(4 Success Steps) When & How to Propagate Pothos in Water?

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Key Takeaways	Why It Matters
The simplest way to multiply your pothos	Transform one vine into many without special tools
The secret to ensuring quick root growth	Avoid common mistakes that slow down propagation
Water vs. Soil: Which is better?	Discover the pros and cons before choosing your method
The little-known trick to keeping water-grown pothos thriving	How to propagate pothos in water? Many struggle with this—get it right from start
How to transition pothos to soil without shock	One simple step makes all the difference

Basics – What is Pothos Propagation

Pothos (botanically known as Epipremnum aureum) is a popular houseplant that is cherished for its trailing, heart-shaped leaves & minimal care requirements. One key advantage of growing pothos is its ease of propagation (process of growing new plants from existing plant parts).

Pothos can be propagated both in soil & water but the latter method has gained widespread popularity due to its simplicity. Also propagating pothos in water allows you to clearly visualize root growth process which can be an exciting sight especially for gardening beginners.

Pothos propagation transforms a single vine into multiple independent plants without demanding sophisticated gardening equipment or techniques. Getting a fresh plant merely by snipping off an attractive strand from your existing pothos seems like quite a magical feat for many novices!

propagation of pothos in water (hydroponic growth) — Photo credits – Thebhullar

In essence, each leaf node site on a healthy potho vine holds essential cells responsible for new root growth when set under appropriate conditions.

As per research conducted at University of Florida,

‘Epipremnum pinnatum ‘Aureum’ (Golden Pothos) propagates readily from cuttings.’

It buttresses how effortless but exciting this propagation process can turn out to be!

Joanna Silver Lipsky, a former professional horticulturist notes that –

‘With some basic knowledge about how plants grow & reproduce themselves…even beginners can successfully multiply their favorite houseplants through simple techniques.’

4 Necessary Tools for Successful Pothos Propagation

Propagating pothos doesn’t demand any high-tech gardening tools. Just a few basic ones would suffice! You will need:

Equipment	Purpose	Notes
Sharp Pruning Shears or Scissors	To make clean cuts on mother plant for propagation	Ensure tools are sanitized to prevent disease transmission Cleanliness is paramount
Glass Jar or Vase	Serves as a water medium for cuttings to develop roots	A transparent container aids in monitoring root growth progression with ease There is no defined size for this container You may opt for anything from standard mason jars to tall vases based on your aesthetic preferences & spatial constraints
Filtered or Spring Water	Provides a chlorine-free environment conducive to root development	Avoid using tap water owing to chlorine concentration which could potentially disrupt delicate root growth
Warm Location with Indirect Sunlight	Ensures optimal conditions for photosynthesis & root development	Bright but indirect sunlight aids healthy root & leaf growth

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Your Pothos Plant

After arranging all necessary tools, we can now move onto the key step of call-your-own pothos propagation i.e., cutting a suitable branch from mother plant!

Step	Description	Notes
Select Healthy Vine	Experts suggest choosing a healthy-looking green vine (approx 6″ long) bearing at minimum 2 leaf nodes where the leaf meets stem	Healthier stems ensure quicker rooting Avoid wilted leaves or fungal infections
Sanitize Pruning Tool	Use sanitized pruning shears or a knife to make a clean cut	Cleanliness is crucial to prevent disease transmission
Make the Cut	(Avoid Tearing) Cut selected vine just below a node, ensuring a clean & precise cut	A clean cut facilitates better rooting & reduces risk of disease

American Society for Horticultural Science advises that –

‘With pothos…cuttings will take five weeks maximum between preparation & transferring [them] into one gallon containers/pots. The actual time may vary depending on light, temperature & care conditions.’

This implies that attentively choosing a suitable vine if followed by an appropriate care regimen can resultantly gift you with fully established pothos plants just within few weeks!

when and how to propagate pothos in water — Photo credits – Edited by Plants Nexus

3 Steps: Preparing Your Water Medium for Pothos Propagation

Now as we move further into our mission ‘Potho Propagation’. Next comes preparing your chosen water medium before dunking these snipped stems into it!

