Quick jump: What | Why | When | How
What is propagation?
First up, what actually is “propagation”? In horticulture and plant biology, propagation is the process of creating new plants from a variety of sources such as seeds, cuttings, bulbs, and other plant parts. In this article, we’ll be looking at how to take pothos cuttings and create entirely new plants.
Why should you propagate your Pothos?
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum or Scindapsus) are probably one of the easiest houseplants to propagate. When you’ve successfully propagated your pothos once I guarantee you’ll be propagating your pothos at every opportunity. Combined with being easy to propagate they are also easy to care for. These are some of the reasons to propagate.
- New Plants for Free: You can create new plants without buying them. This is cost-effective and you can fill your home with lush greenery without spending much.
- Gifts: If your Pothos is thriving, why not share it? Propagated plants make thoughtful and sustainable gifts.
- Maintain Size: Propagating can keep a plant from getting too large. If your Pothos is outgrowing its space, you can prune and propagate the cuttings.
- Health Maintenance: Propagation can help you save a plant that’s struggling. If your Pothos is diseased or stressed, taking a cutting from a healthy part of the plant and propagating it can help ensure its survival.
- Aesthetics and Fullness: Propagation and subsequent replanting in the same pot can lead to a fuller, bushier plant. This can be aesthetically pleasing and give your Pothos a robust appearance.
When should you propagate your Pothos?
The best time to propagate Pothos is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. This is when the plant’s energy is focused on new growth, making it more responsive to propagation techniques.
How to start propagating your Pothos?
01 – Find the node
The nodes on the stem are like little bumps where leaves and aerial roots pop out. During the propagation process, nodes take on yet another essential function. When you place stem cuttings in water or soil, these nodes act as potential root-producing stations.
Look for healthy stems on your Pothos plant that are long enough to provide a sufficient length for cutting.
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02 – Take some cuttings
Using clean, sharp scissors or pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a node. Each cutting should ideally be around 4-6 inches long, with at least two to three nodes.
Allow the cut ends to dry for a brief period, usually around 1-2 hours, to help prevent excessive moisture loss during propagation.
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03- Pop them in water
Fill a small container with clean, fresh water. Carefully place the cuttings in the water, ensuring that the leaves stay above the surface of the water and the nodes are submerged.
Place the container in a bright location, away from direct sunlight. Make sure you change the water once a week. Stagnant water can become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens that can harm the cuttings and hinder their root development.
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04 – Wait for roots to grow
Once the roots have grown to around 2 inches you can plant them in soil. Use a good soil mixture. I recommend the Base Mix from Soil Ninja.
After potting the plant, water it thoroughly and place it in a spot with bright, indirect light. During the initial weeks, make sure to keep the soil consistently moist. This will assist the roots in adjusting to their new surroundings.
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Last updated: 6th June 2023
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