How to Propagate Pothos Plants from Cuttings
Pothos is an ideal houseplant for novice gardeners, as it requires minimal care and is easy to propagate. This vining indoor plant has heart-shaped leaves that are often mistaken for philodendron, and can be grown like a vine. With its low-maintenance nature, pothos plants make an excellent addition to any home or office setting.
Propagating Pothos from a Vine
If you want to propagate your pothos from a vine, the process is simple. Start by burying a single vine in soil and adding water. Roots will form within just a few weeks, so make sure to keep the soil moist during this time.
Re-growing Leaves on Old Stems
However, it is not possible for pothos plants to re-grow leaves on old stems. If your plant loses a lot of leaves, you can give it an attractive look with long pieces of stem with no leaves. In this case, I suggest cutting that branch back to allow the plant to grow back bushier.
Cutting and Replanting Pothos Vine
To cut pothos vines and replant, use a pair of sharp and sterile shears or scissors. When taking the stems from your mother plant, make sure there are at least three to four nodes in each cutting – these are the small bumps on the stem where leaves and aerial roots grow. On the cuttings, they are also the place where new roots will develop.
You can then place the stem cuttings in water or soil to start propagating. In the event that you snip the vine right next to a node, it will send out new growth in the form of multiple branches. It is possible to do this to any branch, regardless of its length.
How to Prevent Pothos from Becoming Leggy
If your pothos has become leggy and viney, it could be a sign that the plant is not receiving enough sunlight. Insufficient light is the main reason for your pothos getting leggy. Pothos need bright indirect sunlight to thrive. If the plant is growing in a shaded area, it will send out long vines in search of a better light source.
To prevent your pothos from becoming too viney and encourage full foliage growth, follow these steps:
Ensure that your pothos receives adequate lighting conditions. Place the pot near a window where it can get bright indirect light or use artificial lighting sources like LED grow lights or fluorescent bulbs with timers to ensure proper illumination throughout the day.
Maintain a humidity level of at least 40%. Low humidity is another common cause of pothos leaves turning brown and crispy. Misting your pothos regularly or placing it near a humidifier can help improve the plant’s environment and raise its humidity levels.
Check for signs of bacterial wilt. If the stems of your pothos plant are turning black, it could be a sign that the plant is infected with bacterial wilt. Bacterial wilt affects the veins in the leaves and stems of pothos plants, causing them to turn black. If you suspect that your plant is infected with bacterial wilt, it’s important to take immediate action to prevent further damage.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your pothos remains healthy and vibrant.
Training Pothos Plants to Climb and Hang
Pothos plants are versatile and can be trained to climb or hang. Here are some tips to help you achieve the desired look for your pothos plant:
Hanging Pothos Plants
- Wrap the plant stems around a chain using a small nail or pushpin.
- Hang the plant support on the wall.
- Place the plant pot underneath it.
- To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the stems frequently. Cut them close to a node to send out new growth in the form of multiple branches.
Climbing Pothos Plants
- Plant the pothos vines at the base of the tree.
- Secure them with garden staples to ensure they stay in place.
- Wait for a few months for the aerial roots to make contact with the trunk of the tree.
- Your pothos should attach itself and start climbing on its own.
- To encourage bushier growth, pinch back the stems frequently. Cut them close to a node to send out new growth in the form of multiple branches.
By following these steps, you can train your pothos plant to climb or hang and create a fuller-looking plant with plenty of foliage.
Pruning Your Pothos for Fuller Growth
- To prune your pothos, you can cut back the stem at the end of a vine.
- When you cut the end of a pothos vine, a new vine will grow from the node where the leaf meets the vine.
- Avoid leaving any leafless vines as they typically won’t grow back.
If you want to enhance your pothos’ appearance, try pinching off some leaves from higher up on the stems. This will encourage multiple branches to form and give your plant fuller foliage growth than just cutting it back at its base or top growth areas. However, be careful not to over-prune as this could damage or stunt its growth and make it look unsightly.
It’s important to use sterilized scissors or shears when pruning any houseplant, such as a pothos, to avoid introducing bacteria into its delicate ecosystem and causing disease problems down the line.
How to Water Pothos for Optimal Growth
In addition to pruning, watering your pothos correctly is also an important part of its maintenance. Here are some tips to help you water your pothos for optimal growth:
How Often to Water Pothos
- Water your pothos every 1-2 weeks.
- Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
- Adjust watering frequency based on the amount of light the plant receives. More water is needed in brighter light and less in lower light.
Signs of Overwatering and Underwatering
- Overwatered pothos will have yellowing leaves and black stems.
- Underwatered pothos will be wilting and their potting mix will become dry.
Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on the moisture level in the soil as well as observe how the plant looks overall to make sure that it’s getting enough – but not too much – water. The best way to determine whether your pothos needs additional watering is by sticking your finger into the potting mix up to about half an inch deep – if it feels dry at this depth then you should give it some more hydration until moist but not soggy.
Growing Pothos in Water
Contrary to popular belief, pothos do not like to sit in water. Even though their leaves can be submerged in water for a short period of time, they do best when grown above water so that they can get the air circulation they need.
However, it is possible to grow pothos in water for an extended period of time. The same rules apply as if you were growing them in potting soil – the plant will do just fine if it gets enough water and nutrition.
The best way to do this is by bottom watering, which helps to prevent leaf spots from splashing water, much like jade plants. Bottom watering ensures spot prevention and good soil hydration for your pothos.