Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum
Common Names: Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, Golden Pothos, Ceylon Creeper, Hunter’s Robe, Ivy Arum, Money Plant (in some regions)

Pothos is one of the most popular houseplants for good reason. It’s low-maintenance, adaptable, and incredibly easy to propagate. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant parent, propagating pothos is a fun and rewarding way to grow your plant collection or share cuttings with friends. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about propagating pothos in water and soil, along with tips for success.

How to Propagate Pothos (Devil’s Ivy): A Complete Guide for Beginners

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is one of the most popular houseplants for good reason. It’s low-maintenance, adaptable, and incredibly easy to propagate. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced plant parent, propagating pothos is a fun and rewarding way to grow your plant collection or share cuttings with friends. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about propagating pothos in water and soil, along with tips for success.

Why Propagate Pothos?

Pothos is a fast-growing plant that thrives in a variety of conditions, making it perfect for propagation. Propagating pothos allows you to:

Create new plants for free.
Refresh an overgrown or leggy pothos plant.
Share cuttings with friends and family.
Experiment with different growing methods (water vs. soil).

What You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these supplies:

Healthy pothos plant
Clean scissors or pruning shears
A glass jar or vase (for water propagation)
Well-draining potting soil (for soil propagation)
Small pots or containers
Optional: rooting hormone (to speed up root growth)

Step-by-Step Guide to Propagating Pothos

Step 1: Choose and Cut a Healthy Stem

Look for a healthy stem with at least 4-6 leaves. Using clean scissors or pruning shears, cut the stem just below a node (the small bump where leaves and roots grow). Make sure your Devils Ivy cutting has at least 2-3 nodes, as this is where new roots will form.

Pro Tip: If your pothos plant is leggy, propagation is a great way to encourage bushier growth.

Step 2: Decide on Your Propagation Method

Pothos can be propagated in water or soil. Both methods are effective, so choose the one that works best for you.

Method 1: Propagating Pothos in Water

Water propagation is the most popular method because it’s simple and allows you to watch the roots grow.

Place the Devils Ivy Cutting in Water:
Fill a glass jar or vase with room-temperature water and place the cutting inside, ensuring the nodes are submerged. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent rot.
Place in Indirect Light:
Put the jar in a spot with bright, indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun, as it can encourage algae growth in the water.
Change the Water Weekly:
Replace the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh and oxygenated.
Wait for Roots to Grow:
In 2-4 weeks, you should see roots starting to form. Once the roots are 2-3 inches long, your pothos cutting is ready to be transplanted into soil (if desired).

Method 2: Propagating Pothos in Soil

Soil propagation skips the water step and allows the cutting to root directly in its permanent home.

Prepare the Pot:
Fill a small pot with well-draining potting soil. Moisten the soil slightly so it’s damp but not soggy.
Plant the Cutting:
Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone (optional) and plant it in the soil, burying at least one node. Gently press the soil around the stem to secure it.
Water Lightly:
Water the soil lightly to settle it around the cutting. Be careful not to overwater, as pothos cuttings are prone to rot in soggy soil.
Place in Indirect Light:
Put the pot in a spot with bright, indirect light. Avoid direct sunlight, which can stress the cutting.
Keep the Soil Moist:
Check the soil every few days and water lightly when the top inch feels dry. In 3-4 weeks, the cutting should develop roots and start producing new growth.

Method 3: Propagating Pothos by Layering

Layering is a less common but effective method that allows the cutting to root while still attached to the parent plant.

Choose a Long Stem:
Select a healthy stem that can reach a nearby pot of soil.
Bury a Node in Soil:
Place a small pot of soil next to the parent plant. Bury one of the nodes in the soil while keeping the rest of the stem attached to the parent plant.
Secure the Stem:
Use a bent paperclip or small stake to hold the node in place.
Wait for Roots to Form:
Keep the soil moist and wait 3-4 weeks for roots to develop. Once rooted, cut the stem below the new roots and separate it from the parent plant.

Tips for Success

Use Healthy Cuttings: Always start with a healthy stem and leaves to ensure successful propagation.
Avoid Overwatering: Whether in water or soil, too much moisture can cause rot.
Be Patient: Pothos cuttings can take a few weeks to root, so don’t worry if you don’t see immediate results.
Experiment with Both Methods: Try propagating in water and soil to see which method you prefer.

Common Questions About Propagating Pothos

1. How long does it take for Devils Ivy cuttings to root?

In water, roots typically appear in 2-4 weeks. In soil, it can take 3-4 weeks for roots to establish.

2. Can I leave pothos in water forever?

Yes, pothos can grow in water indefinitely, but it may not grow as large or healthy as it would in soil. For best results, transplant it into soil once the roots are well-established.

3. Why are my pothos cuttings rotting?

Rotting is usually caused by overwatering or leaving leaves submerged in water. Make sure only the nodes are in water or soil, and avoid overwatering.

4. Can I propagate pothos in low light?

Pothos can tolerate low light, but cuttings root faster in bright, indirect light.

Final Thoughts

Propagating pothos is a simple and satisfying way to grow your plant collection. Whether you choose water, soil, or layering, you’ll love watching your cuttings transform into thriving plants. With its forgiving nature and fast growth, pothos is the perfect plant for beginners and experienced gardeners alike.

So grab your scissors, take a cutting, and start propagating your pothos today!

How to Propagate Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

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