- The main characteristics that make pothos a popular choice for propagation
- Different pothos propagation techniques, including water, soil, and division methods
- Step-by-step instructions to successfully propagate pothos from cuttings
- Tips for rooting, potting up, and caring for new pothos plants
- Common mistakes to avoid to ensure a healthy and thriving propagated plant
Introduction
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the most beloved houseplants in the world—and for good reason. Known for its striking foliage, easy-going temperament, and fast growth, pothos is an ideal plant for anyone looking to expand their indoor collection.
For hobbyists, small business owners, and plant enthusiasts alike, pothos propagation is an affordable and rewarding way to grow your greenery. Whether you’re planning to gift baby plants to friends or stock shelves in a boutique plant shop, knowing how to properly propagate pothos is a game-changer.
But success depends on using the right technique. One wrong snip or incorrect water setup can mean the difference between a thriving new plant and rot. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide for you.
↪ Read more about plant propagation in general at /propagation-plant-reproduction
Characteristics of Pothos
Popular Varieties
- Golden Pothos: Classic green leaves with yellow variegation
- Marble Queen: Stunning marbled white-and-green leaves
- Neon Pothos: Bright green chartreuse leaves with vibrant color
Ideal Growing Conditions
Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light, but they’re also known for their resilience in low-light environments. They prefer humidity but can tolerate dry spells, and they grow best in well-draining soil.
Why Propagate Pothos?
- Fast-rooting: Roots often emerge within 2-4 weeks.
- Tolerant: Cuttings adapt well to both water and soil propagation.
- Low-maintenance: Once rooted, plants require minimal care to thrive.
Propagation Methods
| Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Water Propagation | Easy to monitor roots | Needs transition to soil later |
| Soil Propagation | No need to transplant later | Hard to know when rooting has occurred |
| Division | Good for mature plants, fast multiplication | Requires fully rooted plant |
Step-by-Step Instructions
What You’ll Need
- Sharp scissors or pruning shears
- Clean glass jar (for water) or small nursery pot with drainage holes
- Fresh potting soil or clean water
- (Optional) Rooting hormone
How to Take a Cutting
- Identify a healthy vine with multiple leaves and nodes.
- Use sterile scissors to cut just below a node (the small bump where leaves or roots grow).
- Trim off the bottom 1–2 leaves to expose nodes for rooting.
Choosing Your Propagation Method
- Water: Place the cutting in a glass jar with nodes fully submerged. Change water every 3–5 days.
- Soil: Stick cuttings into pre-moistened soil. Keep the soil slightly damp but never soggy.
- (Optional) Create a humidity dome by placing a clear plastic bag over the container to encourage rooting.
Rooting and Potting Up
Water Propagation: When to Transfer
Roots should be at least 2–3 inches long before transferring to soil. This typically takes 2–4 weeks.
- Prepare a small pot with well-draining houseplant soil.
- Gently guide the roots into the soil and lightly pack around them.
- Water the plant, but avoid over-saturating the soil.
Soil Propagation: Rooting Signs
- New leaves emerging
- Cutting resists a gentle tug (indicating root development)
Best Practices for Potting
- Don’t compress the soil too tightly around the roots.
- Always use pots with drainage holes.
- Keep the new plant in a shaded, warm area for 1–2 weeks post-potting to help acclimate it.
Caring for Your Propagated Pothos
Light
- Provide bright, filtered light to encourage growth.
- Avoid direct sunlight, especially right after propagation.
Watering
- Keep soil lightly moist in the first few weeks. Do not overwater.
- After roots are established, switch to regular pothos watering (let top inch dry out).
Fertilizing
- Wait at least 1 month after potting up to start fertilizing.
- Use a diluted all-purpose houseplant fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during growing season.
Supporting Growth
- Use a moss pole or trellis for climbing pests, especially with vigorous growers like Golden Pothos.
- Prune occasionally to keep a bushy, fuller shape.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Dull tools: Can damage stems and introduce disease.
- Leaving in water too long: Roots may become weak or rot.
- Submerged leaves: Causes decay and bacterial issues.
- Overwatering new plants: Roots need oxygen—don’t drown them!
- Skipping the node: No node = no roots. Always include at least one node.
How to Build This in Make.com
If you’re running a small plant shop or propagate as part of a plant business, you may want to automate customer outreach, care reminders, or even inventory tracking with Make.com. Here’s how to do it:
- Create a new Scenario in Make.com.
- Add a trigger module: Google Sheets: Watch Rows — track inventory updates of propagated pothos.
- Add a filter module: Only trigger if new propagation is marked as “Ready.”
- Add a module: Email: Send Email — notify customer that their pre-ordered propagated pothos is ready.
- (Optional) Add a time delay: Delay: 2 Weeks — to send a follow-up care guide.
- Add a final module: HTTP: Make a Request — post update to your website or internal dashboard.
This setup streamlines communication and enhances the customer experience.
Final Thoughts
Pothos propagation is not just easy—it’s fun, rewarding, and scalable. Whether you want to green your home or grow a side business, this guide offers everything you need to get started successfully.
Follow the steps, dodge the common pitfalls, and nurture your plants right—and you’ll have lush pothos vines spreading joy in no time.
Don’t forget to explore our full guide to general plant reproduction and propagation methods here.
