Pothos, botanically known as Epipremnum aureum, is a beautiful and easy-to-grow houseplant that is perfect for anyone at any gardening level. This is my favorite plant to give as a gift to new gardeners just because it is so easy to care for. Not to mention how easy it is to propagate a pothos houseplant. Pothos are notoriously difficult to kill, so even if you’re not a particularly experienced gardener, you should be able to propagate your own pothos plant successfully.

This pretty plant is known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, which make it a great addition to any indoor space. Pothos plants are also very forgiving and can tolerate low light levels and even brief periods of drought. As long as you provide your pothos with some basic care, it will thrive in your home for many years!

What is propagation and why do it?

Plant propagation is the process of creating new plants from existing ones. It can be done through seed, cutting, or division. Propagating plants is a great way to expand your plant collection without having to go to the nursery and buy new plants.

It is also a way to create clones of your favorite plants. Cloning ensures that the new plant will have the same traits as the parent plant. This can be useful if you want to create a hedge or other plant features that require identical plants.

Finally, propagating plants can save money. Rather than buying new plants every year, you can propagate the ones you already have. This also helps to reduce waste since you are not discarding the old plant material. plant propagation is a simple and efficient way to grow your plant collection without breaking the bank.

I love to propagate pothos and other houseplants and give them as gifts in cute pots.

How to propagate a pothos Houseplant in water

Propagating a pothos plant is a simple process that can be done in water It is so easy to have success and this will fuel your confidence to try more plants.

Pothos are best propagated in the spring or summer when they’re actively growing. Look for a healthy stem with at least two nodes (the bumpy bits where leaves emerge).

Using a sharp knife or shears, carefully cut the stem at a 45-degree angle just below a node. Remove any leaves that will touch the water, leaving at least one to two leaves at the top of the stem.

Place the stem in a glass of water and set it in a bright spot out of direct sunlight.

Within a few weeks, you should see roots emerging from the nodes. Once the roots are 3-4 inches long, you can pot them up in lightweight potting soil. Water the soil well and place the pot where the plant is acclimated to its new home.

Common mistakes people make when propagating pothos plants

Yes, propagating a pothos plant is incredibly easy, but there are a few things to watch out for. By following these tips, you can avoid common mistakes and give your propagated plant the best chance of success.

– Not using fresh cuttings: When propagating, it’s important to use fresh cuttings from healthy plants. Cuttings that are too old or from unhealthy plants are less likely to take root.

Not using a clean knife or cutting shears: Never take a cutting from any plant without first disinfecting your cutting tool. Wipe scissors or pruning blade with apple cider vinegar before cutting.

– Not providing enough light: Most plants need plenty of light to grow, and propagated plants are no exception. Make sure to place your propagated pothos plant in a spot where it will get plenty of bright, indirect light.

Not starting with a healthy parent plant: Start with healthy, disease-free plant cuttings. This will give you the best chance of success. Before you propagate, assess your plant to make sure it is healthy enough.

-Not changing container water daily: It is essential that you provide fresh water daily for your pothos cutting. If bacteria begin to grow in your propagation container, it could interfere with propagation success.

Propagating a pothos Houseplant in sphagnum moss

A garden friend recently introduced me to another super fun way to propagate photos plants in moss. Here’s how to do it.

  • Submerge a handful of clean sphagnum moss in water for at least 30 minutes.
  • Use a pair of clean scissors or a knife to take a cutting from the mother pothos plant. Follow the rules outlined above for taking the cutting.
  • Remove the moss from the water and squeeze it to remove any excess water. At this point, the moss should be moist but not soaking wet.
  • Place some moss in a glass container and place the cutting on the moss. Makes sure the bottom of the stem with the nodes is completely covered with the moss, and the remaining leaves are above the moss. Add more moss if necessary to cover nodes fully.
  • Press the moss gently around the nodes and keep it moist
  • It takes a couple of weeks before roots start to grow.
  • Once your cutting has roots that are 3 inches long, pot it in moist potting soil and place it in a location where it will get bright, indirect light.
  • Keep the plant moist for the first several weeks.

Remember the golden rule

Now that you know all there is to know about propagating pothos plants, it’s time to get started. Just remember the golden rule of propagation: take only what you need from the mother plant so she can continue to thrive. When in doubt, err on the side of too little rather than too much. Propagate your own plants and enjoy watching them grow!

Happy Growing,

Hi There! Susan Here 🌱

(aka the Earthen Mamma)

As a Certified Health Coach, Master Gardener, and Author, my goal is to equip and inspire you to live the healthy and sustainable life you deserve.

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