Without question, one of the most low-maintenance houseplants to grow is pothos.
Know by the scientific name Epipremnum aureus, this easy-to-care-for houseplant is native to the Solomon Islands and loves bright, indirect light, which will help it grow quickly.
It's not a fan of direct sunlight, however, which will cause it to burn. But pothos is nearly as happy in moderate light, and it even adapts well to low light levels. It will happily sit on your end table in the living room or on your desk at work.
If you want to create more pothos plants (for free!) you're in luck. Pothos is super-easy and satisfying to propagate.
You can make new plants for your home or swap with friends. Propagating a new pothos also is a way to rejuvenate a plant that’s getting long and lanky.
Pothos is ideal for new plant parents because it can handle a little neglect (say if you forget to water it occasionally). In fact, the only guaranteed way to kill your pothos is to overwater it!
Pothos prefers to dry out slightly in between waterings, so stick your finger into the pot and test before giving it a drink. If soil clings to your finger, wait a few more days and test again.
Many types of pothos have a vining form, draping gracefully out of pots. Most types will climb if you give them a moss pole or other item to climb on.
ZAUGONTW Moss Poles for Climbing Plants, 2 Pcs 12'' Coir Pole (Total 20'') with 4 Pcs Adjustable Plant Ties for Creepers Plant Support Extension, Climbing Plants Support Indoor
ZAUGONTW Moss Poles for Climbing Plants, 2 Pcs 12'' Coir Pole (Total 20'') with 4 Pcs Adjustable Plant Ties for Creepers Plant Support Extension, Climbing Plants Support Indoor
While you’ll find golden pothos, the most common variety, for sale just about everywhere, many new types have been introduced in recent years with creamy or variegated markings.
There’s a whole world of beautiful new pothos plants available nowadays.
The only caveat we'll mention is that this houseplant is toxic to cats and dogs, so if you have a nibbler, keep it out of your pet's reach. (You can read about our favorite pet-friendly plants to grow here).
Here’s what you need to know about how to propagate pothos:
How do I propagate pothos?
The simplest way to make more pothos plants is from a cutting from a healthy vine. You don’t need anything special to do this, other than a pair of scissors or plant snips and a glass of water.
Take a cutting about 6 inches long, making sure that the section has a few leaves and nodes, which is where the leaf attaches to the stem. That bumpy brown thing is an aerial root, which helps it climb in the wild.
New roots form here, too.
Next, place the cut end in the glass of water so that the leaves are not submerged but that the node and aerial root are under water. Keep the glass in bright, indirect light, not direct sunlight. Change the water every few days.
The cutting will start to push out roots. Once they are several inches long, transfer it to a pot of fresh potting soil.
Push your finger into the soil, place the cutting in the hole, and press the soil down around it. Water lightly, keeping it moist—but not sopping wet.
To fill out a pot more quickly, place several rooted cuttings in one container. Give the pot bright, indirect light, and watch your new pothos plants take off!
How long does it take for pothos cuttings to root?
It can take up to 10 days or longer, so be patient. If nothing’s happening after a few weeks, toss the cuttings, clean out the vase, and try a fresh cutting.
Do I need rooting hormone to propagate pothos?
As an alternative method of propagating pothos, you can put it directly in soil. To do this, you will need to use a rooting hormone.
Take a cutting, as above, dip it into water and then into rooting hormone, then plant the cutting directly in potting soil. It will take a few months to root.
My pothos cutting died. What happened?
Like most things in life, there are no guarantees. Not every pothos cutting will survive the transition from water to soil.
Luckily, you can try again! If you seem to be having issues with repeat failures, try the hormone rooting/soil method, which may yield better results.
Can I grow pothos in water only?
You can! Keep it in bright, indirect light, and change the water periodically so it doesn’t get slimy. You also will need to use a liquid fertilizer every 4 to 6 weeks.
Arricca Elin SanSone has written about health and lifestyle topics for Prevention, Country Living, Woman's Day, and more. She’s passionate about gardening, baking, reading, and spending time with the people and dogs she loves.
