How to Propagate Pothos from Cuttings

Cut a 4-6 inch stem with aerial roots below a node, place in water or soil, and new roots will develop within 1-2 weeks.

1. Find the Node, Make the Cut. Choose a healthy vine with at least one node (the small bump where leaves emerge). Cut a 4-6 inch section with clean scissors just below a node. Make sure your cutting includes at least 2-3 leaves and any visible aerial roots, which look like small brown nubs along the stem.
2. Submerge the Node Only. Fill a clear glass jar or vase with room temperature water. Remove any leaves that would sit below the waterline to prevent rot. Place the cutting in the water with the node and any aerial roots submerged. The remaining leaves should stay above water.
3. Position Away from Direct Sun. Set your jar in bright, indirect light. A spot near a window but not in direct sunbeams works perfectly. Direct sunlight will stress the cutting and may cause the water to heat up too much.
4. Refresh Water, Watch for Roots. Change the water every 3-5 days to prevent bacteria growth. Rinse the cutting gently and refill with fresh room temperature water. Within 1-2 weeks, you'll see white roots beginning to emerge from the nodes.
5. Give Roots Time to Establish. Let roots grow to at least 1-2 inches long before transplanting. This usually takes 3-4 weeks total. The longer, more established root system will help your new plant thrive when moved to soil.
6. Move Rooted Cutting to Soil. Fill a small pot with well-draining potting mix. Create a small hole and gently place the rooted cutting inside, covering the roots completely. Water lightly and keep soil consistently moist but not soggy for the first few weeks as it establishes.