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To take a cutting from a pothos plant, you simply need a healthy stem, a clean cut below a growth node, and a container of water or moist soil.
Taking a cutting from a pothos plant is one of the easiest and most rewarding ways to multiply your houseplant collection.
If you’ve been wondering how to take a cutting from a pothos plant, the process is straightforward and works every time when done correctly.
You can take a cutting from a pothos plant and see new roots forming in just a couple of weeks.
In this post, we’ll cover exactly how to take a cutting from a pothos plant, where to cut, what tools to use, and how to care for your new plant afterward.
Let’s get started with the simple steps to propagate your pothos plant.
How to Take a Cutting From a Pothos Plant: The Basics
Before you take a cutting from a pothos plant, it helps to gather a few simple supplies.
Here’s what you need to successfully take a cutting from a pothos plant every time.
1. A Healthy Mother Plant
The best way to take a cutting from a pothos plant starts with choosing a strong, healthy parent.
Look for a pothos plant with vibrant green or variegated leaves and long, trailing vines.
Avoid taking a cutting from a pothos plant that has yellow leaves, brown spots, or signs of pests.
A healthy pothos plant cutting from a robust mother will root faster and grow stronger.
2. Clean, Sharp Scissors or Pruners
When you take a cutting from a pothos plant, always use clean and sharp cutting tools.
Dirty or dull scissors can crush the stem and introduce bacteria to your pothos plant cutting.
Sharp scissors make a clean slice that heals quickly and reduces stress on the plant.
Wipe your scissors with rubbing alcohol before you take a cutting from a pothos plant.
3. A Container With Water or Potting Mix
After you take a cutting from a pothos plant, you need a place for it to grow roots.
Many people root their pothos plant cutting in a clear glass of room-temperature water.
Others prefer to take a cutting from a pothos plant and place it directly into moist potting soil.
Both methods work beautifully for a pothos plant cutting, so choose whichever suits you best.
Where to Cut a Pothos Plant for the Best Success
Knowing the exact spot to snip is the most important part when you take a cutting from a pothos plant.
The location of your cut determines whether your pothos plant cutting will grow roots or simply wilt.
1. Find the Node on the Stem
The node is the small brown bump on the stem where leaves and aerial roots naturally emerge.
When you take a cutting from a pothos plant, you must cut below a node every single time.
Without a node, your pothos plant cutting cannot produce new roots and will eventually die.
This is the single most critical step when learning how to take a cutting from a pothos plant.
2. Cut About a Quarter Inch Below the Node
Position your scissors about a quarter inch below the node on the stem.
Make a clean cut at a slight angle to increase the surface area for water absorption.
This technique helps your pothos plant cutting take up moisture and nutrients more easily.
Each time you take a cutting from a pothos plant, aim for this precise spot below the node.
3. Include Two to Three Leaves on Each Cutting
Remove the bottom leaf from your pothos plant cutting so the node is fully exposed.
Leave two or three healthy leaves at the top of the stem for photosynthesis.
A pothos plant cutting needs those leaves to produce energy and fuel root growth.
Too many leaves can drain the cutting, so stick with two or three per cutting.
What to Do After You Take a Cutting From a Pothos Plant
Once you take a cutting from a pothos plant, the next steps determine whether it thrives or struggles.
Here’s how to care for your pothos plant cutting after you take it from the mother vine.
1. Place the Cutting in Water or Soil Right Away
If rooting in water, submerge the node and any tiny root bumps completely.
Keep the leaves above the waterline to prevent rot on your pothos plant cutting.
If rooting in soil, plant the node about an inch deep and water it gently.
After you take a cutting from a pothos plant, place it in bright but indirect light.
2. Change the Water Weekly If Rooting in Water
Fresh water prevents bacteria and algae from forming around your pothos plant cutting.
Change the water every 7 to 10 days for the healthiest root development.
You will see small white roots begin to emerge from the node within a few weeks.
Once the roots are a few inches long, you can move the pothos plant cutting to soil.
3. Provide Bright, Indirect Light
A pothos plant cutting needs light but cannot handle direct hot sun.
Direct sunlight can scorch the tender leaves of your new pothos plant cutting.
Place your pothos plant cutting near a window with filtered or curtained light.
This helps the cutting photosynthesize and push out strong roots quickly.
4. Be Patient and Watch for New Growth
Roots typically appear within two to four weeks after you take a cutting from a pothos plant.
You can take a cutting from a pothos plant and see tiny roots in as little as two weeks.
Once established, your new pothos plant will start producing fresh leaves and vines.
Now you know exactly how to take a cutting from a pothos plant and grow it successfully.
Common Mistakes When You Take a Cutting From a Pothos Plant
Even though it is simple, a few common errors can ruin your pothos plant cutting.
Avoid these mistakes when you take a cutting from a pothos plant for the best results.
1. Cutting Without a Node
The biggest mistake is taking a pothos plant cutting that has no node attached.
A stem without a node will never grow roots, no matter how well you care for it.
Always double-check that your pothos plant cutting includes at least one node.
2. Using a Pot That Is Too Large
If you plant your pothos plant cutting in a huge pot, the soil stays wet too long.
This can lead to root rot and kill your new pothos plant cutting before it establishes.
Use a small pot or a glass until the roots are well developed and strong.
3. Skipping the Water Changes
Stale water breeds bacteria that can infect your pothos plant cutting.
If you ignore water changes, the stem may turn mushy and rot away completely.
Keep the water fresh and your pothos plant cutting will reward you with healthy roots.
So, How Do You Take a Cutting From a Pothos Plant?
To take a cutting from a pothos plant, you need a healthy stem, a clean cut below a node, and a container with water or soil.
Taking a cutting from a pothos plant is a simple process that yields beautiful new plants.
The key to success when you take a cutting from a pothos plant is including a node and providing the right care afterward.
Whether you are taking a cutting from a pothos plant for the first time or the fiftieth, the steps remain the same.
Hope this guide has helped you learn exactly how to take a cutting from a pothos plant and grow your collection with confidence.