How to Propagate Pothos Plants at Home

Cut a 4-6 inch stem below a node, place in water or soil, and wait 2-4 weeks for roots to develop before transplanting.

1. Pick the Perfect Vine. Choose a vine from your pothos plant that has at least 4-6 inches of growth with several leaves. Look for a section that includes visible nodes - these are small bumps or aerial roots along the stem where new roots will grow. Avoid any sections with yellowing, damaged, or diseased leaves.
2. Snip Below the Node. Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, cut the vine just below a node at a 45-degree angle. The cutting should be 4-6 inches long and include at least one node, though two nodes will give you better success rates. Make sure to leave at least one or two leaves on the cutting.
3. Pick Water or Soil. You can root pothos cuttings in water or directly in soil. For water propagation, fill a clear glass jar with room temperature water and place the cutting so the node is submerged but leaves stay above water. For soil propagation, plant the cutting in moist potting mix with the node buried about an inch deep.
4. Create the Right Environment. Place your cutting in bright, indirect light - avoid direct sunlight which can stress the cutting. Keep the temperature between 65-75°F. If using water, change it every 3-4 days to prevent bacteria growth. If using soil, keep it consistently moist but not waterlogged.
5. Watch for the First Roots. Check for root growth after one week. Water propagation will show visible roots in 1-2 weeks, while soil propagation may take 2-4 weeks. Roots should be at least 1-2 inches long before transplanting. You'll also notice new leaf growth once the roots are established.
6. Move to Final Home. Once roots are well-developed, transplant your cutting to a pot with drainage holes using standard potting soil. Water gently after planting and place in bright, indirect light. Keep soil consistently moist for the first few weeks as the plant establishes itself in its new home.