Step	Description	Notes
Choose a Container	Select a transparent jar or vase & fill it with room temperature filtered or spring water	Transparency allows for easy monitoring of root development
Submerge the Nodes	Lee Reich, a horticulturist & author recommends – ‘Only immerse its cut-end into the water.’ Place cuttings into container, ensuring that nodes are submerged beneath water surface while keeping leaves above water	Avoid soaking leaves in water to prevent leaf rot
Position the Container	Sunny window sill (not direct sunlight though!) Place your container in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight to encourage root formation	Ideal conditions speed up root formation & plant growth

Step

Description

Notes

Choose a Container

Select a transparent jar or vase & fill it with room temperature filtered or spring water

Transparency allows for easy monitoring of root development

Submerge the Nodes

Lee Reich, a horticulturist & author recommends –

‘Only immerse its cut-end into the water.’

Place cuttings into container, ensuring that nodes are submerged beneath water surface while keeping leaves above water

Avoid soaking leaves in water to prevent leaf rot

Position the Container

Sunny window sill (not direct sunlight though!)
Place your container in a warm location with bright, indirect sunlight to encourage root formation

Ideal conditions speed up root formation & plant growth

Monitoring Growth of Roots & Caring for Your Propagated Pothos

Post initial set-up, you have essentially completed your role in pothos propagation! Now, you have to monitor & provide essential care that the roots need:

Step	Description	Notes
Observe Root Development	After a few weeks, visible nubs followed by white roots will start emerging from nodes	Rooting generally initiates within a few weeks
Maintain Water Quality	Regularly change water weekly to prevent algae or bacterial growth which can lethally affect baby roots	To prevent root damage, Royal Horticultural Society suggests that – ‘Regular changes of water…will help prevent any problems.’
Provide Optimal Conditions	Ensure consistent warm temperatures & diffused bright light	Consistent warmth & indirect light are crucial for robust growth

Step

Description

Notes

Observe Root Development

After a few weeks, visible nubs followed by white roots will start emerging from nodes

Rooting generally initiates within a few weeks

Maintain Water Quality

Regularly change water weekly to prevent algae or bacterial growth which can lethally affect baby roots

To prevent root damage, Royal Horticultural Society suggests that –

‘Regular changes of water…will help prevent any problems.’

Provide Optimal Conditions

Ensure consistent warm temperatures & diffused bright light

Consistent warmth & indirect light are crucial for robust growth

4 Steps: When & How to Move Pothos from Water to Soil

Transferring water-rooted pothos to soil requires right timing & care to ensure a smooth transition. Rushing the process can weaken plant while proper preparation sets it up for strong growth.

Follow these essential steps to successfully move your pothos from water to soil:

Step	Description	Notes
Wait for Sufficient Root Growth	Beginners ask, ‘When is an apt timing for transitioning these newly-rooted pothos cuttings onto potting soil?’ Experts advise allowing roots to reach approximately 2 inches (5cm approximately) in length before transferring to soil	Premature transfer may lead to plant failure due to insufficient root establishment The University of Florida’s IFAS Extension suggests – “Pothos can be easily propagated by cuttings…Once roots are well developed (2 or more inches long), the cutting may be potted”.
Prepare Potting Soil	Use a high-quality general-purpose houseplant mix	A well-draining mix ensures healthy root development
Transplant the Cutting	Gently place rooted cuttings into a new pot & backfill with soil, ensuring that mesh of baby white roots is entirely secured underground	Handle roots carefully to avoid damage during transplantation
Post-Transplant Care	Maintain consistently moist soil (avoid sogginess) & provide bright & indirect light	Proper care post-transplantation encourages a smooth transition & robust growth

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I keep my pothos in water forever?

Yes! Pothos can live in water indefinitely. It needs regular water changes & occasional liquid fertilizer. Keep water clean & free of chlorine.

How long does it take for pothos to root in water?

Roots start forming within 2 weeks & fully develop in about 5 weeks.

Where do you cut pothos to propagate?

Cut just below a node on a healthy six-inch vine with at least two leaf nodes. Use sharp & clean tools to ensure a smooth cut.

Is it better to propagate pothos in water or soil?

Water propagation is easier & allows you to monitor root growth while soil propagation is stronger & faster.

What fertilizer to use for pothos in water?

Use diluted liquid fertilizer with balanced nutrients once a month. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent root damage.

Will pothos regrow after cutting?

Yes! Cutting promotes new growth. Trim above a node to encourage branching & create a fuller plant.

Do pothos grow slower in water?

Yes! They grow slower in water due to limited nutrients.