3 Ways to Propagate a Pothos Plant

Pothos (Epipremnum varieties) is known for being one of the lowest maintenance houseplants around. Not only is this beautiful vining plant easy to care for, it's also extremely easy to propagate. Simply take stem cuttings and place them in soil, water, and even sphagnum moss, and you can grow multiple baby plants from one mother plant. The medium you choose is up to you, but no matter which one you opt for, the process is straightforward enough for gardeners of all skill levels.

When to Propagate a Pothos Plant

Spring and summer are the best times to propagate most houseplants, including pothos. "This is their active growing season," says Linda Langelo, horticulture specialist at Colorado State University. "When you take cuttings from the mother plant, its regrowth is more successful in spring or summer."

How to Propagate a Pothos Plant in Soil From Stem Cuttings

Propagating pothos in soil from stem cuttings is generally the easiest and most successful method, says Melinda Myers, gardening expert and host of the Great Courses How to Grow Anything DVD series. You can stick several cuttings in one container. The cuttings should form roots in several weeks.

1. Using a pair of sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors, take a 3- to 4-inch cutting of a leafy stem. The cut can be made from the tip of the stem or any section as long as the end that was closest to the soil is the one stuck in the potting media.
2. Remove the lowest leaf. This area is called a node and is where the roots will form.
3. Optional: Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to increase rooting success.
4. Fill a small pot with a well-drained potting mix.
5. Stick the cut end of the stem in the mix.
6. Set the pot in a plastic bag, leaving the top open to increase humidity.
7. Water well and place in a bright location away from direct sunlight.
   

How to Propagate a Pothos Plant in Water

Propagating pothos in water is the quickest way to do it, but it produces weaker roots, says Langelo. With this method, you should begin to see roots growing within a couple of weeks.

1. Using a pair of sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors, take stem cuttings from the mother plant. Make sure each cutting has at least 3 to 4 nodes. 
2. Remove the bottom leaves from the cuttings, ensuring you leave at least one to two leaves at the top of each cutting.
3. Fill a small container with water.
4. Place the stem cuttings in the water, making sure to keep any leaves above the surface of the water and the nodes on the stem submerged. 
5. Change the water once a week to keep it fresh.
6. Once the cuttings have roots that are at least 2 to 3 inches long, they can be moved from water to soil.
7. Plant the cuttings in a small pot with drainage holes and well-drained potting mix.
8. Water well and place in a bright location with indirect sunlight.
9. Keep the soil evenly moist for the first one to two weeks to help the roots acclimate to the soil.

How to Propagate a Pothos Plant in Sphagnum Moss

Pothos can also be propagated in sphagnum moss, which is often used when growing orchids and succulents. Propagation with sphagnum moss is more challenging than other mediums, but it is still relatively straightforward.

1. Soak sphagnum moss in water for about 15 to 20 minutes since it is usually dry when purchased.
2. Wring out the moss so it is damp like a sponge.
3. Set the moss in a container.
4. Using a pair of sharp, sterilized pruning shears or scissors, take a 3- to 4-inch cutting of a leafy stem.
5. Remove the lowest leaf.
6. Stick the cut end of the stem in the moss.
7. Keep the moss moist but not soggy wet, and place it in a bright location away from direct sunlight.