Propagation allows us to harness plants' natural ability to regenerate.
It involves removing a part of your greenery so it can regrow into a new plant pal.
Here’s what you better know to help your pothos plants multiply.
Darryl ChengofHouse Plant Journalconsiders propagation a somewhat magical way to help special plants continue to thrive over time.
For example, Cheng’s family continues to propagate the golden pothos centerpieces from his wedding three years ago.
It can help revive a sad-looking plant.
It puts plant trimmings to good use.
Instead of tossing those clippings in thecompost bin, by propagating them, you’ll give them new life.
It makes for a great gift.
“My pothos is all over Brooklyn,” Griffin jokes.
What you’ll need.
Get your scissors ready, making sure they’re as clean as possible.
Then, grab your healthy pothos.
The better condition your starter plant is in, the better likelihood of successful propagation.
Step 2: Snip your cuttings.
Pothos plants regrow new roots from their nodes: Tiny brown bumps that grow on their stems.
Cut the stem at a 45-degree angle so that your cutting contains at least one of those nodes.
That’s what you’ll be sticking in water.
“If it’s just the stem with the nodes, that by itself can grow new plants.”
The more cuttings you take from your initial plant, the fuller your new propagated plant will be.
Once they grow roots, you might put all those cuttings into the same pot for a fuller look.
Start by taking three to four cuttings, if your starter plant allows.
Step 3: Place your cuttings in water.
The nodes and stems are what you want to leave soaking.
Over time, the water gives the nodes an easy environment to begin forming roots.
Putting them in water is more hands-off.
Step 4: Let it grow.
The water will create ideal conditions for your roots to start forming.
Step 5: Put them in a pot.
Once your cuttings have rooted to your liking, remove them from the water.
Put a bit of soil at the bottom of your pot.
How to care for your new pothos.
“I just stick my finger in the pot…
If it feels dry, water.”
FAQs:
Can you use the same method to propagate any punch in of pothos?
(However, Betsy adds that neon and variegated varieties might grow a bit slower.)
This stem-cutting propagation technique also works for monstera and philodendron plants.
Can you put pothos cuttings directly into soil?
Yes, but rooting them in water first is easier.
“When you grow in soil, you oughta be more active with your care,” says Cheng.
How long does it take for pothos to root in water?
Typically one to three weeks, depending on the plant and light source.
