Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy, is one of the easiest and most rewarding houseplants to propagate. If you’ve been wondering exactly where to cut pothos to propagate in water, this guide will walk you through everything step by step—so you can grow thriving new plants for free.
Why Propagate Pothos in Water?
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Beginner-friendly & straightforward – you only need clean water and scissors.
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Visually appealing – pothos cuttings look beautiful in a glass jar as roots grow.
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Fast growth – roots usually develop within 2–4 weeks.
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Cost-effective – multiply your plants without buying new ones.
The Anatomy of a Pothos Vine (Know Before Cutting)
To propagate successfully, you need to understand the key parts of a pothos vine:
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Leaf Node – the small bump or joint on the vine where a leaf and aerial root emerge.
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Internode – the section of the stem between two nodes.
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Aerial Root – a tiny brown nub that develops into roots when placed in water.
Rule #1: Always cut just below a node because this is where new roots will sprout.
Step-by-Step: Where and How to Cut Pothos for Water Propagation
1. Choose a Healthy Vine
Pick a vine with at least 3–4 healthy leaves. Avoid stems that are yellowing, wilted, or damaged.
2. Locate the Node
Find a leaf node with a small aerial root nub. This is your root growth point.
3. Make the Cut
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Use sterilized scissors or pruning shears.
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Cut the stem ¼ inch below the node.
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Each cutting should have 1–2 leaves and at least one node.
Do not cut between nodes only. Roots will not grow from internodes.
4. Trim Excess Leaves
If your cutting has many leaves, remove the lower ones. Too many leaves can drain energy and cause rot in water.
5. Place in Water
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Place the cutting in a clean glass jar, ensuring the node is submerged while the leaves remain above the water.
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Use room-temperature, chlorine-free water.
Aftercare: Helping Your Cuttings Root
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Change the water every 3–4 days to prevent bacterial growth.
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Keep in bright, indirect sunlight (not direct sun).
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Be patient—roots usually appear in 1–2 weeks and can grow 2–3 inches within a month.
Once the roots are a few inches long, you can transfer the cuttings to soil or leave them in water for long-term storage.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Cutting too far from a node – no node = no roots.
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Leaving leaves underwater – this causes rot.
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Using dirty or stagnant water – always keep it fresh.
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Low-light placement slows rooting and weakens the cutting.
FAQs About Cutting Pothos for Water Propagation
1. Can you propagate pothos without a node?
No, roots only grow from nodes. Cutting just a leaf will not work.
2. How many nodes should be in one cutting?
At least one, but 2–3 nodes increase success.
3. Should I use rooting hormone in water?
Not necessary—pothos roots easily in water without it.
4. How long can a pothos live in water?
Indefinitely! Just change water regularly and add liquid fertilizer every few weeks.
5. When should I transfer pothos cuttings to soil?
Once roots reach 2–4 inches, you can pot them in soil for stronger long-term growth.
Final Thoughts
To successfully propagate pothos in water, always cut just below a node and ensure that the node stays submerged. With proper care, your cutting will sprout roots in just a few weeks, giving you a brand-new pothos plant to enjoy or share.
Water propagation is one of the most satisfying plant projects—simple, beautiful, and effective. Try it once, and you’ll never want to stop multiplying your pothos collection!
