Propagating pothos is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to grow new plants from an existing one. Whether your goal is to make your pothos fuller or to share cuttings with friends, knowing exactly where to cut pothos to propagate is essential for successful rooting and healthy growth.
Understanding Pothos Nodes
Before cutting your pothos, it’s important to identify the node. A node is the small bump or joint on the stem where leaves and aerial roots grow. This area contains the cells responsible for new root development. If you cut above or below the wrong spot, your cutting won’t root properly.
When propagating, always make your cut just below a node, ensuring that the cutting includes at least one node and one healthy leaf. This guarantees that the new plant has the right structure to develop roots and thrive.
Step-by-Step Guide: Where and How to Cut Pothos for Propagation
- Choose a Healthy Vine
Select a healthy, mature vine with bright green leaves and visible nodes. Avoid stems with yellowing or damaged leaves. - Locate the Node
Find a section of the stem where a node is present. You can spot it where a leaf meets the vine and a small root nub or aerial root may be emerging. - Make the Cut
Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make your cut half an inch below the node. This ensures the node stays on the cutting, which is vital for root growth. - Prepare the Cutting
Remove any leaves near the bottom node that will be submerged in water or soil. This prevents rotting during propagation. - Rooting the Cutting
Place the cutting in water or soil. If using water, ensure the node is submerged but the leaves stay above water. In soil, keep it moist and provide indirect sunlight. - Transplanting
Once roots are about 2–3 inches long, transfer your cutting to a pot with well-draining soil to encourage continuous growth.
Tips for Successful Pothos Propagation
- Use filtered or room-temperature water for water propagation to avoid shocking the plant.
- Change water every few days to prevent bacterial growth.
- Provide bright, indirect light to speed up root development.
- Avoid overwatering once the cutting is potted; pothos prefers slightly dry soil between waterings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cutting above the node instead of below it
- Propagating from a weak or unhealthy vine
- Submerging leaves in water, which can lead to rot
- Keeping the cutting in direct sunlight, which can cause leaf burn
Why Cutting Below the Node Matters
Cutting below the node allows the plant to generate roots from the node area. This is where the plant hormones (auxins) responsible for root formation are most concentrated. Without this section, your cutting will struggle to grow roots and may eventually die.
FAQs
Can I propagate pothos without a node?
No, nodes are essential for root growth. A cutting without a node cannot develop roots, even if placed in water or soil.
How long does it take for pothos cuttings to root?
Typically, pothos cuttings take 2 to 4 weeks to develop roots, depending on light, temperature, and water quality.
Is it better to propagate pothos in water or soil?
Both methods work well. Water propagation allows you to watch root growth, while soil propagation helps the plant adapt faster to its growing environment.
How many nodes should a pothos cutting have?
For best results, each cutting should have 1 to 3 nodes and at least one healthy leaf.
Can I cut a long pothos vine into multiple pieces?
Yes. You can make several cuttings as long as each piece has a node. This helps you create multiple new plants from one vine.
