How To Start A New Pothos Plant

You can start a new pothos plant in just a few simple steps.
 
Starting a new pothos plant is one of the easiest ways to expand your indoor garden.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to start a new pothos plant, the answer lies in taking cuttings or dividing an existing plant.
 
Either method works beautifully and turns one pothos into many.
 
In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to start a new pothos plant.
 
We’ll explore the best techniques for starting a new pothos plant from cuttings and from division.
 
Plus, we’ll share tips to make sure your new pothos plant thrives.
 
Let’s dive in and learn how to start a new pothos plant today.
 

How to Start a New Pothos Plant from Cuttings

Starting a new pothos plant from cuttings is the most popular method.
 
Here’s exactly how to start a new pothos plant this way.
 

1. Choose a Healthy Stem

Look for a long, healthy vine on your existing pothos.
 
Choose a stem with at least four to six leaves and visible nodes.
 
Nodes are the little brown bumps where roots will eventually grow.
 
Starting a new pothos plant from a stem with several nodes gives you more chances for success.
 

2. Make a Clean Cut

Use sharp, clean scissors or pruning shears.
 
Cut just below a node at a 45-degree angle.
 
This increases the surface area for water uptake.
 
You can also cut the stem into sections, each with at least one node and one leaf.
 
Each section can become its own new pothos plant.
 

3. Remove Lower Leaves

Strip off any leaves that would sit below the water line.
 
Leaves submerged in water can rot and harm your cutting.
 
Leave two or three leaves at the top of each cutting.
 
This helps the cutting focus energy on root growth.
 

4. Root in Water or Soil

You can start a new pothos plant either in water or directly in soil.
 
For water rooting, place the cutting in a clean jar with room-temperature water.
 
Ensure the node is fully submerged but the leaves stay dry.
 
Change the water every few days to keep it fresh.
 
Within a week or two, you’ll see tiny white roots appear.
 
For soil rooting, dip the cut end in rooting hormone if desired.
 
Plant the cutting in a small pot with well-draining potting mix.
 
Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy.
 
Within a few weeks, the cutting will establish roots and become a new pothos plant.
 

5. Wait for the Roots to Develop

Patience is key when you start a new pothos plant from cuttings.
 
Water-rooted cuttings can be transferred to soil once roots are at least two inches long.
 
Soil-rooted cuttings need about three to four weeks before they’re firmly established.
 
After that, you can treat your new pothos plant like any mature pothos.
 

How to Start a New Pothos Plant by Division

Division is another excellent way to start a new pothos plant.
 
This method works best if your pothos has multiple stems growing from a single pot.
 
Here’s how to start a new pothos plant through division.
 

1. Remove the Whole Plant from Its Pot

Gently slide the entire pothos out of its container.
 
Loosen the root ball with your fingers to see how the stems are connected.
 
If the roots are tightly tangled, carefully tease them apart.
 

2. Separate a Stem with Its Roots

Identify a stem that has its own cluster of roots attached.
 
Use your hands to separate that section from the main plant.
 
You may need to snip a few roots with scissors.
 
Each separated section should have roots and at least two to three leaves.
 
This section is now ready to be potted as a new pothos plant.
 

3. Pot the New Division

Place the division into a small pot with fresh, well-draining soil.
 
Water it thoroughly and place it in bright, indirect light.
 
The division will quickly adjust and begin growing as a new pothos plant.
 

Tips for Success When You Start a New Pothos Plant

A few simple care tips ensure your new pothos plant thrives.
 
Follow these to make starting a new pothos plant even easier.
 

1. Use the Right Light

Pothos love bright, indirect light.
 
Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves.
 
Too little light can slow root growth.
 
A spot near an east- or north-facing window works perfectly.
 

2. Keep the Environment Warm

Warmth speeds up root development.
 
Ideal temperatures are between 65–80°F (18–27°C).
 
Avoid placing your new pothos plant near drafts or air conditioners.
 

3. Don’t Overwater

Overwatering is the most common mistake when starting a new pothos plant.
 
Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering again.
 
For water-rooted cuttings, change the water weekly to prevent stagnation.
 

4. Be Patient

Roots don’t appear overnight.
 
Give your new pothos plant several weeks to settle in.
 
Once you see new leaf growth, you’ll know it’s thriving.
 

So, How to Start a New Pothos Plant?

You can start a new pothos plant in just a few simple steps.
 
Starting a new pothos plant is one of the easiest ways to expand your indoor garden.
 
Whether you take cuttings or divide an existing plant, the process is straightforward.
 
Stick to the techniques we covered, and you’ll have a healthy new pothos plant in no time.
 
Hope this post has helped you understand how to start a new pothos plant and given you the confidence to try it yourself.
 
Happy planting.