Pothos (Epipremnum aureum), also known as Devil’s Ivy, is one of the most beginner-friendly houseplants — and it’s incredibly easy to propagate. Whether you want to expand your collection, gift new plants to friends, or save a leggy vine, learning how to propagate pothos is a valuable skill.
In this complete guide, you’ll learn everything about pothos propagation, including water and soil methods, node identification, rooting time, aftercare, common mistakes, and even advanced techniques like LECA and moss propagation.
What Is Propagation?
Propagation means creating new plants from an existing one. In pothos, it’s typically done by cutting a piece of vine and encouraging it to grow new roots. This process is asexual reproduction, meaning the new plant is a clone of the original.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Pothos Vine (Key Entities)
Before cutting, you must understand how a pothos vine grows:
Node: The small bump where leaves, roots, or aerial roots emerge. Roots only grow from nodes.
Internode: The smooth stem area between two nodes — avoid cutting here.
Aerial roots: Tiny root nubs near the nodes. They often sprout into full roots during propagation.
Leaf Petiole: The small stem connecting the leaf to the vine.
Main vine: The long trailing stem where all the above parts grow.
What You Need to Propagate Pothos (Tools & Setup)
Make sure to gather:
Healthy pothos vine (non-diseased, well-hydrated)
Sharp, sterile scissors or pruning shears
Clear glass jar or propagation station (for water method)
Well-draining potting mix (for soil method)
Small nursery pot with drainage
Rooting hormone (optional but helpful)
Filtered/distilled water (especially for water propagation)
Humidity dome or plastic bag (for soil cuttings)
Clean cloth or alcohol for sterilizing tools
Method 1: Propagating Pothos in Water (Beginner-Friendly)
This is the most common and visible method to propagate pothos in water:
Step-by-Step Guide:
Choose a Healthy Vine
Pick a vine with 4–6 leaves and no visible pests or disease.Locate the Node
Cut ½ inch below the node. Each cutting should have:1–2 leaves
At least one node (no node = no roots)
Remove Lower Leaves
Remove leaves near the node to prevent rotting in water.Place in Water
Use a clean, clear jar. Submerge the node only — not the leaves.Provide Light & Warmth
Place in bright, indirect sunlight — not direct sun. Ideal temperature: 18–24°C (65–75°F).Change Water Every 3–5 Days
Prevent bacteria buildup. Use room-temperature filtered water.Wait for Root Growth
Roots usually appear in 7–14 days.
Wait until roots are 2–3 inches long before transferring to soil.
(Optional) Transfer to Soil
Transplant into a pot with loose, well-draining potting mix. Water lightly.
Tip: You can keep pothos in water permanently if you add liquid nutrients monthly.
Method 2: Propagating Pothos in Soil (Longer-Term Growth)
Soil propagation is preferred if you want to skip the transplant step later.
Step-by-Step:
Prepare Cuttings Same as the Water Method
Ensure each cutting has a node and at least 1 leaf.Dip in Rooting Hormone (Optional)
Speeds up rooting and reduces rot risk.Plant in Soil
Insert the cutting node into moist potting mix. Use small nursery pots for best results.Create a Humid Microclimate
Cover with a loose plastic bag to trap moisture, like a DIY humidity dome.Place in Bright, Indirect Light
Keep the pot warm (18–24°C). Avoid cold drafts and hot sun.Water Sparingly
Keep soil moist but not soggy. Overwatering leads to rot.Monitor Rooting
Gently tug after 3–4 weeks. Resistance = roots are growing.
Advanced Propagation Methods
1. LECA (Clay Pebbles)
Offers excellent aeration and water control
Ideal for advanced plant keepers
Requires rinsing and fertilization
2. Sphagnum Moss
Moisture-retentive medium
Wrap around nodes and keep in humidity dome
High success rate for rare or variegated pothos
3. Propagation Box
DIY or commercial plastic boxes with high humidity
Can propagate multiple cuttings at once
Excellent for faster rooting in batches
What to Do After Roots Form
Once roots are 2–3 inches long:
Transplant to a small pot with drainage
Use well-aerated soil (60% potting mix, 30% perlite, 10% coco coir is idal)
Water lightly until the plant adjusts
Avoid fertilizer for the first 4 weeks post-transplant
Common Pothos Propagation Mistakes
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Cutting above the node | No roots will form |
| Dirty scissors | Can infect the plant |
| Leaving leaves in water | Leads to rot |
| Direct sunlight | Burns leaves, causes algae |
| Overwatering in soil | Root rot risk |
| Using chlorinated tap water | Can slow or stop rooting |
FAQs (Structured to Match Google’s PAA Box)
Can pothos be propagated without a node?
No. Pothos can only grow roots from nodes. If you cut between nodes, it won’t root.
How long does pothos take to propagate?
In water: 7–14 days to see roots
In soil: 3–4 weeks to establish
LECA/moss: 10–20 days, depending on humidity and warmth
Should I use rooting hormone on pothos cuttings?
It’s optional. Pothos roots easily, but rooting hormone can help in cold or dry environments.
Can pothos grow in water forever?
Yes — with occasional liquid nutrients, good light, and water changes, pothos can live in water permanently.
Why aren’t my pothos cuttings rooting?
Check for:
No node on the cutting
Dirty water or poor light
Cold temps
Stale water or bacterial growth
Conclusion
Propagating pothos is an easy and rewarding process — whether you’re a first-time plant parent or an experienced gardener. By understanding nodes, choosing the right propagation method, and maintaining proper light and humidity, you can multiply your pothos into a lush indoor jungle.
So grab those scissors, find a healthy vine, and start your propagation journey today.
