Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) are not only low-maintenance houseplants, they’re also among the simplest plants to propagate. Propagating pothos is an enjoyable, inexpensive way to turn a single plant into many, while keeping the parent plant healthy and full. With basic household tools you can produce numerous new plants for yourself or to give away—no special skills required.
The propagation techniques below work for most pothos varieties (often called Devil’s Ivy). If you want more detail about specific types, look for guides on popular varieties like golden pothos, neon pothos, and Marble Queen pothos.
- Golden pothos
- Neon pothos
- Marble Queen pothos
Why Propagate Your Pothos
Propagation isn’t only for experienced plant owners—it’s an accessible project for beginners and a practical way to get more from the plants you already have. Benefits include:
- Low risk: Pothos root easily, so attempts often succeed with minimal effort.
- Practically free: You usually need only a few household items to get started.
- Healthier plants: Pruning encourages new growth and helps the parent plant stay vigorous.
- Less waste: Cuttings get reused instead of discarded.
- Save money: Grow new plants instead of buying them.
- Great gifts: Propagated cuttings make thoughtful, low-cost presents.
- Fuller pots: Planting cuttings back with the parent plant creates a denser, more attractive display.
Propagation is also satisfying to watch as roots form and new growth appears.
The Best Time To Propagate Pothos
Spring and summer, during the plant’s active growing season, offer the best success rates for propagation. Cuttings started then typically root faster. You can still propagate in fall and winter, but root development may be slower or less reliable. During colder months we often skip new water propagations and tuck pruned vines back into the parent plant’s soil; sometimes they root in place and help the pot look fuller.
Even if you try in the cooler months and it doesn’t take, the process still helps shape and refresh the parent plant.
Tools & Supplies
- Pruning snips or sharp scissors
- Clear glass containers or jars
- Well-draining potting soil
- Nursery pots with drainage holes
- Rooting hormone (optional)
Where to Cut a Pothos for Propagation
Cut just below a leaf node. Nodes are the small rounded bumps on the vine where leaves or aerial roots emerge—these are the points that produce new roots during propagation. Each node can become a separate plant.
Choose a healthy vine with active growth and try to leave at least one-third of the vine on the parent plant. You can take short sections with one or two nodes or longer sections with several nodes depending on how many new plants you want.
We often prune vines that are too long or leggy, then use the lower sections for propagation. For bare nodes, some people use growth paste to encourage leaf formation on old nodes.
How To Propagate Pothos In Water
Water propagation is popular because it lets you watch roots develop. It’s simple and rewarding—usually our first choice for starting cuttings.
Step 1: Take a Stem Cutting
Using clean, sharp scissors or snips, cut a healthy section of vine about 1 cm below a node. You can leave the cutting whole or separate it between nodes to create multiple starters. Ensure each cutting has at least one leaf.
Tip: Disinfect tools between cuts with rubbing alcohol to reduce disease risk.
In the example above, three top nodes are propagated individually while the lower section is used as one piece.
Step 2: Remove Bottom Leaves
Remove leaves from nodes that will sit below the water line. Submerged leaves rot and can foul the water, so keep leaves above the surface.
Step 3: Place Cuttings In Water
Fill clear glass containers with room-temperature water and submerge the nodes you want to root, keeping leaves above water. Clear vessels make it easier to watch root growth and monitor water clarity. Place containers in bright, indirect light; a sunny windowsill or bookshelf works well. Use a clothespin or clip if you need to keep cuttings in place.
Step 4: Monitor the Water
Top off the vessel as water evaporates and change the water if it becomes murky or green. Most of the time tap water is fine, and you’ll see roots forming in a couple of weeks to a month.
Step 5: Transfer Rooted Cuttings to Soil
Wait until roots are at least 2–3 inches long before planting in soil. Use a well-draining potting mix and a pot with drainage holes. After planting, water thoroughly and keep the soil consistently moist for the first few weeks while roots establish, then resume normal watering.
How To Propagate Pothos In Soil
Soil propagation skips the water stage, placing cuttings directly in moist potting mix. You won’t see the roots form as easily, but the method is straightforward and effective.
Step 1: Take a Stem Cutting
Cut a vine below a node with clean, sharp scissors and aim for a cutting that has 3–4 healthy leaves.
Step 2: Remove Bottom Leaves
Remove leaves from the lower 2–3 nodes so they can be buried in soil. The more nodes in contact with soil, the better the chances for strong root development.
Step 3: Plant In Soil
Fill a small nursery pot with moistened, well-draining potting mix. Plant the cutting so the nodes are buried and leaves remain above the soil. Gently pat the soil and use a pin or clip if needed to hold the cutting in place.
Multiple cuttings can share a pot, or you can tuck new cuttings into the same pot as the parent plant to create a fuller display, a technique often called “basketing.”
Step 4: Water Regularly
Place the pot in bright, indirect light and keep the soil consistently moist for several weeks while roots form. Avoid waterlogged pots—good drainage prevents root rot. Once the cutting shows healthy new growth, reduce watering to a normal schedule.
Other Pothos Propagation Methods
Propagating in Sphagnum Moss
Sphagnum moss holds moisture well and can be used like soil for propagation. Rehydrate dry moss, squeeze out excess water, and plant cuttings into the moist moss. Keep it damp until roots reach a couple inches, then transplant to potting mix.
Pothos Basketing
Basketing involves coiling long vines into the pot so several nodes touch the soil. Use pins or clips to hold vines in place. Over time nodes will root and the plant will appear fuller. This method rejuvenates leggy plants without creating separate pots.
Even if new roots take time, basketing immediately improves the plant’s appearance and long vines will regrow over time.
Where to Place Your Propagation Vessel
Position propagation vessels in bright, indirect light. While pothos tolerate low light, bright indirect light encourages root and leaf growth during propagation. Avoid prolonged direct sun that can overheat cuttings or speed evaporation. Keep cuttings away from drafts and air-conditioning vents, and place them somewhere you can easily check water levels and root progress.
How to Care For Pothos
After a propagated pothos has established in moist soil for a few weeks, care for it the same way you do the parent plant. Pothos prefer medium, indirect light but tolerate lower light conditions. Water thoroughly every 7–10 days, allowing the top layer of soil to dry between waterings. Avoid letting pots sit in standing water; good drainage prevents root problems. If you like, add a small layer of pebbles at the pot base to reduce the chance of excess water pooling.
More Plant Guides
If you want to expand your collection or knowledge, look for guides on propagating succulents, choosing low-light houseplants, and caring for other popular indoor plants.
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