as golden pothos, are known for being especially easy to propagate because they grow vigorously and tolerate a variety of conditions,” adds Hilliard-Knapp. “These varieties are great for beginners because they often root quickly and easily.” Popular houseplants like neon pothos and marble queen pothos are also easy to propagate.
However, some varieties can be a bit trickier to grow at home. “Varieties like the Harlequin Pothos can be more difficult to grow because they have distinctive variegated leaves, less chlorophyll, and are somewhat delicate,” says Lauren Landers of Zero Waste Homestead.
Is it better to grow pothos in water or soil?
As you're probably aware, pothos can be grown in either water or soil. Both methods work, but each has their pros and cons. Water is appealing because it allows you to visually watch the pothos' roots grow. “Water growing is easier for beginners,” Nikolic points out. “You don't have to worry about watering or humidity,” and “water growing is faster than soil growing.”
But growing it in water runs the risk of killing your pothos when you eventually repot it in potting soil, Nikolic says. That's why it's important to water your pothos every other day at this point for the first week. This will ensure the plant has enough water when you transfer it to soil for the plant's final propagation stage.